I sincerely hope no one is deathly afraid of spiders out there… if so, scroll down quickly!
Late in the day of our second day camping, Mr. Crumbs noticed a spider bite on his leg.
Totally.Not.Surprised.
He must have some sweet-smelling skin or something, because in all the years of his childhood – growing up outdoors in woods and dirt and bugs – he had never been bit by a spider.
Yet during the few years he’s spent out here in California, he’s been bit three times in three years.
Can you believe it?! We consider him our resident pro when it comes to spider bites.
Each time a brown recluse got him, we tried a few different home grown remedies.
First was a paste of baking soda and water. He applied fresh paste every few hours or so, but over a few days, the bite got worse, the wound got bigger and the muscles in his leg started to seize. He could barely walk after a few days and we ended up seeing a doctor for meds.
The next time involved a garlic paste, applied just like the baking soda treatment. Unfortunately, the end result was the same.
This time around, we ventured into something with substance – a potato.
Dun dun dun…
We figured it couldn’t hurt it, right? Worst case, he goes to the doctor… again.
So he cut off a piece, taped it to his leg and waited.
And waited.
And waited some more.
And then a couple of days later, the bite gradually looked smaller. In fact, the swelling went down and he was walking just fine. No seizing or even a cramp!
Could it be?
Did the potato work?!
We thought it had, but we weren’t sure. You see, about four days after treating the wound there was a dark spot around the bite. It was a toss up between the leg simply being dirty from the potato, or rotten flesh from the bite. To err on the side of caution (and to prevent his leg from falling off… you know, worst case scenario again…), we made a doctor’s appointment.
Want to know what the doctor said? “Wow, a potato?! Well, I’m gonna have to write that down for future patients because your leg looks fine. I can see where the spider bit you, but it’s nearly healed. Keep it up for a few more days, just in case. Great job!”
Using raw potato to heal a spider truly worked! Amazing!
Mr. Crumbs graciously reconstructed this how-to since we didn’t take any pictures from the beginning (we honestly didn’t think this would work either, but gave it a shot anyway, lol).
How to Heal a Spider Bite with a Potato
1. Gather supplies and clean the wound. (Potato chips optional.)
2. Using a knife, cut off a large slice from a raw potato. (Ours had a bad spot, but yours can be a “good” potato if you want it to be. It really doesn’t matter.)
3. Using medical tape (or scotch tape, or duct tape… whatever you have on hand that’s strong enough), secure the potato to the bite with the potato flesh on the wound.
4. Repeat every 12 hours or so (once in the morning, once before bed). Warning – you may experience some pain as you remove some body hair along with the tape.
5. Continue this process for one week and pocket your co-pay!
Do you have any successful home remedies to share?
More Ways to Heal & Care for Your Body Naturally, at Home
Disclaimer: We are not medical professionals, nor should this post be construed as medical advice. This is simply our personal story of how we healed a spider bite with a potato. If you make a similar attempt on your own, we applaud your efforts to take reign of your health. However, we are not suitable for consultation nor advice should this method not work for you. Please read my full disclaimer here.
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I have heard that if you get a splinter or any type of wood into your skin that you couldn’t get out, putting a potato over the spot would draw that piece of wood out. I didn’t know it helped with spider bites. So when I got a spider bite yesterday, I saw this post and am putting a potato on it now. Thanks!
I was bit by a brown recluse spider. I was bit on my elbow and the spot of the bite was very red and my whole arm swelled up. I took the what looked infected spot ofe bite and put a Alice of raw potato on the bite and after a few minutes would sqeeze the venom out. This worked. I went to the doctor anyways because the bite being right over my bone. But using a potato on a spider bite, I know the starch will drawl out the poisin.
Tiffany, I forgot to mention Rescue remedy. It comes in cream for topical use and liquid drops or spray to put under your tongue in case of allergic reaction. Good luck with your spiders!
I am so happy to find these remedies! I was raised on natural medicine and cannot take drugs. I am allergic to spider bites and get them nightly, as many as 15-20 bites (they also leave scars). The major problem is anaphylaxis. I have found using honey daily builds the immune system, and homeopathic tissue salts and Vodka (yuck) help ride out the shock. Also keep regular toothpaste (not whitening!) with me at all times, apply topically, it draws out the poison.
spiders need liquid… If you leave water for them around your house… they might drink that instead of your blood…But I understand becsuse they like me too. I also have to remember to keep brdroom clear of cobwebs and regularly check curtains and cracks where they hide…and under beds even.
