How to Heal a Cut Fast With Natural Remedies
In addition to usual first aid, home based or natural remedies for cuts can be very useful to facilitate healing. Today we take a look at 10 of the best options.
Are natural remedies good for cuts?
Short answer: natural remedies for cuts may be effective when it comes to reducing pain and speeding healing.
- In this article we discuss 10 natural remedies for cuts.
- You can use these remedies alongside basic first aid principles for your cut.
- You should not rely solely on natural remedies for severe wounds, in this case medical attention may be needed. For basic cuts and grazes they may be very helpful, however.
Ten Natural Home Remedies for Cuts
- Silver
- Raw honey
- Turmeric paste
- Mix some turmeric with warm water, so that it forms a paste.
- Apply the paste directly to the wound, selecting your desired form of coverage.
- Cover the wound with a bandage.
- Garlic
- Coconut oil
- Aloe vera
- Calendula (also known as marigold)
- Tea tree oil or lavender oil
- Propolis
- Plantain leaf
Silver is an incredibly potent healing agent.
It has numerous scientifically backed properties; being antibacterial and antiviral, and is even used in hospital and clinical settings.
Silver is safe for use on most open wounds, and can help to disinfect and prevent infection.
It might come in a variety of forms that you can use on your cut.
How to use:
Consider applying a silver gel (which may be possible to purchase at the chemist) or a topical solution such as colloidal silver.
Silver is generally safe when used topically.
Raw honey has been used for its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties for a very long time.
It is important to note you should only use 100% raw and pure honey for the purpose of cut treatment.
Processed honey will not work, and does not possess the same healing benefits.
How to use:
To use raw honey for a cut, simply generously apply it onto the area.
You can cover it using any form of desired wound coverage (for example, a pad or sterile dressing cover).
Turmeric possesses anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antibacterial benefits.
It may be useful for both decreasing pain and speeding healing of a cut when used topically.
Curcumin is an active ingredient in tumeric responsible for the effects.
The effects are also backed by research.
Note: it is best to try to use turmeric for mild or closed wounds, because it needs to be a certain pure grade to be appropriate for open wounds (medical grade).
How to use:
The best way to use turmeric is by making it into a paste.
Steps:
A common ingredient you may even find in your kitchen, garlic is notorious for its properties - many of which are research backed and aid in wound healing.
Garlic contains allicin, an antimicrobial and antiinflammatory agent.
How to use:
There are a variety of ways in which you can use garlic.
Raw garlic may be the most powerful.
It also comes in oil and syrup - or you may use direct application forms.
You can use a cool compress with garlic tea, or apply garlic oil/syrup in place of an antibiotic cream before covering your wound.
You can change or reapply it once or twice daily.
Note:
Raw garlic can be quite powerful, and may cause some skin irritation when applied directly.
If you want to apply raw garlic directly to any cut/wound, take caution and remove it if sensitivity occurs.
Note: when using coconut oil it is important to choose extra-virgin oil.
You want the purest product possible, and organic is an extra benefit.
Coconut oil has a fatty acid called monolaurin in it, which can assist with wound recovery.
It holds antimicrobial properties - and may help to reduce the chance of infection while promoting faster healing.
How to use:
To use coconut oil, simply apply directly to the cut and cover as usual.
Aloe vera has long been used for a variety of wounds.
It is best to obtain the gel directly from the plant, but if you are unable to do so opt for a pure aloe vera gel without any additives in it.
How to use:
Cover your wound or cut with the gel before applying a clean bandage.
The moist and soothing properties of the gel will help to speed up healing and potentially prevent scarring.
Calendula is a gentle and soothing floral option for cuts.
It helps to stimulate collagen and has anti-inflammatory/antibacterial priorities.
Another garden based option, you can also purchase it as ointment or liquid.
Tea bags can also work in a fix!
Fun fact: did you know calendula cream served as an antibacterial wound dressing for soldiers in World War One?
How to use:
Simply apply directly to the wound and cover.
If using teabags, squeeze or apply them directly to the wound.
Tea tree oil is a notorious antiseptic and may help to prevent infection.
Lavender oil has also been reported by many to ease pain and stimulate healing.
How to use:
Before applying any essential oil, you should dilute them with a carrier oil.
Tip: Jojoba, coconut, almond or olive oil are options - and if you use coconut you will get the added benefits of it too!
We covered honey above, but another remedy that anchors the powerful properties of bee products is propolis.
Propolis comes in a variety of forms; from a liquid/tincture to an ointment.
You may find an ointment convenient to also promote moisture.
How to use:
Whichever form is used, simply apply it directly - you can follow the topical instructions on the bottle.
Plantain has long been used for cut and wound treatment.
It has two crucial chemicals in it: aucubin and allantoin.
They are known for their antimicrobial properties and assisting with wound healing.
How to use:
Try to use fresh plantain leaves.
You can crush them and simply apply directly.
If you can find one, plantain may also be available in raw tinctures/liquid versions.
In this case, apply the liquid to the wound.
What Other Remedies Would Help Heal Cuts Fast?
If you are treating an especially severe cut or do not find the remedies to be sufficient on their own, there are a few other first aid remedies you can attempt in conjunction.
Additional remedies for cuts:
- Topical antibiotic cream
- Wound gel (there are a variety of options available)
- Topical antiseptic (such as Betadine)
- Bandaging with a dressing and sterile cover
You can purchase antibiotic creams to apply directly to the wound, which will help prevent infection.
We covered silver wound gel, but there are also other over-the-counter options.
Topical antiseptics will disinfect the wound and prevent infection.
What are the Natural Remedies for Cuts on Fingers?
If you have a cut on your finger, you may want to attempt some of the remedies above alongside a clean bandage suited to the area size.
You can purchase bandages that are specifically suited to finger size, or if your cut is small a Band-Aid may suffice.
However, try to avoid anything sticky going directly onto the area as it might irritate the cut.
Ointments may be a good and convenient option for cuts on fingers.
How Effective are Natural Remedies for Infected Cuts?
Natural remedies can be very effective, both used as either a standalone or in conjunction with additional remedies.
Some of the antibacterial and antiseptic properties in particular of some of these items have a variety of benefits - including infection prevention and pain reduction.
They can help to keep your wound sterile as it heals, while speeding up the process and killing existing bacteria.
Some of these remedies (like silver for instance) have such strong properties they are even used in clinical settings for wound coverage.
- Virtually the only time in which it may be inadvisable to utilise natural remedies for cuts is in the case of a severe cut or wound.
- Watch for signs of infection and get treatment if they present.
In this case, do not rely solely on these remedies or consult for medical recommendations prior to use.
Related Questions:
Are there any side-effects of natural remedies for cuts?
Natural remedies are generally very safe and have minimal side-effects. If you experience skin irritation upon use of any, simply discontinue usage and attempt another.
Do not use anything you are allergic to.
Can I use natural remedies alongside other items?
Yes, you can. Remedies usually don’t interact with each other, and can help both as a standalone or alongside other treatments.
You can also check with your doctor before usage of natural treatments alongside any currently being used.
Takeaway:
Natural remedies for cuts can be effective in terms of speeding up healing and preventing infections.
Consider trying these 10 research backed natural remedies, and make sure to properly tend to and watch over your cut until it heals.
In the case of a severe wound/cut, ensure you seek proper medical attention.
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