Herbal Cures: Cuts & Abrasions

Most cuts and scrapes are minor and stop bleeding on their own within a few minutes. If bleeding continues, remove any visible dirt or debris and apply direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or gauze pad; if nothing else is available, use your hand. Keep applying pressure until the bleeding stops, then tape the cloth or gauze in place. If blood soaks through the cloth, do not remove it; you may lift off clotting blood cells. Instead, add another cloth and keep pressing. Do not try to use a tourniquet; if misused, it can cut off circulation to the limb.

If a foreign object is embedded in the wound, do not try to remove it. Instead, lie down and apply direct pressure above and below the wound. When the bleeding stops, see your doctor or go to a hospital, where appropriate care can be given.

A wound may spurt blood if an artery has been cut. This is a potentially life-threatening injury that requires emergency med ical assistance. Apply direct pressure to the wound, then call an ambulance or go to a hospital emergency room. Also see a doctor if the wound is deep, large, or has rough edges. It may need stitches to heal properly and minimize scarring.

Modern research has proved many herbs to be fairly effective against infection and in the healing of wounds. A study conducted in Austria in 1994 looked at 48 plants that folk tradition credits as vulneraries (substances that promote wound healing). This study found that 35 of the extracts showed antibacterial activity. Six that produced "outstanding antibacterial effects" were the leaves of sundew (drosera), witch hazel, eucalyptus, and blackberry, the bark of English oak, and the flowers of linden.

Herbal Remedies

Garlic The allicin in garlic has been shown to inhibit the growth of many kinds of bacteria. To discourage infection, bruise a clove of garlic and place it on a cleaned cut.

Benzoin This is the aromatic resin of the Styrax genus of trees, which grows in tropical Asia. According to anecdotal evidence, it is an effective antiseptic and stops small cuts from bleeding. In the U.S., benzoin is available as compound benzoin tincture.

Aloe veraThe aloe vera gel is a soothing emollient and has been used for centuries to hasten wound healing. If you have your own plant, cut off a lower aloe vera leaf (lower leaves are older), split it lengthwise, and squeeze the gel onto the injury. The gel forms its own bandage when dry.

Calendula This herb speeds the healing of wounds and reduces inflammation. Make a tea by adding 1 to 2 teaspoons minced fresh flowers to 1 cup boiling water. Let steep for 10 minutes. Or put a few drops of commercial extract in cool, boiled water. Then dip a clean cloth into it and apply it as a compress to cuts and abrasions.

Echinacea Preparations containing echinacea have mild antibiotic properties and promote wound healing. Try a commercial echinacea ointment on hard-to-heal wounds.

Goldenseal Medical studies show that goldenseal fights bacteria and is an effective astringent. Its major alkaloid, berberine, is a strong antibacterial agent. Sprinkle goldenseal powder on cuts to disinfect them.

Tea tree oil Tea tree oil is an effective disinfectant because of the active terpene derivatives that are inside it. You can stir 11/2 teaspoons oil into a cup of warm water and use to rinse infected wounds. Many tea tree oil products, including soap, are also available.

Tip: Danger Sign

A deep puncture wound that does not bleed may require a tetanus shot. See your doctor immediately.