Herbs for Minor Cuts and Abrasions
All of us from time to time suffer a minor cut or abrasion. Children will certainly have the occasional accident that results in a skinned knee or elbow or a cut on their hands or feet. Most of these conditions are not serious - unless the wound is extensive or deep. If it does cover a large surface or is a deep cut then you will need to seek medical assistance. However the minor cuts and abrasions can be managed well with the use of herbal remedies.
A couple of drops of Rescue Remedy under the tongue will work well for any minor shock that is associated with the accident.
Clean the area with a herbal antiseptic to prevent infection and aid in healing. You can use 4-5 drops of tincture of any of the following herbs in a little warm water or a decoction or an infusion of the herb.
golden seal
calendula
St John's wort
myrrh
witch hazel
If it feels very painful bathe it regularly with diluted St John's wort tincture or an infusion of peppermint or lavender. You can use a few drops of the following essential oils in water - they are antiseptic, pain relieving and healing:
lavender
eucalyptus
geranium
peppermint
tea tree
The following, used as ointments, are suitable for minor cuts and abrasions:
St John's wort
calendula
comfrey
Do not use on open, unclean wounds or very deep wounds as fast healing can mean that dirt and bacteria are trapped inside.
If the cut is quite deep apply pressure to the area to stop the bleeding. If the sides are apart, bring them together firmly with the thumb and finger. Bind the wound together with a surgical tape and then apply a dressing and bandage. Seek medical attention quickly as a closing of the wound by other means may be necessary and the sooner this is done the better the cosmetic effect. If the cut or abrasion is minor it is best to leave it uncovered.
You can use any of the following either as teas to soak a dressing to apply to a wound or to put into creams or poultices:
comfrey
cabbage
plantain leaves
slippery elm
rosemary
elderflowers
It is a good idea to have some of these herbs available in a herbal home medicine kit. If you are going to stock a home medicine kit, become familiar with the herbs that you place in it and use them with discretion.
The following list of herbs includes representatives of all the main actions and some specific ones as well. These can be used to deal with many minor situations including cuts and abrasions. The herbs may be stored as dried herbs or as tinctures.
Herbs for Your Home Medicine kit can include the following, although there are many others that can be included or substituted for the ones suggested here:
boneset
black willow
burdock root
cayenne pepper
celery seed
chamomile
cleavers
coltsfoot
comfrey
dandelion
echinacea
elder
eucalyptus
false unicorn root
golden rod
goldenseal
geranium
lavender
marshmallow
meadowsweet
nettles
peppermint
plantain leaves
rosemary
senna
skullcap
slippery elm
tea tree
thyme
valerian
yarrow
yellow dock
In addition to the herbs it would also be helpful to have the following in the form of ointments:
arnica
chickweed
comfrey
calendula
Distilled witch hazel should also be included.
Herbs have many healing and medicinal properties. Explore the many uses of the herbs, how to prepare and use them. They can easily be used for the treatment of many minor conditions such as minor skin cuts and abrasions. They can also be used for more serious problems and illnesses but before undertaking this you need to develop your understanding about the nature of herbs, their uses and their safety issues. The best approach to illnesses is to use herbs as a part of a wholistic treatment program.
07.11.2007. 19:17
This article hasn't been commented yet.
Top
Write a comment
* = required field