Marigolds
It is important to know that what you put on your skin can and will be absorbed into the body. The herbs listed below are some of the most popular herbs for skin and wound management. They should be in your cabinet at home and the barn for daily use.
Arnica: ( Arnica montana) This herb is considered an anti-inflammatory. It is best used where there is swelling from bruises and sprains, cartilage stress and rheumatoid arthritis. Arnica is not taken internally, unless it is homeopathically prepared, as it can be toxic.
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Aloe: (Aloe vera) Aloe promotes healing of burned skin either by the sun, fire, chemical or x-ray. The active ingredient in aloe is called Aloin. Aloin consists of vitamins, minerals, silicon, iron, enzymes, amino acids, trace sugars.
Chickweed: (Stellaria media) Its most common use is as an external remedy for cuts, wounds and chronic itching caused by eczema, psoriasis and other rashes. It is also used in poultices to help pull toxins from a wound.
Comfrey: (Symphytum officinale) This herb is impressive as a wound-healing herb because it is rich in allantoin, the ingredient that stimulates cell proliferation and helps a wound heal from the inside out. Because of this, comfrey should be used with caution on deep wounds so an abscess does not develop. It also helps guard against scar tissue formation.
Marigold : (Calendula officianalis) It is one of the best herbs for treating local skin problems. It has been used in ointments and oils and teas for hundreds of years. Calendula is best suited for healing ointments and infusions or tinctures for any kind of skin problem from wounds to frostbite, burns, boils, bruises, sprains. Calendula has a strong antibiotic, anti-fungal effect on germs. It also has effect on slow healing wounds, minor burns. A study done at National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland OR showed calendula tincture to be as effective as bleach in killing germs; however, it is much less toxic or harsh, and it will not burn the skin.
St. Johnswort: (Hypericum perforatum) As a lotion it will speed the healing of wounds and bruises, varicose veins and mild burns. The oil is especially healing to sunburns. It can create photosensitivity in some horses; most reports of its use are for cows.