The skin is designed to shield the body against germs, so when the skin is damaged it increases the risk that a foreign body will invade the skin and infect the body. If cuts and scrapes are left untreated they can develop sores that can be very painful and take a long time to heal. Sores can develop from an acute or chronic fungal or bacterial infection. These infections can impact your body’s ability to heal and function properly.
Natural remedies like those listed below can help speed up wound healing to avoid this problem. These remedies can also be used to improve healing time after surgery.
Zinc is known for increasing the function of the immune system to prevent infection while helping to reduce the size of a wound more quickly. Calamine lotion or other topical products containing zinc can be applied to the affected areas to prevent bacterial growth. Zinc supplements can also be taken in 30mg doses by mouth for 4-6 weeks prior to surgery to help shorten recovery time.
Vitamin C is used by the body to produce collagen connective tissue that prevents blisters and allows the skin to heal more effectively. It can be taken to reduce tissue death and increase the strength of scar tissue while increasing immune system function to prevent infection. Nutritional supplements can be taken in doses of 300mg to 1g daily, though users should avoid products that use a synthesized version of the vitamin as these are not as effective. Rose hips or pure camu can also provide high doses of vitamin C.
Bromelain has anti-inflammatory properties and can also reduce bruising, swelling, frostbite, tenderness, pain and burns, similar to the effects of ibuprofen without posing a threat to the liver. Those interested in using bromelain can take Recovazon, though you should check with your doctor to ensure that this will not interfere with your body’s need to increase circulation to your wound.
Using chlorella can improve the body’s natural wound healing process by encouraging cell growth, particularly muscle and bone growth while boosting the immune system and working to repair ulcers. Applying chlorella can also cleanse the skin. Products including Rejuvenate! or Yaeyama can provide high doses of high quality chlorella.
Asian cultures have used gotu kola as a means of treating wounds, infections or scars for centuries. This herb can be applied orally or topically to repair connective tissues and increase antioxidants in the body.
Honey was often used as a means of preventing infection before the development of penicillin, though new research indicates that honey may be more effective than antibiotics in preventing bacteria from penetrating a skin injury. Applying honey topically on fresh wounds may decrease the risk that they will become infected.
Garlic contains allicin, an antimicrobial agent that can reduce the risk of infection. Blend 3 cloves of garlic with a cup of wine and allow the mixture to stand for 2-3 hours. Strain the mixture and apply it to a clean cloth on the wound for 20 minute intervals. This may irritate the skin, so discontinue this method if it causes discomfort.
Allicin is also found in onions, which can help reduce the likelihood that wounds will become infected without creating the skin irritation that garlic may cause. Blend half a crushed onion with honey and place it on the wound three times a day for no more than an hour.
Plantain leaves are known for having anti-inflammatory and cleansing properties. Crush the leaves to get the more potent juice and apply it to the wound after it has been cleaned to take advantage of these properties.
Aloe Vera gel contains compounds that are designed to stimulate cell growth and reduce inflammation. To take advantage of this, simply break open an aloe leaf and apply the gel to the sore every few hours as necessary. Scientific research into these properties has shown mixed results in the effectiveness of these properties.