Herbal medicine cabinet: 9 Herbs for wound care

03/22/2023 / By Oliver Young

Anyone can get wounded anywhere. And things can go south quickly when you are wounded, so you have to treat wounds before they become serious.

Preppers should have access to herbs for wound care, including the following:

Arnica

This herb can be used for a traumatic injury that doesn’t break the skin, such as bruises and sprains. It is noted for its efficacy as an antiseptic. (Related: Survival medicine: Healing herbs for your first aid kit.)

A PubMed article notes that arnica was as good or better on various points when compared to diclofenac following foot surgery. But this herb is contraindicated in pregnancy and should not be ingested.

Calendula

This is recommended for diaper rash and treating cuts. Rubbing the flower on bee and wasp stings can ease the pain and bring down the swelling.

The Biomedical and Pharmacology Journal conducted a study on rats that showed clear evidence of calendula’s wound-healing properties.

Comfrey

This wound-healing wonder relieves the pain and swelling of bruises. However, Healthline gives several precautions, most notably with respect to ingesting comfrey. It is contraindicated in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

It can be used as a salve for back pain, but don’t use it too much. Also, don’t use it on open wounds due to the potential for alkaloid poisoning. But it’s a good choice for both pain and wound healing when used carefully.

Echinacea

This is effective in healing scorpion stings, provided that immediate medical attention is not required. It is also recommended as a tincture for venomous bites.

Experts recommend its use in wound powders due to its antibacterial and pain-numbing properties. They also note that the numb tongue one gets when drinking echinacea is harmless.

Plantain

Plantain is ideal for burns, cuts, bites and scrapes. An article published by Healthline supports its uses in wound healing and other applications.

Studies show that plantain weed may help reduce inflammation. In particular, the leaves contain several anti-inflammatory compounds, including flavonoids, terpenoids, glycosides and tannins.

A rat study has even found that administering plantain weed extract decreased several markers of inflammation caused by liver injury.

St. John’s wort

This can treat spider bites, both venomous and simply itchy. Experts recommend its use in wound care infused with honey. This herb heals from the inside out, which is how wounds are best healed.

Lavender oil

This is effective in healing scorpion stings and for burns and bruises. PubMed has listed a systemic review of studies showing its positive effects in wound healing.

Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is an effective insect repellent. Use a few drops of it in a diffuser or in water as a spray to discourage insects in the area. It is also effective in wound healing and in treating fungal infections and a number of other ailments.

The anti-inflammatory properties of tea tree oil can help relieve the discomfort of itchy skin. It soothes the skin and can also help heal infections that cause itchy skin.

This Healthline article suggests a patch test first to determine if you’re allergic.