Are Certain Plants Medicinal? Can They Heal Wounds?

The medicinal properties of some plants can aid the process of skin tissue regeneration in superficial wounds. Find out what they are how they work.

Written and verified by psychologist Valeria Sabater.

Last update: 11 August, 2022

There’s a great variety of medicinal plants that heal wounds found in nature. Not only do they help protect it from external factors but they also provide nutrients to keep it healthy and fresh. In addition, there are specific plant varieties that promote efficient wound healing.

Of course, we’re talking about superficial wounds such as small cuts, chafing, and minor burns. Seek medical attention for any serious lesions that are visible to the naked eye.

Be careful, if you’re prone to allergies, have sensitive skin, or are afflicted by a dermatological disorder such as dermatitis or psoriasis. In these cases, avoid resorting to remedies without the authorization of your health professional.

With this in mind, here are six plants you can try in case of an emergency, always run it by your doctor if you can.

1. Aloe vera, the most common option

Aloe vera gel is a great moisturizer and also as part of the treatment of wounds, burns, and skin irritation. This pulp contains more than just water; it also contains acidic mucilage, organic salts, enzymes, saponins, tannins, vitamins, and a variety of minerals.

• The topical application of aloe vera gel stimulates your production of collagen. This process improves healing and angiogenesis, which is the formation of new tissue to heal a wound.
• Thanks to the findings of several studies, it’s also known that this plant has therapeutic effects that help reduce both pain and inflammation.
• You might be interested to know that aloe contains aloe emodin, an organic compound that fights viruses and bacteria. This allows it to heal wounds quickly and without the risk of infection.

How to apply aloe vera to heal and heal your wounds

According to popular belief, an excellent and easy way to take advantage of the properties of aloe vera is to freeze it. Here’s how:

• Take a stalk from the aloe vera plant and cut it in half, lengthwise
• Remove all of the translucent gel from the inside and place it in ice cube trays
• Once you’ve filled the tray, put it in the freezer
• The gel will retain all of its properties while frozen. Whenever you need it, all you need to do is remove one of the cubes

Cold application of aloe vera can also be therapeutic in relieving minor bruises and contusions.

2. Asian centella is a great ally for skin and circulation

Thanks to these compounds, it can speedup healing and even improve circulation to stimulate the production of collagen. It’s common for pharmaceutical companies to add this ingredient to topical treatments.

How to use Asian centella as medicinal plant

Before applying homemade poultices with Asian centella leaves, it’s best to consult a doctor. That way, you’ll be able to avoid any adverse reactions (redness, irritation, itching, etc.).

On the other hand, it’s a good idea to evaluate using a pharmaceutical product that contains centella. That way, you’ll have more security and prevent adverse reactions.

3. Chamomile, one of the best medicinal plants to heal your wounds

The European Medicine Agency (EMA) approved the use of chamomile a few years ago. When used topically, this herb is very effective when it comes to healing wounds, treating eczema, and alleviating all types of inflammation.

In addition, it’s antiallergenic. Below we’ll explain how to take advantage of its health properties.

How to use chamomile plants for medicinal purposes

This is very easy. The first thing you need to do is buy some dried chamomile from a natural store or herbalist. You could also use tea bags.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp. of dried chamomile (10 g.)
• 1/2 c. of water (125 ml.)

Preparation

• Heat the water and when it reaches a boil, add the tablespoon of dried chamomile
• Once you have let it steep, strain off the liquid and save it
• While it’s still warm, use a cotton pad to apply this healing, medicinal liquid to the wound
• You can repeat these steps several times a day; it usually has great results

4. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

This is an herb with antiseptic and expectorant properties, widely used to treat respiratory conditions. Also against gastrointestinal and digestion problems. In its composition, essential oil and flavonoids stand out.

Thyme has an antiseptic quality and you can use the infusion to disinfect skin wounds and help them heal overall.

5. Mugwort extract

This is a species native to China and Vietnam, with medicinal properties have been recognized and studied since ancient times. Its essential oil has many properties, including antimicrobial, antiparasitic, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Laboratory tests determined that a 5 percent mugwort extract is as effective as conventional ointments used to regenerate the skin.

6. Marshmallow poultice (Althaea officinalis) plants have medicinal properties

Its name comes from the Greek word altho which means to heal. Marshmallow grows in humid places, near the sea, estuaries, and river banks. It’s very common in Spain, in the Mediterranean area of ​​Europe, and part of the Atlantic, among many other regions.

As a remedy, the root, leaf, and flowers are used. Its main component is mucilage, present in large quantities (5-25 percent).

It’s used as a poultice for healing purposes. Make a paste with a tablespoon of powdered root and a quart of water. You can apply it to boils, abscesses, ulcers, and any infected wounds.

Finally, do you want to support the processes that help you heal and heal your wounds and don’t have access to a doctor? Keep these plants in your pantry to benefit from their medicinal properties.