Various complex processes are required to heal wounds, including producing soluble mediators, blood cells, extracellular matrix, and parenchymal cells. There are three stages to wound healing: the inflammatory process, tissue creation, and tissue remodeling.
There are several stages in the inflammatory phase, including platelet accumulation, coagulation, and leukocyte migration. The locations of tissue creation include re-epithelialization, angiogenesis, fibroplasia, and wound contraction. The dermis may respond to injury by producing collagen and matrix proteins, and after a month-long remodeling phase, it may recover to its pre-injury phenotype.
Some herbal treatments may provide symptom alleviation and hasten the healing of wounds. Herbs are sold as tinctures, teas, or dry extracts such as pills, capsules, or tablets. Each plant with antibiotic and wound healing properties is listed below:
Aloe Vera
Cream or gel forms of aloe. Although aloe has traditionally been used to treat minor burns and wounds, there are conflicting results from scientific studies on its efficacy. According to one study, aloe appeared to lengthen the healing time needed for surgical wounds.
Cinnamon
The cinnamon plant, Cinnamomum Verum, is a member of the Lauraceae family. Historically, traditional medical systems have employed cinnamon. Cinnamon bark is utilized as a spice, condiment, and flavoring agent. It has various qualities, including anti-inflammatory activity, anti-ulcer, antimicrobial, anti-diabetic, hypoglycemia, and hypolipidemic action [6], which can be helpful in some types of wounds like infected and diabetic wounds. In addition to the previously described qualities, cinnamon contains high quantities of polyphenols that may improve animal glucose absorption.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is part of the Myrtaceae family and is also known as dinkum oil; some substances, including cineole, commonly referred to as eucalyptol, are present in eucalyptus. Cineole contains additional chemicals, including pinene, camphene, phellandrene, citronellal, and geranyl acetate. Burns, blisters, canker or herpes, cuts or wounds, skin infections, and insect bites are among the skin conditions for which it is traditionally used.
Bael
Bael, also known as Aegle marmelos, is a member of the Rutaceae family. Tanines, volatile oil, protein, carbs, vitamin C, and vitamin A are all present. Omethylhalfordional and isopentyl halfordinol are two alkaloids. It has historically been applied to the treatment of wounds.
Slippery Elm Bark
Ulmus rubra or fulva bark is used as a poultice. Combine one teaspoon in one cup of boiling water with the dried powder. Apply after cooling to a soft, clean cloth. Apply on the affected area.
Calendula
Applying topically calendula (Calendula officinalis), often known as pot marigold, an ointment, or tea. Use 1/2 to 1 tsp. Of the tincture to create tea. With 1/4 cup water, it is diluted—alternatively, steep 1 tsp. A cup of boiling water with flowers for 15 minutes, then filter and let cool. Check for any allergic reaction on the skin initially.
Chamomile
Chamomilla Recutita is the so-called chamomile and belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is also known to be anti-inflammatory, decreasing inflammation during infected wounds. It is also advised to consider Chamomilla Recutita as a safe alternative chemical for nitrofurazone ointment in wound healing.
Dandelion
Another herb with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects is dandelion (Taraxacum officinale). Although there is an increasing need for research on the subject, it might aid wound healing. Make sure you don’t have a dandelion allergy, and stay away from dandelion if you have diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, gallbladder disease, or blood-thinning medication. Ask your doctor before taking dandelion because it may interact with many medicines, including lithium.
Tea Tree Oil
Melaleuca Slternifolia (tea tree) oil or cream. Apply twice daily to lessen the irritation. But it should not be used to treat burns.
Asiaticoside
A glycoside molecule called asiaticoside is frequently used to promote wound healing. According to a study, asiaticoside in a 0.2% solution boosted hydroxyproline levels, tensile strength, and speedy recovery. Additionally, it stimulated glycosaminoglycan synthesis, collagen matrix remodeling, and angiogenesis in a rat wound chamber model. Due to their antioxidant properties, antioxidants play a significant role in the healing of wounds.
Turmeric
Bromelain’s therapeutic actions are amplified by the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric. Similar to bromelain, turmeric may make bleeding more likely. If you take blood thinners such as aspirin, clopidogrel, or warfarin, consult your doctor before using turmeric.
Gotu Kola
To aid in the healing of wounds, Gotu kola (Centella Asiatica) is used as a cream containing 1% of the herb.
Neem
Neem leaves extracts and essential oil from its seeds are believed to have an antibacterial impact that may help infected wounds. Neem also prevents subsequent infections from occurring in wounds and lesions by lowering the bacterial population. According to clinical studies, neem extract promotes faster wound healing and reduces inflammation. Because of its components, such as margosic acids, glycerides of fatty acids, butyric, and trace amounts of valeric acid, neem leaf extracts, and seed oil exhibit an antibacterial action.
Future Outlook And Potential Complications
Minor injuries typically heal rapidly. The prognosis for more severe wounds depends on the size of the lesion and any potential infections.
Wounds can have several problems, including:
- Infection
- Keloid scar tissue is an expansion of scar tissue.
- Amputation-related tissue death, known as gangrene
- Other complications include bleeding, sepsis, and tetanus (a potentially fatal infection).
Inspect the area around the wound for any indications of bleeding, redness, or edema. If you experience drainage, a fever, or increasing pain, these might be a sign of an infection, and immediately seek a professional’s help.
Conclusion
We are going further away from nature as our way of life becomes more technologically advanced. Even though we are a part of nature, we cannot escape it. Herbs are natural; thus, they have no adverse side effects and are also relatively safe, environmentally friendly, and locally accessible. Plant with antibiotic and wound healing properties are traditionally used to treat illnesses associated with certain seasons. To save the lives of people, they must be promoted.
These herbal treatments stand in stark contrast to synthetic pharmaceuticals, which are stigmatized as dangerous to humans and the environment. Although herbs have been valued for their therapeutic, flavoring, and aromatic properties for millennia, the modern era’s synthetic products temporarily overshadowed their significance. Though the mindless reliance on synthetics has ended, people are returning to natural products hoping to find safety and security. It’s time to advertise them worldwide.
