We can all agree that our skin goes through a great deal as we age. In reality, some of us are showing it with scars, wounds and blemishes! Perhaps, in our youth, an old scar from a bike ride gone wrong, or a fading nick that happened while cooking. No matter what the scar is, though, each has a story behind it.
Yet wouldn’t it be easier to carry those tales without the wounds? And, for them to recover a little quicker, at least? There is no question about it; the longer it takes for wounds to disappear, heal and become a thing of the past, the older we get. Fortunately, our lovely planet has provided us with the natural remedies. In this article, we will discuss nine natural remedies proven to heal wounds more quickly.
1. Activated Charcoal
Charcoal is among the best natural curing remedies for skin. Activated charcoal can remove foreign objects out of the skin, like a splinter. When applied as a paste it is also perfect for removing infections.
So, when dealing with a scratch, scrape or insect bite, don’t forget about activated charcoal! It does have a black tint, but it won’t stain your skin.
2. Chamomile
When most people think of chamomile, they generally think of it as a soothing tea. There’s a lot more to chamomile than that though. Chamomile, like honey, has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties too. It can help to reduce the pain and inflammation that often follows wounds.
When you want to improve wound healing, using the chamomile as a salve on red or as a wash to minimize pain of inflamed wounds. Applying a warm bag of chamomile tea to the wound will do the trick. A chamomile balm or a paste of dried chamomile flowers can also be used. If you want to keep this old school, just have a beer. Oral intake also facilitates faster healing.
3. Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice found in many of our kitchen cabinets and is considered an antiseptic and antibiotic agent. Curcumin, which is an active ingredient in turmeric, can modulate collagen. So, if you’ve got a wound that just won’t stop bleeding, add turmeric and it will stop almost instantly.
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4. Pure Honey
Pure honey, also known as Manuka honey, possesses antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. The material is also acidic, and evidence suggests a slower healing rate for wounds with a high alkaline pH.
Try using pure honey when you’ve suffered a burn. For faster healing, add the honey straight to the burned area. Moreover, evidence has shown that honey also helps patients with diabetes who have developed leg ulcers. One herbalist advises rubbing honey over the cleaned wound and then covering it with a bandage. To achieve full impact change it every 2-3 days.
5. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a popular ingredient in beauty products, but you can also purchase this sword-shaped plant at the grocery store. The aloe gel has been used for years to treat scrapes and burn wounds. It’s actually not uncommon for chefs to keep it in their kitchen just in case they burn themselves.
When you have dry skin, cut yourself by mistake or have a burn, just rub Aloe Vera on your skin. This is the ultimate hydrating agent and pain reliever.
6. Calendula
Calendula, or marigold, is a colorful plant often used to treat eczema or wounds that are poorly healed. The calendula oil extracted from marigold flowers may be directly applied to the infected skin area. It offers almost immediate pain relief and decreased inflammation for individuals.
Calendula oil promotes the growth of new wound tissue so it is ideal for minor injuries. Diabetic foot ulcers and peeling lips may also be treated with the oil. It’s known to significantly improve wound healing when combined with Aloe Vera.
7. Garlic
Do you know that in World War I, garlic was used to keep soldiers from being infected after sustaining an injury? Garlic is so much more than a nutritional enhancer; wound healing is also top-notch. With its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties, garlic may speed up the maturation of collagen in damaged skin tissues.
If your skin is suffering with psoriasis , eczema, or dry cracks, then try the garlic. Rubbing the skin with a little garlic oil will clear the infected area right on up.
8. Comfrey
Comfrey is a plant that does contain harmful chemicals, and it should be treated with caution. It should never be ingested orally, or directly applied to damaged skin. It could lead to infections in the liver and to infection.
If Comfrey is properly used, however, it heals easily. A salve made from Comfrey leaves is ideal for improving bruises, abrasions and scar tissue healing process. This potent plant can significantly reduce cellular inflammation.
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9. Arnica
Arnica, also known as mountain daisy, is a yellow-orange flower widely used after surgery. Patients suffering from bruising following surgery may use this plant to boost healing. The plant gel can be applied directly to the skin and like some other solutions does not have a greasy feel.
A 2010 study found Arnica to be more effective in reducing bruising than vitamin K. It should not however be used on broken skin or open wounds. In fact, doing so could irritate the skin and cause contact with dermatitis.
