We all know the feeling of an unfortunate encounter with a sharp object. Whether it's a paper cut from reaching for the mail, or a more serious gash, wounds happen! And while you may have a first aid kit with bandages and antibiotics, you can also use herbs to treat injuries. In fact, some herbs are even more effective than conventional treatments. Here are the 10 herbs that heal wounds fast:
1. Calendula
Calendula is a gentle but powerful herb that can help with both minor and major wound healing. It is a potent antiseptic and helps to prevent infection in wounds. It also helps wounds heal (1) and reduces inflammation.
Calendula oil (made from the marigold flower) is probably one of the best oils for healing wounds, southing eczema and relieving diaper rash. Calendula balm is very effective in treating conditions that wound the skin like psoriasis, eczema and acne.
Simply apply to clean skin. Calendula is also proven to protect the skin during exposure to the sun. Prevention is always better than the cure so make sure you put plenty on before heading out for a bit of sun-bathing (2).
2. Chamomile
This herb has been used for medicine for thousands of years because it is very soothing and anti-inflammatory. This makes it ideal for treating wounds that are sore or inflamed. It also has antiseptic properties which means it kills germs and bacteria. It has even been shown to be just as good as steroid cream to heal ulcers. In some cases it works faster (3). When chamomile oil is combined with lavender oil it works even better than on its own. (4).
Eczema can cause open wounds if left untreated. These can be very sore. Chamomile oil not only moisturizes the dry skin, but also reduces the inflammation and heals the skin extremely well. (5).
3. Lavender
Lavender not only smells wonderful, it has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which help to speed up your healing process. It is also reported to reduce the amount of swelling and scarring too; which is worth considering if the wound is on your face.
If you are susceptible to insect bites and stings, lavender oil is the best oil to have on hand. Lavender's oil's pain-killing and inflammatory properties can provide relief from the itching and soreness. It is often found in mosquito repellent sprays to make sure you use it to prevent getting bitten and wounded in the first place (7). Lavender is a great natural addition to your holiday first aid kit.
4. Echinacea
A powerful immune booster, echinacea helps to fight infection in wounds. It works well on cuts and burns and has been used for hundreds of years. With the widespread use of antibiotics in modern times herbal treatments are not always considered. Yet, one doctor has said echinacea is the best product to have in your first aid kit (90.
And the best thing is that, unlike antibiotics, germs don't develop resistance to it. I don't know about you, but I'm growing this one in my herb garden this year!
5. Garlic
Well known for its antibacterial properties, garlic can help clear up infections in wounds. The active ingredient in garlic is allicin. This compound is amazing as it is anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory. If you don't like the taste you can get it as a tasteless supplement.
There are tons of health benefits from eating raw garlic. But sometimes, due to its pungent odor, people don't want to eat it raw. Having said that you can pickle it or buy it pickled or in oil which seems to make it more palatable.
Garlic has also been found to heal woulds when applied to the skin. I think I would rather use one of the other options listed i this article due to the pungent smell, but if none of them are available at least you know that garlic can help. (10).
6. Goldenseal
The root of this herb is a powerful antimicrobial and antiseptic agent and can help to clear up infections in wounds and promote wound healing. It is especially good for healing mouth ulcers which can be incredibly sore. (11).
Extract of goldenseal is made into an oil that can be applied to cuts and wounds.
7. Tea Tree Oil
This oil is antibacterial and anti-fungal, making it ideal for treating wounds that are infected or inflamed (12). Tea tree oil also is also good for healing skin wounded by acne (13). In fact, tea tree oil has been shown to speed up the healing of cuts and wounds compared to conventional treatments.
Be aware that if you are pregnant you do need to avoid using this powerful oil This is because it may interfere with hormones which are very important in regulating pregnancy (15).
8. Aloe Vera
The gel from the Aloe Vera plant is often found in balms and creams to heal cuts and wounds. It is one of the best herbs to use when you have a cut or graze. It's gentle healing powers along with its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties help to soothe wounds. It is also a great moisturizer and can even help to prevent scarring.
