Herbal First Aid

Michael Castleman

It's always a good idea to keep a first aid kit around for minor emergencies, and when you're stocking the kit, don't overlook natural products that can speed healing and reduce the risk of infection. Soothe minor cuts and scrapes ? safely and naturally ? with these common natural medicines.

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• The oils in chamomile promote skin regeneration. Make a strong tea using 1 heaping teaspoon of flowers per cup of boiling water. Steep until cool. Apply to damaged skin using a compress.
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• Comfrey contains allantoin, a compound that helps heal wounds. Apply fresh, washed and bruised leaves directly to wounds as a poultice, or apply a paste of powdered leaves.
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• Calendula also helps heal wounds. Brew a tea using 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried flowers per cup of boiling water. Steep until cool. Apply using a compress, or mix 1 to 2 teaspoons of tincture in a cup of water and apply.
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• Apply honey to a wound to prevent infection and speed healing.
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