Natural medicines have been around since the dawn of man, but their roles have been marginalized by modernization. However, in times of instability and catastrophe, the fruits of modern medicine may not be readily available, forcing us to rely on the gifts that Mother Nature has given us.
Therefore, we can learn a lot from tree lovers who use plants and herbs that are natural antiseptics to treat many common injuries and illnesses. In particular, several natural options are available for treating wounds and cuts.
Our skin is the largest organ in the body and is exposed to pollutants and microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses) that are found everywhere. This is where antiseptics come into play, the natural antiseptics found in nature also contribute to generating skin care beyond helping in the healing and disinfection process of wounds.
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Natural antiseptics found in nature
Antiseptic is called antiseptic to those products that contain properties that allow the elimination of microbes and harmful agents that can affect any recent wound, thus preventing the wound from becoming infected or inflamed. The following are listed as excellent antiseptics that you have at your disposal in nature.
Honey
Of all the natural antiseptics, the most tried and tested medicine is honey. The sweet liquid produced by bees has been used throughout history to treat wounds. Honey exhibits antiseptic activity on a broad spectrum of bacteria.
Its effectiveness can be attributed to many factors, including its acidity and high osmolarity, and the presence of hydrogen peroxide. If you are storing honey, be sure to keep it in a cool environment, as heat can break down hydrogen peroxide.
Honey can also be used on a wound to help it heal faster. We all know that honey is sticky, and this property can help form a protective barrier around a wound while maintaining a moist environment.
The anti-inflammatory aspect of honey has been well documented and can be helpful in reducing pain around wounds. With all its benefits, it seems that honey and wounds were made for each other.
If you apply honey to a wound, be sure to wrap the area in a cloth or medical wrap to prevent dirt and particles from getting caught. Note that honey is high in sugar, so hungry ants, dogs, and bears will be attracted to the wound.
Aloe Vera as a natural antiseptic
The rate of wound healing depends on many variables, and many natural medicines have been used to speed up this process. Aloe vera is used for many dermatological purposes, and its boost to speed up skin healing is popular.
When cut, the prickly leaves of the aloe plant excrete a gel that can be applied directly to wounds. The gel exhibits a soothing anti-inflammatory effect.
The aloe vera plant grows easily in many different climates, does not require much water, and is resistant to pests; therefore, growing one at home would not be a bad idea.
With the rise in forms of bacteria resistant to antibiotics, alternative options for treating infections have become increasingly important. As the field of alternative medicine continues to grow and more research is being done to fully understand the wide range of options, our drug stocks may expand to include as many plants and trees that grow right outside our windows.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil has been gaining popularity as an antiseptic. The oil is extracted from the leaves of a tea tree, native to Australia, and can be applied topically to a cut to prevent microbial infections.
The oil is made up of 98 different compounds, but the active ingredient is still unknown. Applying oil around cuts and wounds before covering them can prevent harmful unwanted infections. A word of caution: this oil is toxic to humans when taken orally, so be careful not to ingest it.
Garlic
The first step in treating a wound or cut is to stop the bleeding, usually by applying pressure to the injury with a clean cloth. Once the bleeding has stopped, the next and most important part of treatment is to clean and disinfect the area.
One of the most widely used natural antiseptics is garlic, and its use has been documented in many cultures. There is evidence that fresh garlic has antibacterial and antiviral properties.
Garlic’s effectiveness decreases with age, so fresh garlic should be used on wounds rather than the older bulbs that have been around.
The active chemical in garlic is allicin, which is formed when fresh garlic is minced or crushed. Allicin, which gives garlic that distinct scent, is very unstable and therefore it is essential to apply the bulb immediately to the wound after cutting.
Thyme
The antiseptic power of thyme has been known since ancient times. In the Egypt of the pharaohs, thyme was burned to purify the air.
Today it is used to treat or prevent infections of internal organs such as bronchi, intestine, etc. In this sense, you can take thyme infusions twice a day and if you want its healing powers to increase, you only need to add a little honey or lemon juice.
Externally it is used to heal wounds and cuts. To do this, you need to boil two tablespoons of thyme in a cup of water for 5 minutes. After that time, remove from heat and let cool. Place, using a cotton ball, in the affected areas.
Bee propolis
It is a substance linked to bees just like honey. Propolis is the resin that they use to cover the holes in the hives and thus prevent the entry of intruders.
Because it is composed of vitamins, minerals and a large number of bioflavonoids, it is considered a powerful natural antibiotic and antiseptic and, for ancient times, it has been used to heal skin wounds and to soothe stomach ulcers.
Currently, it is used both externally and internally. It can be applied directly to the gums to prevent or combat gingivitis and mouth ulcers with a cotton swab.
Other great natural antisepsis you can use
Lavender. Besides being pretty and scented, lavender works as a good astringent and antibiotic remedy. It should only be prepared in the form of a poultice or infusion, and applied to the skin.
Carrot. This tuber is also effective for disinfecting wounds and treating postulence. You just have to prepare a paste based on boiled and grated carrot and apply it on the affected area for a few minutes.
Onions. You have undoubtedly heard about the fame of onions as bactericides, so it could not be missing from our list of natural antiseptics. To treat wounds, the onion can be applied in various ways: roasting it, boiling it or by applying the fine fabrics that are between its layers.