Are you sure they are spiders biting you and not bed bugs. That’s a lot of spiders to be in your bed. Put your mattress in a sealed plastic bed bag it will kill both.
I’m a big believer in the Aloe Vera plant & I have them everywhere. Supposedly, the larger, older leaves have the most potent juice, but they’re all good. Especially good for mosquito bites. We, as people, just need to figure out that everything we need for healing is right here on this earth that God gave us. We just have to find it, right?
Ice is my other *go-to*. Sometimes I use both ice & aloe vera. It never fails to work on burns, bites, scratches, shallow cuts, and more. I haven’t used triple antibiotic cream in years.
That said, I was bitten by a wolf spider a couple of years ago. Not only did it bruise my entire forearm, there was also a huge white *knot* (or bump) in the center. Fearing that I’d been bitten by a Brown Recluse, I ordered a kit from a web site that sells kits to effectively eliminate the necrosis of a BR bite. It consists mainly of activated charcoal that you add a couple of drops of water to, to make a paste. You apply that, wrap it in plastic wrap, then wrap in an Ace bandage, and change twice a day. It took like 5 weeks to disappear & I never had any necrosis. Here’s the link to that post on my other blog:
Yes, we do need to find it. And coming along YEARS after so many people have pushed it aside makes our job a bit more difficult. I think someone else mentioned activated charcoal too. I love having all these holistic and non-medicinal options! Thanks!
I have used a slice of raw onion on spider bites four times and and it works well too. The only down side to this remedy is that you temporarily smell like a hamburger. 🙂
I am going to have to give it a try! I live in Cali. too and the d**n spiders bite me at night while I sleep. Happens at least once a week. We’ve sprayed the perimeter of the house but don’t want to spray the interior.
came here from butter believer, nice share! i was just on beach vaca and got my first jellyfish sting, it HURT bad, right on my inner thigh so every time i took a step, friction! i know kefir and honey are both good for healing the skin, and as i was fresh out of meat tenderizer in my beach bag, i did have lassi (honey/kefir) in the cooler as a refreshing beverage. i applied it on my leg 3 times and after 4 hours it didn’t hurt anymore. i love kefir. and honey. raw cider vinegar would have worked too, as both vinegar and kefir are both scoby ferments, they have the same healing properties. i guess i should photography my wound and write a post about it!
Oh! I wrote that vinegar *and* honey is good for bee stings–I meant to delete the ‘honey’. We only use apple cider vinegar–usually we’ll soak a washcloth in the vinegar, put some ice inside the cloth, and put it on the sting. The relief is amazing! 😀
Another burn idea – thank you! I don’t think I can recommend experimenting with spiders Dolly, lol, but I won’t say anything if you wanted to go for a random hike with a potato and a knife if your back pocket!
Ugh!
I hated seeing spiders in my e-mail.
But- we do have brown recluse spiders. We’ve had the exterminator come and they still show up now and then.
I’m glad to know about the potato.
What we’ve used is Redmond’s clay from the health food store. It’s a gray powder that you mix with a little water to make a paste. Put it on the bite, cover it with a band-aid, and repeat daily until it heals. So far, we haven’t had to see a doctor.
Forgive me Laura! Redmond’s clay… Making a note of that in case the potato doesn’t work for all spider bites. So nice saving a trip to the doctor, and the co-pay, and the prescription cost!
my four year old walked up next to me just as i was scrolling through your post and he actually jumped back a little when he spotted those spiders! i’ve heard of using a potato on a mild burn, so guess potatoes have a lot of uses. thanks for sharing, added this to my “emergency preparedness” board on pinterest just in case…
Sorry, off topic from spider bites, but I just had to say..If you get a burn, don’t use a potato, try egg whites! Oh my goodness, I’ve tried all kinds of burn remedies and egg whites are the only thing to work miracles. I probably wouldn’t use them on any open-wound burns, but I’ve used them on myself for all of my burns mild and more severe. It may take a few eggs, but it removes all pain and even stops blistering and scarring. You can either soak in egg whites or put egg whites on a cloth and apply to the burn. I now only use egg whites for burns–raw egg whites (not cooked), hopefully nice and cold from the fridge which gives an added cooling sensation. Most burns I’ve had stop hurting completely after 15-20 minutes. If the burn is more severe it might take a little longer. I swear by them and tell everyone I know!
THANK YOU JENNIE! I actually burned myself Saturday night making the bacon for the broccoli salad. It swelled up and stung for HOURS. Egg whites for burns is now permanently engrained!
