Most wounds, especially the small ones, heal naturally with time. It takes around 4 to 24 days, but there are natural remedies for wounds to help heal faster.
Please take note that the remedies listed here are for small cuts and scrapes that one can take care of themselves. If you have serious, deeper wounds, we advise you to see a doctor.
Antibacterial Ointment
Over-the-counter ointments are readily available for home treatment of wounds. It is usually used to reduce the risk of infection after getting minor cuts, burns or scratches.
Antibacterial ointments have several medicines in it that kill bacteria by weakening their cell membrane, blocking their capability to build a cell wall, and keeping the bacteria from making a protein which they need to thrive.
You should only use this after cleaning the wound. If needed, you can cover the area with a bandage after applying the ointment. Stop usage if the wounded area seems to be getting worse.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a succulent plant known for its clear, thick gel. It is already known for soothing and healing wounds because of its natural polysaccharide called glucomannan which helps with cellular regeneration and causes our bodies to produce collagen (a protein that regulates wound healing).
When it is made into hydrogels, it becomes a smart material that can cover wounds and slowly release healing substances. Scientists also mix in other medicines like antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs with the hydrogel to make it even more effective.
You can apply a thin layer of its gel to your wound or soak a bandage in aloe vera gel and use it to dress the wound.
As for precautions, do not use aloe vera gel on deep, severe or infected wounds. Always perform a patch test to see if you have a sensitivity or allergic reaction to its substance.
Turmeric
The curcumin in turmeric has antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It does not only soothe wounds, but it also actively boosts the body’s natural healing process.
Curcumin is also a radical scavenger, meaning it neutralises damaging molecules that can slow down healing.
Create a paste by mixing turmeric and warm water and then apply it to the wound. Finally, cover the treated wound with a clean bandage.
If you have to use turmeric for wound healing, only do it on closed, minor wounds. Otherwise, a doctor’s intervention is needed.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil shows some healing effects even though not as effectively as aloe vera gel. It contains monolaurin which is a fatty acid with antimicrobial properties.
Aside from that, coconut oil keeps the wound moist and protects it, reducing your risk of getting an infection.
Firstly, clean the wound with water and a mild soap. Then apply a thin layer of coconut oil using your finger or a clean Q-tip. You can reapply it several times a day, about every three hours.
For the best results, you may want to opt for clean, virgin coconut oil.
Garlic
Garlic has this compound called allicin which has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Scientists have created special wound dressings in the form of tiny fibres and they’ve embedded garlic into the fibres. When they tested this in the lab, the garlic was released quickly and showed strong antibacterial effects against two bacteria that are known to infect wounds:
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E. coli
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Staphylococcus aureus
This and many other studies show that garlic increases the rate of wound healing and at the same time reduces the rate of infection.
If you are to use it to heal wounds, crush a fresh clove to release allicin and let it sit for 10 minutes. After that, dilute the crushed garlic with a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil before you apply it to the wound. Then, rinse it off.
A gentle reminder from us: Never ever apply garlic directly to open wounds. It can cause skin irritation or burns. Consult a healthcare professional first.
Honey
Honey having antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties is not news for everyone. People have used it to heal chronic wounds for a very long time.
It has a wide range of active compounds, such as flavonoids, organic acids, enzymes, vitamins, and phenolic acids that help improve healing.
Use only medical-grade honey after discussing its usage with a doctor. If they’ve given their approval, here is how to use honey for wounds.
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Wash the wound with saline or clean water.
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Squeeze a generous amount of honey onto a sterile dressing or gauze pad. The honey should fill the entire wound bed. As an alternative option, you can use pre-impregnated dressings.
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Place the dressing or gauze pad over the wound and cover it with an occlusive dressing to prevent the honey from seeping out.
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Then change the dressing regularly, maybe once or twice daily.
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Finally, wash your hands after changing the dressing.
Manuka Honey to Help Heal Wounds Faster Naturally
Did you know that the main medical use for this kind of honey is for wound and burn healing? Thanks to its hydrogen peroxide content that it has antibiotic quality.
Another antibacterial component of Manuka honey is MGO or methyglyoxal. The higher its level in a honey product, the stronger the antibacterial effect. So you can trust Manuka honey provides effective healing to wounds and skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis.
But bear in mind that the jar of Manuka honey in your pantry isn’t a first aid kit. Prioritise treating your wounds by following first aid practices:
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Wash your wounds with clear water or normal saline.
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Apply a dressing and firm pressure to the area to stop the bleeding.
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Clean the wound using sterile gauze swabs.
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Gently swipe outward from the wound area; get a new swab for every swipe.
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Lift any foreign material using the corner of the swab.
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Pat the wounded area dry with a clean gauze swab.
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Lastly, apply a bandage/plaster.
Conclusion
There are numerous home remedies you can use to help heal your wounds faster naturally. But before using anything of what we discussed above, consider asking your doctor if it’s safe for your condition, especially if you are trying natural remedies for wounds that won’t heal fast.
When you get your clearance from your medical provider, you can try using what is most accessible to you. Manuka honey is a great addition to your pantry. Not only is it helpful for wounds, but it’s also proven effective for soothing a cough or sore throat and digestive health.
Purchase Manuka honey in Singapore here.