Open Wounds: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

An open wound, defined as a break in the skin or mucous membranes, is a vulnerable area susceptible to infection and further complications.

Caused by injuries, accidents, or surgical procedures, open wounds can lead to serious health issues if left untreated, including increased risk of infection, scarring, and even sepsis. To aid in the healing process, herbal remedies such as aloe vera, tea tree oil, and calendula can be used to reduce inflammation, promote tissue repair, and prevent infection.

However, it is crucial to use these herbs under the guidance of a medical professional, as some may interact with medications or exacerbate underlying conditions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of open wounds, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of open wounds?

The main causes of open wounds are physical traumas such as cuts, lacerations, and abrasions, which are often caused by sharp objects like knives, glass, or metal (approximately 65% of all wounds).

Falls from heights, motor vehicle accidents, and sports-related injuries are also major contributors, accounting for 25% of cases. Other causes include penetrating injuries from stab wounds, gunshot wounds, and animal bites, which can lead to infections and further complications. Additionally, wounds caused by burns, scalds, or explosions can also result in open wounds, especially if the skin is severely damaged.

In some cases, open wounds can also be caused by iatrogenic injuries, such as surgical complications or medical equipment-related trauma.

• Falls: Falls are a leading cause of open wounds due to the impact and friction that occurs between the body and a hard surface, resulting in lacerations, puncture wounds, and abrasions.
• Cuts: Cuts are a common cause of open wounds due to the sharp edges of objects, such as knives, glass, and metal, that can easily penetrate the skin and cause lacerations.
• Animal Bites: Animal bites are a common cause of open wounds due to the sharp teeth of animals, such as dogs and cats, that can inflict puncture wounds and lacerations on the skin.
• Puncture Wounds: Puncture wounds are a common cause of open wounds due to the sharp objects, such as nails and needles, that can penetrate the skin and cause puncture wounds.
• Burns: Burns are a cause of open wounds due to the damage caused by heat, flames, or hot liquids to the skin, resulting in blisters and charring that can lead to open wounds.
• Sharp Objects: Sharp objects, such as razors and knives, are a cause of open wounds due to their sharp edges and points that can easily penetrate the skin and cause lacerations.
• Sports Injuries: Sports injuries are a cause of open wounds due to the physical contact and collisions that occur during sports, resulting in lacerations, puncture wounds, and abrasions.
• Surgical Wounds: Surgical wounds are a cause of open wounds due to the incisions made during surgery, which can lead to lacerations and puncture wounds.
• Accidental Injuries: Accidental injuries are a cause of open wounds due to the unexpected events, such as slips and trips, that can result in falls and other types of injuries that lead to open wounds.
• Self-Inflicted Injuries: Self-inflicted injuries are a cause of open wounds due to intentional actions, such as cutting or stabbing oneself with a sharp object.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for open wounds?

The main medicinal herbs used for open wounds are Calendula officinalis, Hypericum perforatum, Aloe barbadensis, Arnica montana, Echinacea purpurea, Symphytum officinale, Plantago lanceolata, Vaccinium myrtillus, Ginkgo biloba, Taraxacum officinale.

Calendula officinalis has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that promote wound healing by reducing inflammation and preventing infection. Hypericum perforatum, also known as St. John's Wort, contains hyperforin, which has been shown to enhance wound healing by promoting collagen synthesis and tissue repair. Aloe barbadensis has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that help to soothe and protect the wound from infection, while Arnica montana promotes tissue repair and reduces inflammation.

Echinacea purpurea, Symphytum officinale, Plantago lanceolata, Vaccinium myrtillus, Ginkgo biloba, and Taraxacum officinale also possess various properties that contribute to wound healing, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities.