The upside to having a burn would be making a key lime pie with the yolks! 😉
Bill
Should I cook the egg first?
Melissa
Better yet use the film on the inside of the Egg shell 4 burns peal it bk it hardens like a caseing on ur finger if u start to feel the burn rub eggwhites on it.Also the protein heals the burn n theres less scaring
I have heard that if you get a splinter or any type of wood into your skin that you couldn’t get out, putting a potato over the spot would draw that piece of wood out. I didn’t know it helped with spider bites. So when I got a spider bite yesterday, I saw this post and am putting a potato on it now. Thanks!
Wow, I hadn’t heard of that Nici! I’m sorry to hear about your spider bite, but happy to hear that you had a potato on hand. Happy healing!
I was bit by a brown recluse spider. I was bit on my elbow and the spot of the bite was very red and my whole arm swelled up. I took the what looked infected spot ofe bite and put a Alice of raw potato on the bite and after a few minutes would sqeeze the venom out. This worked. I went to the doctor anyways because the bite being right over my bone. But using a potato on a spider bite, I know the starch will drawl out the poisin.
Congrats on healing your own spider bite Kimberly! A shame potatoes don’t offer us more healing from the inside, lol!
Tiffany, I forgot to mention Rescue remedy. It comes in cream for topical use and liquid drops or spray to put under your tongue in case of allergic reaction. Good luck with your spiders!
Thank you for all the wonderful suggestions Lori – best of luck to you and your spiders as well!
I am so happy to find these remedies! I was raised on natural medicine and cannot take drugs. I am allergic to spider bites and get them nightly, as many as 15-20 bites (they also leave scars). The major problem is anaphylaxis. I have found using honey daily builds the immune system, and homeopathic tissue salts and Vodka (yuck) help ride out the shock. Also keep regular toothpaste (not whitening!) with me at all times, apply topically, it draws out the poison.
Wow Lori, those spiders must really love you! Thanks for the tip on the toothpaste. I hope the potato works for you too!
spiders need liquid… If you leave water for them around your house… they might drink that instead of your blood…But I understand becsuse they like me too. I also have to remember to keep brdroom clear of cobwebs and regularly check curtains and cracks where they hide…and under beds even.
Are you sure they are spiders biting you and not bed bugs. That’s a lot of spiders to be in your bed. Put your mattress in a sealed plastic bed bag it will kill both.
I’m a big believer in the Aloe Vera plant & I have them everywhere. Supposedly, the larger, older leaves have the most potent juice, but they’re all good. Especially good for mosquito bites. We, as people, just need to figure out that everything we need for healing is right here on this earth that God gave us. We just have to find it, right?
Ice is my other *go-to*. Sometimes I use both ice & aloe vera. It never fails to work on burns, bites, scratches, shallow cuts, and more. I haven’t used triple antibiotic cream in years.
That said, I was bitten by a wolf spider a couple of years ago. Not only did it bruise my entire forearm, there was also a huge white *knot* (or bump) in the center. Fearing that I’d been bitten by a Brown Recluse, I ordered a kit from a web site that sells kits to effectively eliminate the necrosis of a BR bite. It consists mainly of activated charcoal that you add a couple of drops of water to, to make a paste. You apply that, wrap it in plastic wrap, then wrap in an Ace bandage, and change twice a day. It took like 5 weeks to disappear & I never had any necrosis. Here’s the link to that post on my other blog:
http://www.snootyprimadona.blogspot.com/2010/10/arachnophobia-personified.html
Yes, we do need to find it. And coming along YEARS after so many people have pushed it aside makes our job a bit more difficult. I think someone else mentioned activated charcoal too. I love having all these holistic and non-medicinal options! Thanks!
I have two friends who have been bitten by brown recluses and they used black tea bags! They worked great, healed them up in about a week. =)
Thanks for the suggestion Emily!
I have used a slice of raw onion on spider bites four times and and it works well too. The only down side to this remedy is that you temporarily smell like a hamburger. 🙂
LOL – that would make for a great conversation starter! “Hey Wendy, did you have a burger for breakfast?” 😉
I know! My husband was asked lots of questions at work once. LOL
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I am going to have to give it a try! I live in Cali. too and the d**n spiders bite me at night while I sleep. Happens at least once a week. We’ve sprayed the perimeter of the house but don’t want to spray the interior.