Aloe Vera gel is particularly good for burns and psoriasis. It is also great for soothing cracked nipples caused during breast-feeding. It is definitely worth having a few plants in your garden to use in an emergency. Just break some off and squeeze the soothing gel onto the wound, cut or burn.
9. Arnica
This is another popular herb that is found in first aid kits. It helps to control the pain and inflammation associated with cuts and wounds. It is particularly good at reducing swelling. Yet, it's superpower is that if you apply it immediately after injury it goes a long way to reducing the pain and development of bruising (17).
If you prefer to use natural products to pharmacy drugs, arnica is a great choice. It has been found to be just as effective in treating wounds as anti-inflammatory drugs. (18).
10. Comfrey
Comfrey is a powerful healing herb that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Its roots and leaves contain allantoin, a substance that helps new skin cells grow.
It is known to reduce inflammation, promote tissue regeneration, and speed up the healing process of wounds. Its antiseptic properties make it great at preventing infection as well.
Use This Comfrey Salve Recipe To Treat Bumps, Bruises and Cuts
Conclusion of Herbs that Heal Wounds Fast
In conclusion, with the correct application of the 10 herbs listed above, we can quickly and naturally heal wounds with potentially long-lasting results.
Home remedies can be both effective and safe, as long as you get the right advice from a professional. By utilizing natural resources such as herbs and plants, we can find the healing power of nature and free ourselves from potentially harmful side-effects caused by modern medicine.
We are reminded of the Native American proverb that states, “Herbal medicine that walk with the steps of nature heals the soul.” Let us take the first step and use nature to heal ourselves now and for generations to come.
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References
1. The Impact of Aloe vera and Calendula on Perineal Healing after Episiotomy in Primiparous Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25276736/
2. Assessment of In vitro Sun Protection Factor of Calendula Officinalis L. (Asteraceae) Essential Oil Formulation https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3326776/
3. Comparative analysis between Chamomilla recutita and corticosteroids on wound healing. An in vitro and in vivo study https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ptr.2612
4. Two US practitioners' experience of using essential oils for wound care https://www.magonlinelibrary.com/doi/abs/10.12968/jowc.2002.11.8.26432
5. Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with bright future https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2995283/
6. Wound healing potential of lavender oil by acceleration of granulation and wound contraction through induction of TGF-β in a rat model https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4880962/
7. Laboratory evaluation of toxicity of 16 insect repellents in aerosol sprays to adult mosquitoes https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/content/part/JAMCA/JAMCA_V19_N3_P271-274.pdf.
8. A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Lavender Oil Versus Povidine Iodine on Healing of Episiotomy Wound among Postnatal Mothers https://bit.ly/3FhGdVm
9. Echinacea angustifolium as a Wound Healing Agent http://doctorschar.com/echinacea-wound-healing-agent/
10. Mechanism of Action of Topical Garlic on Wound Healing https://journals.lww.com/dermatologicsurgery/Abstract/2018/05000/Mechanism_of_Action_of_Topical_Garlic_on_Wound.5.aspx
11.Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis L.) and its active constituents: A critical review of their efficacy and toxicological issues https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32683037/
12. A review of applications of tea tree oil in dermatology https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22998411/
13. Complementary therapies for acne vulgaris https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD009436.pub2/full
14.The Effect of Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) on Wound Healing Using a Dressing Model https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/acm.2012.0787
15. Tea Tree Oil During Pregnancy https://internationaldoulainstitute.com/2021/06/tea-tree-oil-during-pregnancy/
16.The Effect of Aloe Vera Clinical Trials on Prevention and Healing of Skin Wound: A Systematic Review https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6330525/
17.Accelerated resolution of laser-induced bruising with topical 20% arnica: a rater-blinded randomized controlled trial https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-2133.2010.09813.x
18. Efficacy of Arnica montana D4 for healing of wounds after Hallux valgus surgery compared to diclofenac https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18199022/
