Health Conditions from A to Z

Wounds

Damage to the skin or underlying tissues. Any type of injury to the skin poses a threat due to the risk for infection or further damage if the wound becomes complicated.

Caution
If you are wounded, seek immediate medical attention.

Symptoms
Wound symptoms and healing times can vary greatly. Acute wounds can be as simple as a minor cut or scratch that require little more than cleansing and bandaging, or as complicated as a wound requiring surgical closure (stitches or suturing) or even greater care. Chronic wounds, such as arterial, venous, or diabetic ulcers, may involve greater time for healing to occur. The primary symptom of all wounds is pain to a lesser or greater degree. Bruising and/or bleeding can also occur. If left untreated, wounds can also lead to infection.

There are many types of wounds, including superficial paper cuts, surgical wounds, pressure sores, diabetic ulcers, and wounds due to trauma (accidents, cuts, etc.).

Causes
Wounds can be caused by cuts, surgical procedures, bites, or trauma (blows to the body), or they can result as a complication from a disease, such as diabetic ulcers, or from prolonged bed rest (bed sores).

Self-Care Tips

Aromatherapy
Useful essential oils include lavender, myrrh, bergamot, chamomile, tea tree, eucalyptus, juniper, and rosemary.

Diet
A diet rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, and zinc enhances wound healing. Foods high in these nutrients include green and yellow vegetables, raw seeds and nuts, eggs, and cold-water fish, as well as fresh organic fruits and vegetables. Avoid all saturated and processed fats, as well as refined and processed foods, sugars, caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol.

Herbs
Calendula lotion can help to speed wound healing and also has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Other useful herbal remedies are echinacea ointment, comfrey root powder (applied as a salve), and goldenseal (also applied as a salve). Distilled witch hazel can promote healing.

Juice Therapy
Useful juices include beet greens, which are rich in beta carotene, vitamins C, vitamin E, and magnesium; beet root, which is rich in potassium, folic acid, and glutathione; carrot, which is rich in vitamin A, beta carotene, potassium, trace minerals, and antioxidants; and celery, which is rich in potassium, sodium, and antioxidants.

Homeopathy
The three most useful homeopathic remedies are Calendula, Hypericum, and Ledum.

Nutritional Supplementation
Recommended nutrients include vitamin A, beta carotene, vitamin B complex, vitamin C, pantothenic acid, and zinc. Noni fruit extract is also useful because of its ability to improve immune function, stimulates cell regeneration, and fight pain and inflammation.

Topical Treatment
Unprocessed honey applied topically can help to disinfect wounds, sores, and actively promote wound healing.

Caution

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