Wounds can be an extremely serious health concern when left untreated properly. To minimize risks associated with wounds, the most important thing is to clean it gently and cover it, in addition to eating a balanced diet and getting adequate rest.
Human bodies possess incredible self-healing powers; however, sometimes this process is interrupted by external conditions.
Coconut oil
Both humans and pets are susceptible to scrapes, cuts, burns and other skin injuries that require treatment at home. Although most minor injuries are not life-threatening, if left unattended they could develop into infected wounds which require healing at once – coconut oil provides an effective, natural and safe solution that has antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties as well as moisturizing the skin for faster recovery time and healing purposes.
Coconut oil’s main component, lauric acid, boasts powerful antimicrobial properties that have also been shown to alleviate symptoms related to inflammation such as psoriasis and contact dermatitis. Capric acid also contributes to its antimicrobial qualities by killing off bacteria that could potentially cause infections in humans and animals alike.
Coconut oil has long been known for its moisturizing effects on both skin and hair, reducing scars significantly while speeding wound healing processes via increased collagen production.
Note that research on the health benefits of coconut oil relies mainly on animal and test tube studies; however, some human trials support its claims. Before beginning treatment with any medicinal product such as coconut oil, you should always consult a healthcare provider first.
Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) is the ideal product to treat skin issues because it not only is more pure but also contains more antioxidants that may prevent oxidation and inflammation that leads to disease.
When applying VCO to the skin, it’s best to massage it between your fingers so it warms up and is easier to spread evenly across the area. Once applied, cover the wound with bandages or gauze pieces as protection from infection; ensure to use a sterile solution beforehand for cleaning wounds to ensure trapping of bacteria does not occur and use a sterile bandage when covering deeper cuts or surgical incisions so proper healing occurs.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera has long been recognized for its ability to heal skin wounds. Alexander the Great relied upon this plant’s power for treating his wounded soldiers; modern studies suggest its application for treating many different injuries. Aloe vera can be found as an ingredient in many skin creams and lotions; however, before making a decision based on aloe vera alone. Consult with your healthcare provider first.
Aloe vera contains several compounds which have been shown to enhance skin cells’ health and decrease their vulnerability to infection, thanks to anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral properties found in its composition. Aloe vera’s use may also help retain moisture levels in skin tissues and prevent ulcers; additional benefits include aiding moisture retention. It can even aid in keeping ulcers away. Aloe vera may serve as an additional therapy alongside traditional approaches in treating burn wounds, postoperative wounds, genital herpes infections and cracked nipples among other conditions.
Cochrane review findings revealed that aloe vera can promote wound healing and decrease pain for patients suffering acute and chronic wounds. Aloe can be consumed orally as gel, liquid or topical application and used directly on skin for minor cuts/scrapes/burns/dermatitis; also beneficial in treating sprains/strains.
The Cochrane review included seven trials that evaluated aloe vera as an alternative treatment option for acute and chronic wounds, such as Thamlikitkul 1991 and Khorasani 2009. Two used an aloe-based mucilage, while four employed aloe gel dressing (Akhtar 1996, Eshghi 2010, Phillips 1995 and Schmidt 1991) at high or moderate risk of bias.
Researchers concluded that aloe vera gel was equal to contemporary products such as 1% SSD cream for healing partial-thickness burns. It reduced pain, depth, size, edema and necrotic tissue accumulation while simultaneously decreasing exudate and necrosis tissue build-up. More research should be conducted into its effects on other kinds of wounds; moreover there are concerns over research quality such as lack of data regarding adverse events.
Turmeric
As demand for natural wound care increases, researchers are exploring new strategies to help people heal faster – particularly from severe wounds caused by trauma or surgery. Severe wounds place an enormous strain on healthcare systems and may present serious complications for patients. One promising natural treatment option for severe wounds may be turmeric which has been used for centuries to accelerate healing processes by both cleansing wounds and stimulating them during healing processes.
Curcumin, an antioxidant found in the root of turmeric plants, is an effective anti-inflammatory that can significantly decrease inflammation and speed healing time. Furthermore, turmeric promotes healthy tissue development while inhibiting tumor growth – so applying turmeric paste twice daily to your wounds could be the perfect way to use turmeric effectively as wound care treatment.
Curcumin supplements can also provide many of the same health benefits. But take caution if taking these pills if you suffer from hormone-sensitive conditions like uterine fibroids or cysts; turmeric compounds might act like estrogen and make your symptoms worse.
Garlic is another plant that can assist with wound healing: allicin has antimicrobial properties that help prevent infections in wounds from forming while also stimulating collagen production and decreasing inflammation. Furthermore, garlic can be applied directly onto burn wounds for effective burn care treatment.
Turmeric, an East Indian plant used as a spice and the primary component in curry dishes, has also been extensively researched for potential health benefits, including prevention and treatment of certain diseases. Turmeric’s active compounds known as curcuminoids include turmerone oil, demethoxycurcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin, and cyclocurcumin; studies have also demonstrated their anti-heart disease and Alzheimer’s protective qualities.
Honey
Honey is an effective natural antibacterial and antioxidant, making it the ideal treatment for wound care. Studies have demonstrated its ability to promote skin healing and speed wound closure as well as reduce scarring. Honey contains various other beneficial substances including phenolic acids and enzymes; however, not all varieties possess equal levels of antibacterial activity; its phenolic compounds play an integral part in this regard but osmotic effect also draws moisture out of bacteria cells and hinders their proliferation.
Honey has been proven to be effective against various wound types and conditions, from burns to deep abrasions, even being used as an adjunct in treating pressure sores. While Manuka honey is most widely-used, research shows that other varieties can also prove effective.
Honey may possess antibacterial properties due to its acidic pH, which triggers vascular cells to release oxygen and increases offloading from hemoglobin in capillaries, helping wounds heal faster. Honey also stimulates production of growth factors that increase epithelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis while simultaneously decreasing inflammation and preventing oxidative stress, both which have been linked to chronic wounds or skin conditions.
Some individuals have reported allergic reactions when applying honey directly to their skin. If this happens to you, make sure the affected area is thoroughly cleansed before visiting a physician for care. Also recommended are using sterile applicators with cotton tips when applying honey directly onto the skin.
Honey has many antibacterial properties due to the hydrogen peroxide it emits, which when diluted can still stop wound-infecting bacteria from multiplying. Furthermore, some honey varieties contain plant-derived antibacterial compounds called phenolics with various levels of activity against microbes – these act as critical modulators of honey’s antimicrobial action with some species such as Leptospermum showing higher levels of such activity than others.
