Healing with Plants
It is foolish to pass up a visit to the doctor if you are seriously wounded. Nothing beats a tetanus shot for preventing that disease. However, there is definitely a place in the world for treatment using plants with healing properties. Once you’ve seen a doctor, you’ll want to follow their advice. You can also use herbs or other wound-healing plants to supplement the wound care process.
How to Use Healing Plants
People have been healing with plants for generations and you’ll find more than one list of plants that heal wounds. Three herbs often cited as wound healing plants are yarrow, goldenrod, and calendula. The ancient Greeks may have been the first to consider yarrow a medicine. It was initially used to treat digestive problems. However, it can also be used to heal wounds, especially moderate burns. Likewise, goldenrod (with its anti-inflammatory qualities) and calendula (that increases blood flow) must be added to the list of plant medicines. Using plants to heal wounds can be complicated, requiring you to make herbal extracts or essential oils. Some healing plants are more simple to use. For example, common plantain (Plantago major), a common weed, can be used for small wounds and bug bites. Just chew it until it softens then place it on the affected area. Most of us are already aware of the healing qualities of the juice from the succulent aloe vera (Aloe vera). Just cut off a “branch” and rub the cut end on minor scrapes or burns. Yellow dock (Rumex spp.) is another weed that can take out the sting of insect bites. Just squish the leaves so that the juice gets into the wound. Comfrey (Symphytum) is another useful plant for rapid lesion healing and is easy to use. Just apply a comfrey poultice. Europeans use a poultice of chamomile flowers to reduce swelling. Disclaimer: The contents of this article are for educational and gardening purposes only. Before using or ingesting ANY herb or plant for medicinal purposes or otherwise, please consult a physician, medical herbalist, or other suitable professional for advice.
