Although spiders are usually seen in dark corners of homes and appear innocuous, their bites can be poisonous and toxic. Many people are put off by the appearance of the creatures, but there are other reasons to fear these arachnids too.
If you are scared of spiders and want to ward them off, peppermint oil may help. You can check look up research about the benefits of peppermint oil for spider bites. The essential oil acts as an insecticide – and spiders are put off too.
Peppermint is a cross between two herbs, namely water mint and spearmint. The leaves of this herb and the oil extracted from it are used for various purposes. Even though there is no proof that peppermint oil harms spiders, it appears to keep them at bay – perhaps spiders do not like the strong smell of the oil.
Peppermint oil has been touted as a natural alternative to chemical repelling agents and can be effective in treating insect or arachnid bites when applied correctly – potentially speeding healing time and reducing itching after a bite.
Peppermint oil can mitigate itchiness and inflammation from spider bites. The antimicrobial agent present in this oil may also help prevent infection of insect bites.
What are spider bites?
When spiders bite through your skin, they deposit venom inside. However, they do not have sharp teeth to bite, so at first you experience itchiness on the skin level – you may see red marks.
While spiders typically use venom to kill their prey, it is usually not enough to kill humans or other large animals. In many cases, a spider bite is no more lethal to a human than a normal insect bite.
Symptoms of spider bites
Most spider bites are not harmful. However, bites from certain species of spiders can be dangerous. For many of them, you may need immediate medical treatment – symptoms can vary based on the species of the spider.
Here are some of the common symptoms of a spider bite:
- Inflammation around the area of the bite
- You may experience tingling or itching sensation
- Numbness or burning sensation is also common in the affected area
The symptoms of spider bites can be more severe if involving rare species such as reapers or widows:
- Pain and stiffness in the joints
- Spasm in the muscles
- Infection resulting in chills or fever
- Pain around the affected of wound
- Nausea and vomiting
- Excessive perspiration and breathing trouble
- Pain in the stomach
- Wounds turning to ulcers or tissue death on the area surrounding the bite
A rare kind of allergic reaction known as anaphylactic shock can also result from a
spider bite.
Other symptoms include:
- Cough accompanied by wheezing
- Cramps in the stomach
- Trouble breathing
- Redness, inflammation and itchiness can be severe
- Fast swelling around throat, lips, and eyes
- Hives and rash
- Lose of consciousness
Peppermint oil for treating spider bites
A spider bite can become worse when scratched or rubbed hard. Many people wonder whether peppermint oil good for spider bites. Put simply, peppermint oil can make the affected area feel cool. This cooling sensation that the oil creates provides relief from burning and itching sensation.
In addition, the oil can also help in subsiding the risk of developing skin infections. You may mix it with a carrier oil to get a similar effect.
DIY recipes using peppermint oil for spider bites
You can create peppermint essential oil recipes at home. Here are some recipes:
1. Make your own peppermint spray repellent by using about four to five drops of peppermint essential oil in a small bottle mixed with water. Spray it around the dark corners of the room, on the doors and windows, and in other places where spiders like to be in. You can also pray it outside the home to prevent them from entering inside. You can continue with this about once a week and increase the frequency if spiders continue to come back.
2. For applying peppermint oil on the affected area of a spider bite you must dilute it first. Direct application can worsen the effect, so the best thing can do is mix a few drops of this essential oil with another carrier oil and shake it before applying on the skin.
Final word
If you decide to use essential oil for spider bites, peppermint oil is an option to consider. Just be wary when using this oil directly on the skin as it can increase the itchiness – it’s best to mix with water.
Whether used for spraying it at home or on the skin, it may take time to work. If you have severe infections resulting from spider bites, immediate medical help is necessary. If the peppermint oil application does not heal your pain and swelling, you must visit a doctor immediately.