There are some of the natural wound remedies that I especially would like to talk about in this article.

Are there natural ways for wound relief?

Yes, there are. I am sure that every family as well as every culture has natural remedies to heal, soothe and relieve wounds. Nature offers as many solutions as there are plants with healing components.

Many essential oils extracted from fragrant plants are antiseptic: they help in cleansing and treating wounds.

Before the essential oils there were ointments and pomades – flower petals or other parts of the plants were infused in fatty oils and left in the sun for maceration. These infused or macerated oils were applied to the wounds. Romans used macerated Rose petals for treating wounds. Now the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities of the rose essences are proven and documented.

Myrrh was similarly used by the ancient Greeks, and Tea tree has a long history of use by aboriginal people of Australia.

Lavender essential oil has been used for wound healing purpose for thousands of years. Its name is derived from the Latin ‘lavare’ means to wash, as it has been used to wash out wounds.

Probably the most famous story is how Rene Gattefosse treated his burnt skin with pure lavender essential oil. He observed the rapid healing and pain relief. After that Gattefosse went on to collaborate with other physicians who worked with essential oils in treating wounds and burns.

Dr P. Sassard said the following of the wound-healing properties of Lavender:

…in all the following was noted: the rapid disappearance of pus, decrease in the number of bacteria, powerful stimulation of healing, recovery in a very short time.

I had an accident in the kitchen – burnt my finger. Happily, a drop of lavender gave me an instant relief. It relieved pain, and there was no scar left.

Which oils can promote natural wound relief?

In Gattefosse’ s Aromatherapy book he cites many case studies for physicians such as Drs Sassard, Meurisse, Forgues and Malchand, all of whom worked with essential oils in treating a wide variety of wounds.

The following essential oils and vegetable oils were found to be effective:

Helichrysum essential oil also known as everlasting or immortelle, is called a natural wound remedy due to the high concentration of the ketones, which generally exhibit excellent wound healing properties.

Clinical studies demonstrate the therapeutic efficacy of German chamomile on wound healing which is linked to its anti-inflammatory activity.

Calendula infused oil has been traditionally used to facilitate wound healing.

Rosehip oil is a rich source of polyunsaturated fatty acids, linoleic and linolenic acid. Research shows that topically applied oils containing essential fatty acids will speed the wound healing process by assisting the formation of granulation tissue.

Frankincense essential oil is beneficial for treating scars, that is promote the growth of the new cells, tighten the skin, reduce the appearance of the existing scars. One of the active ingredients of Frankincense is boswellic acid, which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Neroli oil supports the skin healing due to its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory actions.

Palmarosa oil has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities, both of which are important in skin healing.

Sandalwood essential oil besides purification prevents loss of moisture and cellular damage, improves elasticity, maintains epidermal barrier, supports the integrity and resilience of the skin.

As antiseptic and therefore helpful in cleansing and treating wounds, essential oils are definite natural wound relief.

How to apply the oils to the wound?

The most important thing when the wound occurs is to promote healing and prevent infection.

The essential oils such as Lavender and Helichrysum can be used neat on minor wounds. Although, the safest way is to put a few drops of the oil on a plaster and then put it over the cut. For larger injuries, put the essential oil on a piece of gauze, and cover the wound with this. The best way will be to use essential oil as first aid and take the injured person to a doctor as soon as possible.

To use essential oils at home and be on the safe side is to dilute them in a skin healing carrier oil such as rosehip, calendula infused oil or evening primrose oil.

The botanically derived essences have been used throughout all cultures and in natural healing for their capability to assist wound healing and prevent infection.

Essential oils are a natural wound relief.

Learn more about Aromatherapy, get our Aromatherapy guide for beginners

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