Herbal aftercare ideas for physical trauma and injury

There are numerous herbal remedies for injuries that help the body to heal faster with less residual damage. The following can be used for a wide variety of injuries such as cuts, scrapes, bruises, sprains and strains:

Mix equal parts:

• St Johns Wort flowers (Hypericum perforatum) reduces bruising & nerve damage
• Calendula flowers (Calendula officinalis) promotes healing, reduces inflammation
• Yarrow flowers (Achillea millefolium) good for open wounds, promotes healing

You can use these in several ways. The blend is a nice combo but don’t hesitate to use just one herb if that is all you can find. These can be applied immediately after injury and later as needed.

As a tea:

Strain well and apply externally frequently as a wash out of a bottle or a spritzer; or dip a clean cloth in the tea and hold or tape it to the area for 1/2 hour, 1-3 times daily. Will keep unrefridgerated for about 24 hours.

As a tincture:

    For small injuries apply a dropper directly to affected area. For larger areas dilute a spoonful in 1/4 - 1/2 cup water and apply as a wash or on a cloth. Tinctures contain alcohol. They will burn open wounds. If someone has just been assaulted they may react strongly if caused more pain.

As an oil:

    Don’t use oils at demos since it can hold chemical weapons on your skin. Once you are home oils are helpful externally since they are easy to spread over a large area.

Internally:

    If you have some experience with herbs you may choose to also use these internally. Tea 1-2 cups a day. Tincture 1-3 dropperfuls 2-3 times a day.