When it comes to supporting the body homeopathically in healing wounds, we often think of topical applications, for example, of Calendula cream or tincture.  While this can help promote healing, there are a great many homeopathic remedies that when taken orally in potency, can halt persistent bleeding, reduce pain, encourage prompt healing, and heal infection (or reduce infection risk).  The right remedy or remedies to support wound healing will be the ones to accurately match your symptoms.

It is important to add that the usual sensible first aid measures should be taken.  And remember – the human body is good at healing!  In most cases minor wounds need only be cleaned, and covered if necessary with a plaster or suitable dressing, with no internal remedies needed.  If bleeding persists (but is not serious) then pressure and elevation will usually be enough to stop it before covering the wound.

Sometimes however a wound is more serious, or our normal healing capacity is compromised, and then help is needed.  Medical assistance should be sought in the case of wounds that are large, where the bleeding is persistent or severe, or you are concerned about infection or foreign bodies in the wound – use your common sense and if you are concerned seek medical help without delay.  You can always take remedies on your way to emergency care.

Here are brief portraits of twelve key homeopathic remedies used in wound care.

Arnica – this remedy is not just for bruises.  It is also indicated for bleeding wounds.  It can be used routinely following any injury.  When the skin is broken and there is bleeding, using Arnica topically on the wound is not advised, as it can cause a painful rash.  Take in potency (12c or 30c works well for first aid) as a first choice in wound care, Arnica will also halt persistent bleeding after tooth extraction or other dental procedures.  

Hypericum – is especially useful in the treatment of painful lacerations or punctured wounds, and any painful wound in an area rich in nerves (eg fingers, toes, soles of feet and lips).

Ledum – this remedy is the first to think of in punctured wounds (including those caused by the stings of insects or bites of animals).  Most notable symptoms to look out for are local inflammation without marked heat, and a desire for cold applications to the affected area.  The affected parts often appear purplish or mottled.

Millefolium – made from the herb Yarrow, which is in the same plant family as both Arnica and Calendula, this remedy has its main first aid focus in injuries that bleed profusely, especially after a fall. Millefolium given in potency will often halt the bleeding promptly.  Compare with Arnica – it can be given after Arnica if needed.

Calendula – if I only had one remedy for wound care, this would be it.  Topically, it is best used in tincture form for bathing a clean wound, for which it reduces soreness and powerfully supports healing.  Make a strong lotion for this purpose, with 5-10 drops of tincture to one tablespoon of cool boiled water.  Taken internally in potency (range from 6X to 30c is fine) it will help prevent suppuration.

Hepar sulph – my second favourite remedy (am I allowed favourites?) for wound healing.  Hepar sulph is an important remedy in healing wounds where there is incipient or actual local infection, especially with marked sensitivity to touch and temperature.  The pain often feels out of proportion to the appearance of the wound, and can be distressing.  It complements Calendula in painful wounds.  If there is local infection there may be thick yellow pus, and notably even small wounds seem to become quickly painful and infected.

Staphysagria – this remedy has a wide range of action, but regarding wound healing it is especially useful in surgical incisions which remain painful and are slow to heal.

Plantago – perhaps best known for its application in dental pain, this remedy is also used in the treatment of inflamed lacerations with stinging pain.  Like Calendula, it can also be applied topically to the affected area as a lotion.

Belladonna – we may not immediately think of Belladonna as a remedy with application in wound healing.  However it is a strong choice in wounds which are suppurating, with local heat and redness, and throbbing or pulsating pain.

Silica – this remedy is well known in homeopathy for its application in removing foreign bodies such as splinters or thorns.  In wound care this is an important feature where we suspect an embedded foreign body which cannot be easily retrieved mechanically – a few doses of Silica will bring it to the surface and support healing thereafter.  Silica is also indicated in suppurating wounds which – in contrast to Hepar sulph – are relatively painless.  

Gunpowder – this fascinating remedy has a long history of use in wound treatment, both in its crude and homeopathic forms.  Dr Dorothy Shepherd has written about its use in wartime, where as far back as the nineteenth century it was taken by soldiers, mixed in hot water.  It continues to be used in homeopathic potency, to heal infected wounds and abscesses.

Lachesis – is a well known homeopathic remedy we may not think of for wounds at first, however it has an important application in wound healing.  It should be thought of in wounds with purple or bluish-red discolouration, which can occur where there is poor circulation (eg in leg ulcers from venous insufficiency, or in injuries where poor circulation impedes healing).

For further advice, including focused calls for surgical recovery and other trauma treatment, follow this link where you can book a free discovery call or appointment:  https://karenleadbeater.co.uk/work-with-me/