Cuts and Scrapes

Cuts and scrapes happen without notice. The seriousness of the injury depends on the deepness and the amount of bleeding incurred. However, most cuts and scrapes involve the superficial layers of the skin. And so, these minor conditions can be easily dealt with. Anybody can be susceptible to cuts and scrapes, but kids are usually the affected parties. With their active play and curiosity, children are number-one candidates. Unless seriously bleeding and deep, injuries are often treated with first aid. Treatment starts by cleansing the wound and preparing it for topical medications. Antiseptics, topical antibiotics, and even soap and water contribute to stop germ proliferation on the injured part. Once bacteria, virus or other microbes invade these open wounds, infection is very likely. Infections should be prevented to avoid delay in wound healing. The topicals stated above would help in this area.

Skin cut

Once the wound is cleansed, a dressing or bandage is applied. The purpose is to protect the cut or scrape from further injury or infection. Colorful adhesive bandages often put a smile on children’s faces and make the treatment of cuts and scrapes more manageable and fun for them.

There are alternative ways of treating simple cuts and scrapes. Herbal remedies have been found to cure them (even more effectively than the synthetic drugs that are commonly available in the drugstores). Just a visit to your herbal garden would do the trick. Many commonly known medicinal plants, like aloe vera, have been universally accepted in treating common skin problems. With this kind of treatment, you would feel more secure that it is natural and has lesser (if not, nonexistent) side effects.

Below are the most common herbal plants for the treatment of minor skin wounds like cuts and scrapes. You need to still check with your medical practitioner for medical advice.

Herb Description, Treatment & Procedures
Aloe Vera
(Aloe barbadensis miller liquid) Aloe vera, or sabila in the Philippines, is a medicinal plant with many benefits. It contains vitamins and amino acids that help regenerate the skin. Aloe vera extracts are often diluted in water for the treatment of cuts and scrapes. Also, the gel can be applied directly to the affected skin.
Guava
(Psidium guajava) Guava is a small tree that is one of the popular therapeutic plants in the Philippines. The guava leaves, bark and fruit are often used for medicinal purposes. Since guava is best known for its antiseptic properties, fresh guava leaves are boiled. When cooled, use the decoction as wash on the cuts and scrapes to facilitate wound cleaning and healing.
Virgin Coconut Oil
(Cocos nucifera) Virgin coconut oil (VCO) is similar to regular coconut oil since it is rich in lauric acid, an essential fatty acid that is believed to fight viral, bacterial and parasitic pathogens. But VCO is unlike regular coconut oil because of its processing difference. VCO reportedly does not raise bad cholesterol levels, unlike regular coconut oil. Thus, VCO brings more medicinal benefits for the cure of many common illnesses. The benefits include boosting the body’s immune system, regulating blood sugar, lowering viral load of AIDS patients, helping hepatitis C and herpes patients, maintaining healthy thyroid functions, maintaining healthy cholesterol levels and, lastly, healing and nourishing the skin, hair and scalp. For the treatment of minor wounds, rub the oil on the affected area to promote faster healing and skin nourishment.
Papaya
(Carica papaya L) The papaya is a fruit tree that bears medicinal properties for the cure of common ailments including cuts and scrapes. Specifically, the papaya latex of unripe fruit or trunk is applied on the wound to promote healing.

Links for Further Cuts and Scrapes Herbal Study
Philippine Herbs
1. Philippine Herbal Medicine
2. Philippine Herbal Medicine
3. Philippine Herbal Medicine
4. Stuart Exchange
5. Stuart Exchange

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