Essential Oils for Basic Wound Care

April 04, 2014

I love this elbow, it belongs to a stubborn man.  Back in January my husband showed me his elbow one morning and said, "look at this".  What the?!  My mouth dropped open in concern of course but I wanted to smack him at the same time.  

Two weeks before this revelation Mike was shoveling snow and slipped on an icy patch, scraping layers of skin off of his elbow even though it was covered with a jacket on impact.  I couldn't believe he waited so long to show me his messy elbow, really Mike?

My first thought was for the infection and how to stop it, the angry wound was much too red for my liking and, it was hot.  I gathered a few key anti-microbial essential oils that I keep out on the counter.  Why?  Because consistent use of essential oils is key when treating any infection so make them convenient but safely out of reach from your little ones.  I also collected a bottle of colloidal silver, manuka honey, some gauze pads and vet wrap.

Essential Oils

 

1. Melaleuca

 Melaleuca is an anti-microbial cleanser, and one you want on the front lines of wound care. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10735256

 

 

2. Lavender

Never underestimate the powers of pure Lavender essential oil!  Commonly used to speed up the healing process of wounds, cuts, burns, and sunburns because it improves the formation of scar tissues.  Lavender has pain relieving properties as well. http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/03/11/lavender-oil-has-potent-antifungal-effect.aspx

 

 

3. Frankincense

Frankincense is effective as an antiseptic, and even the fumes or smoke obtained from burning it have antiseptic and disinfectant qualities that eliminate the germs in the space where the smoke filters out. It can be applied on wounds without any known side effects to protect them from tetanus and becoming septic. It is equally good on internal wounds and protects them from developing infections. http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/health-benefits-of-frankincense-essential-oil.html

 

 

4. Helichrysum

Helichrysum does not allow your wounds to become septic. It can be safely applied on wounds, cuts, pricks, and any other open sores that could become infected. Helichrysum along with Myrrh and Geranium are coagulants which mean they'll help stop the bleeding, important pure oils to have in your home.  http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/health-benefits-of-helihtml

 

 

Other Natural Alternatives

Manuka Honey Watch this clip from Dr. Oz. Colloidal Silver is another natural antibiotic – use for seven days under tongue and can be used directly on any wound. Fortunately, silver’s powerful infection-fighting qualities are finally gaining the attention of many top medical researchers and practitioners. For example, as Dr. Joseph Weissman, M.D. board certified immunologist and Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of California Medical School has recently stated:

“Today, many antibiotics are now losing the battle with germs. Fortunately, the best germ killer, which was discovered over 2,000 years ago, is finally getting the proper attention from medical science - natural silver. I sincerely recommend that everyone have electrically generated colloidal silver in their home as an antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal agent.”

It's always a good idea to record what you used and small details that you might forget about later.  This was my journal entry:

First day: applied and layered:

• CW Frankincense 
• CW Melaleuca
• CW Lavender with a small bit of All Purpose Healing Salve and covered the wound with Manuka honey all day. I held it in place with a patch of gauze then wrapped with elasticized veterinarian wrap.  1 teaspoon of Colloidal Silver under tongue 3x / day. Unwrapped that night, reapplied oils (no honey) and used a hot compress of Epsom salt water, scab slid off the wound. The area around the wound became redder in a wider circle and slightly swollen, no fever, however.  Left wound uncovered to breathe during the night.

2nd morning: the swelling and redness were reduced greatly and Mike slept well! Reapplied oils by layering them once again.  Applied a small bit of Manuka on a small band-aid over the opening that will eventually fall off (I knew it).  More Colloidal Silver 3x daily.  Sent a bottle of Helichrysum and Frankincense with Mike to work....instructed him to touch one drop of each to wound every 3 hrs. Mike will wear a long sleeve shirt all day.

2nd night:  More Frankincense, Melaleuca, Lavender followed by warm compress of Epsom salt water. 3rd morning:  Repeat the second day without manuka honey as

3rd morning:  Repeat the second day without manuka honey as wound is closing nicely. 3rd night:  Repeat the EO protocol, no need for Epsom salt compress. 4th thru 7th day:  Repeat

 

I recommend keeping pure Frankincense, Melaleuca and Lavender in the house, this is one of my favorite healing blends.  Manuka Honey is a must at our house for its anti-microbial activity. I know it's pricey but it's an amazing healer. Colloidal Silver is a favorite as well for knocking infection.  

I need to drive this one fact home before I close. When using natural remedies like essential oils, consistency is KEY.  Yes, it may be more trouble than popping pills but the benefits far outweigh any inconvenience.  What are those benefits?  You keep a strong immunity, no synthetic antibiotics to strip the good flora. That said, I believe that there are times when prescription antibiotics are necessary just stay on a good probiotic, eat right and stay hydrated. Always seek medical attention when necessary, infection is nothing to take lightly these days. 

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