Comfrey and Calendula for Minor Grazes and Cuts

Minor grazes and cuts are extremely common. They result in pain and bleeding and most of the times are accidental. These kind of skin problems usually heal on their own and can be treated at home. You must first apply pressure on the area to stop the bleeding. After that, you can use water and an antiseptic soap to clean the area. Next, make use of one of the following home remedies to prevent any further infection and speed up the healing process.

White Vinegar

White vinegar is not as acidic as the other types of vinegars and can immediately disinfect and cleanse cuts. It has antiseptic and astringent properties and can prevent infections. Mix filtered water (2/3 cups) with salt (1 tablespoon). Stir well and make sure the salt is dissolved. Add the vinegar (1 teaspoon) and mix well. Use a cotton ball to apply the solution every 2 – 3 hours. Use the remedy daily until the cut or graze is healed.

Plantain

Plantain can immediately treat minor grazes and cuts. The plant comes with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and cleansing properties and can prevent infection and reduce pain. At the same time, it contains allantoin, a compound that helps the new skin cells grow and heals the skin. Use a few plantain leaves and crush them until you obtain their juice. Clean the affected area and put on the crushed leaves. Let them cure for a couple of hours. Alternatively, you can use plantain ointment or oil. Follow the remedy for every day, 2 – 3 times per day.

Calendula

Marigold or calendula is a natural antiseptic and can immediately alleviate pain, slow down bleeding and reduce inflammation. Also, it promotes rapid healing. Prepare a tea with water (1 cup) and dried calendula flowers (1 tablespoon). Let them boil for about 5 minutes. After that, strain the liquid and let it cool. Wash the cut or the graze with this solution for 2 or 3 times per day. You can even use calendula lotions and creams a few times per day to promote quick healing.

Onion

Onions have antimicrobial and antiseptic qualities and can speed up the healing of minor cuts. At the same time, it contains quercetin and sulfur compounds that can diminish the pain. Cut an onion and apply the slices on the affected area. Repeat the procedure a few times per day to promote healing and reduce swelling.

Comfrey

Grazes and cuts can be treated with comfrey. The plant contains allantoin, a chemical compound that heals grazes and cuts. At the same time, it diminishes the risk of scarring. Mix hot water (1 cup) with dried comfrey (1 tablespoon). Cover the pot and let the mixture steep for about 15 minutes. Strain it and let it cool. Clean the cuts and grazes with this solution about 2 – 3 times daily. If you have fresh comfrey leaves, you can rub them on the cuts or use comfrey ointment a few times per day to speed up the healing process.