Does whatever a spider can..”

For all of Spidey’s powers, they never talked about the one that could’ve actually proved useful. I am talking about something that was actually practiced in Europe several hundred years ago. It is safe to say that back then, it was more of trial and error when it came to medicinal traditions. But this trial certainly proved effective.

If you’re still confused, what we are trying to say here is that a spider’s web or cobwebs were used to cover wounds for faster healing. 

Sounds weird, I know. Let me explain.

When people got injured back then, these webs served as gauze pads that would cover the wound. This became really popular with the ancient Greeks and Romans since they were involved in many battles and wars. Not only did it cover the wound, it also healed the injuries faster.

How, you ask? 

Firstly, the web is extremely rich in Vitamin K, which helps with clotting. Secondly, the silk web is biologically neutral with antiseptic and anti-fungal properties so the chances of infections are minimal as long as the web is clean.

Now how do we know that a web is clean? It’s simple really. You have to be aware of a couple of things.

1. You don’t live in an area infested by poisonous spiders like the black widow or any of those creepy crawlies that can prove fatal with just a single bite. I assure you, no cobweb will help you there. So make sure they aren’t around.

2. You have to make sure there’s nothing stuck on the web that can cause any infection, like dead insects or bird poop.

After this is done, just ball that thing up and stuff it on your wound. As juvenile as that sounds, that is how you do it. You can maybe wrap a proper bandage over it to keep the web in place. Remember, it has to touch the wound in order to work.

Also make sure that the wound is dry. The web will soon work its magic and dry up your injury. Then you simply remove the webbing with hot water. The water softens it up and allows you to remove it with ease.

Recent studies have also shown that the spider silk can be used for healing ligament damage and for grafting too. The latter has been administered on larger mammals already. 

In fact, there are some medical students from University of Gadjah Mada who developed a gel called Spidweb which helps heal dental wounds. 

Amazing isn’t it? A phenomena exclusive to spiders. How they can make webs that are extremely strong yet easy to remove, that are dangerous yet filled with natural healing powers. Nature, bloody hell. 

And you thought the only thing spiders ever inspired was the idea of a superhero!

Also, please don’t try this at home. If some shit happens, just go to a doctor.