Popped in from Flaunt it Friday.
thriftshopcommando.blogspot.com
First off I HATE Spiders. So I will keep this in mind and how neat you came across this and it works great. Glad he is better.. boo to spiders 🙂
WOW! This is amazing. Thank you for linking it up to Mommy Solutions. This is a keeper! I hope I never have to try it but if I do, now I know!
I’m featuring you on my facebook page.
Have a great weekend, Crystal
Growing up in TX, I never ran across spiders (fire ants on the other hand…) so I hope you don’t either! Thanks for the FB shout out!
I use the inside of a banana peel on mosquito bites, instantly takes the itch away!
I hadn’t heard of that either! Wish my parents knew that trick growing up!
came here from butter believer, nice share! i was just on beach vaca and got my first jellyfish sting, it HURT bad, right on my inner thigh so every time i took a step, friction! i know kefir and honey are both good for healing the skin, and as i was fresh out of meat tenderizer in my beach bag, i did have lassi (honey/kefir) in the cooler as a refreshing beverage. i applied it on my leg 3 times and after 4 hours it didn’t hurt anymore. i love kefir. and honey. raw cider vinegar would have worked too, as both vinegar and kefir are both scoby ferments, they have the same healing properties. i guess i should photography my wound and write a post about it!
That’s awesome! Who knew a potato could do that? Thanks so much for sharing!
Katie
Oh! I wrote that vinegar *and* honey is good for bee stings–I meant to delete the ‘honey’. We only use apple cider vinegar–usually we’ll soak a washcloth in the vinegar, put some ice inside the cloth, and put it on the sting. The relief is amazing! 😀
Ah – even better. One less step to remember while wrenching in pain!
Oooh! I don’t hope to have a spider bite any time soon, but it’s tempting to want to try the experiment. 😉 *writes on notepad*
Raw Apple Cider Vinegar with raw honey is fantastic for bee stings! And raw honey is great for burns!
Dolly
dollymadisondesigns.wordpress.com
Another burn idea – thank you! I don’t think I can recommend experimenting with spiders Dolly, lol, but I won’t say anything if you wanted to go for a random hike with a potato and a knife if your back pocket!
I will remember this trick! Those spiders look….scary, to say the least! Stopping by from Delightfully Dowling’s hop 🙂
Ugh!
I hated seeing spiders in my e-mail.
But- we do have brown recluse spiders. We’ve had the exterminator come and they still show up now and then.
I’m glad to know about the potato.
What we’ve used is Redmond’s clay from the health food store. It’s a gray powder that you mix with a little water to make a paste. Put it on the bite, cover it with a band-aid, and repeat daily until it heals. So far, we haven’t had to see a doctor.
Forgive me Laura! Redmond’s clay… Making a note of that in case the potato doesn’t work for all spider bites. So nice saving a trip to the doctor, and the co-pay, and the prescription cost!
The inside of a banana peel is a standard Florida remedy. Workded well for me.
Wow – I haven’t heard of this yet. We always have bananas on hand and with the rate we occur spider bites, I’m sure we’ll have a chance to try it!
my four year old walked up next to me just as i was scrolling through your post and he actually jumped back a little when he spotted those spiders! i’ve heard of using a potato on a mild burn, so guess potatoes have a lot of uses. thanks for sharing, added this to my “emergency preparedness” board on pinterest just in case…
LOL – I had the feeling that was going to happen to someone!
Sorry, off topic from spider bites, but I just had to say..If you get a burn, don’t use a potato, try egg whites! Oh my goodness, I’ve tried all kinds of burn remedies and egg whites are the only thing to work miracles. I probably wouldn’t use them on any open-wound burns, but I’ve used them on myself for all of my burns mild and more severe. It may take a few eggs, but it removes all pain and even stops blistering and scarring. You can either soak in egg whites or put egg whites on a cloth and apply to the burn. I now only use egg whites for burns–raw egg whites (not cooked), hopefully nice and cold from the fridge which gives an added cooling sensation. Most burns I’ve had stop hurting completely after 15-20 minutes. If the burn is more severe it might take a little longer. I swear by them and tell everyone I know!
THANK YOU JENNIE! I actually burned myself Saturday night making the bacon for the broccoli salad. It swelled up and stung for HOURS. Egg whites for burns is now permanently engrained!
The upside to having a burn would be making a key lime pie with the yolks! 😉
Should I cook the egg first?
Better yet use the film on the inside of the Egg shell 4 burns peal it bk it hardens like a caseing on ur finger if u start to feel the burn rub eggwhites on it.Also the protein heals the burn n theres less scaring