• Calendula officinalis: Calendula officinalis helps with open wounds due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which inhibit the growth of bacteria and reduce swelling and redness in the affected area.
• Hypericum perforatum: Hypericum perforatum helps with open wounds due to its antiseptic properties, which prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi, and its ability to stimulate collagen synthesis, promoting tissue repair and wound healing.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis helps with open wounds due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which reduce swelling and redness, and its ability to promote wound healing by stimulating collagen synthesis and cell proliferation.
• Arnica montana: Arnica montana helps with open wounds due to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which reduce swelling and redness, and prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi, promoting wound healing and tissue repair.
• Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea purpurea helps with open wounds due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which reduce swelling and redness, and prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi, but it is not typically used as a topical treatment for wounds.
• Symphytum officinale: Symphytum officinale helps with open wounds due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce swelling and pain, and its ability to stimulate collagen synthesis, promoting tissue repair and wound healing.
• Plantago lanceolata: Plantago lanceolata helps with open wounds due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which reduce swelling and redness, and prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.
• Vaccinium myrtillus: Vaccinium myrtillus helps with open wounds due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, and promote wound healing by stimulating collagen synthesis and cell proliferation.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba does not typically help with open wounds, as it is primarily used to improve blood flow and reduce inflammation, but it is not typically used as a treatment for wounds.
• Taraxacum officinale: Taraxacum officinale helps with open wounds due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce swelling and pain, and its ability to promote wound healing by stimulating collagen synthesis and cell proliferation.

What are the main herbal preparations used for open wounds?

The main herbal preparations used for open wounds are Decoction, Ointment, Salve, Tincture, Cream, Gel, Poultice, Capsules, Tea, Compress.

Decoction is used to treat wounds by applying a liquid extract of herbs to the affected area, promoting healing and preventing infection. Ointment and Salve, semisolid preparations, are applied topically to provide antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, while Tincture, a concentrated liquid extract, is often used as an antiseptic. Cream and Gel, both semisolid preparations, provide a protective barrier against infection and promote wound healing, while Poultice, a paste of herbs, draws out infection and promotes healing.

Capsules, containing dried and powdered herbs, are used internally to promote wound healing and reduce inflammation, while Tea and Compress, both liquid preparations, are used to promote wound healing and reduce inflammation through topical application.

• Decoction: A decoction of the roots of the plant Arnica montana is used to help with open wounds as the plant's compounds, including arnica acid and helenalin, have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that aid in the healing process and prevent infection.
• Ointment: A topical ointment made from the plant Plantago major, also known as plantain, is used to treat open wounds as the plant's leaf extracts exhibit antimicrobial properties that help prevent infection and promote wound healing.
• Salve: A salve made from the plant Calendula officinalis, also known as marigold, is used to aid in the healing of open wounds as the plant's flavonoids and triterpenoids have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that promote wound healing and prevent infection.
• Tincture: A tincture of the plant Hypericum perforatum, also known as St. John's Wort, is used to help with open wounds as the plant's hyperforin and hypericin exhibit anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that aid in the healing process and prevent infection.
• Cream: A topical cream made from the plant Aloe barbadensis, also known as aloe vera, is used to treat open wounds as the plant's gel exhibits anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that promote wound healing and prevent infection.
• Gel: A gel made from the plant Glyceria glabra is used to help with open wounds as the plant's extracts exhibit antimicrobial properties that help prevent infection and promote wound healing.
• Poultice: A poultice made from the plant Plantago lanceolata is used to treat open wounds as the plant's leaf extracts exhibit antimicrobial properties that help prevent infection and promote wound healing.
• Capsules: Capsules containing the plant Echinacea purpurea are used to help boost the immune system and aid in the healing of open wounds as the plant's compounds, including echinacoside and alkylamides, exhibit anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that promote wound healing and prevent infection.
• Tea: A tea made from the plant Chamomilla recutita, also known as chamomile, is used to help soothe and calm open wounds as the plant's flavonoids and terpenoids exhibit anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that promote wound healing and prevent infection.
• Compress: A compress made from the plant Calendula officinalis, also known as marigold, is used to aid in the healing of open wounds as the plant's flavonoids and triterpenoids have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that promote wound healing and prevent infection.