Cut and Scrapes
Cut, scraped, and torn skin from collisions, falls and cutting from glass or metal are
typical cuts and scrapes. Medical Doctors refer to it as abrasions that in most cases
require only good washing with plenty of water.
If the wound is bleeding than apply direct and steady pressure for ten minutes.
When the wound is small, let the blood flow for a short time as you clean it. This helps
cleanse the wound better. If the wound is larger, then you need to stop the bleeding first,
and then cleanse the wound.
Superficial cuts can be cleaned with soap and water or 3% hydrogen peroxide.
Seek medical help if it bleeding continues. You may need stitches.
If foreign objects became embedded in your skin, try to remove them.
Note: Large foreign objects (knife, large piece of glass etc.) should be removed by an expert (e.g. surgeon). If you don’t know what you are doing you may cause more damage to yourself taking the object out than the damage it made going in!
Herbal Remedies:
Aloe
Aloe is already
well known for its beneficial effect on burns, it also reduces inflammation, antibacterial
and soothing. Studies have shown it to expedite wound healing. It contains a substance that
stimulates cells proliferation (allantoin).
Typical dosage: Slice a fresh aloe leaf lengthways and apply the gel generously or use a commercial available pure aloe Vera gel. Apply as needed.
Golden seal root
Golden seal root
powder helps stop bleeding and promote healing.
Cayenne
This spice contains
the pain-relieving component capsaicin, which speeds up wound healing, stops bleeding, improves
circulation and fights infection. At least one experiment showed that capsaicin cream produced
the fastest rate of skin re growth compared with bacitracin, silver sulfadiazine and aloe Vera
gel, making it the best for healing wounds quickly.
Important Note: cayenne burns open wounds, eyes and other sensitive body issues.
Typical dosage: Follow the manufacturer's directions on how often and how much to apply.
Calendula
Anti-inflammatory,
astringent and antiseptic, calendula promotes new skin growth and stops bleeding.
You can use the fresh or dried flowers in an ointment or compress. You ca also use commercial creams or
lotions that contain Calendula.
Typical dosage: Apply them according to manufacturer's directions (usually as often as needed).
Comfrey
Another
allantoin-containing herb, Comfrey speeds up healing. It can safely be used externally
in salves, compresses and poultices.
Make a comfrey-leaf poultice, wrap fresh or dried leaves in a clean, wet cloth
and apply.
Garlic
Try applying a
crushed clove of this microbe-fighter to a boil or abscess. Tape it in place for one or
two hours.
Note: The antibiotic compound may not penetrate to the heart of an abscess.
lf irritation occurs, discontinue immediately.
Onion (The Garlic's near relative) can be also used in a similar way.
Plantain
This weed
contains antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory substances and the tissue-knitting substance
allantoin.
You can mash a few leaves into an ointment and apply to the wound.
Gotu Kola
Extracts of
this herb are becoming popular in healing internal and external wound. Asiatic acid is
the active compound in this herb and is particularly effective in stimulating synthesis
of collagen, an important component in the deeper layers of the skin.
Typical dosage: up to eight capsules per day of 400 to 500 milligram or 20 to 40 drops of tincture up to two times per day.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
With broad
antimicrobial action against bacteria such as streptococci, staphylococci and tetanus,
this extract is available as a concentrate, skin cleanser, ointment and antiseptic spray.
Typical dosage: Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for dosage.
Thyme
Thyme contains volatile
oils with potent antimicrobial action. You can wash a wound with a tea made of the leaves or with
a cup of water containing 3 to 5 drops of thyme essential oil.
Thyme Tea - infuse 1 teaspoon in 1⁄4 litre of hot water for 10 minutes
Honey
Although this not a herb,
honey is known for a long time as a wound healer. Scientific studies do confirm that it does
speeds up healing and while fighting infection.
Typical dosage: Apply twice a day until healed.
Caution: It can be a messy remedy and likely to attract both pets and pests! Cover the wound with gauze and tape in place to keep them away.
Tea Tree Oil
This oil made
from an Australian shrub is a good antiseptic and particularly when treating or preventing
bacterial skin infections.
Apply the undiluted oil to a scrape or cut as required.
Oregon Graperoot
This herb
is anti- inflammatory and fighting infection same its relatives, the barberry and goldenseal.
Its liquid extract can be applied to abrasions and if threat from infection than the extract
can be taken internally.
Typical dosage: Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for dosage.