Natural remedies treat chronic wounds

Press TV Print Page 1 of 2 Natural remedies treat chronic wounds Wed, 14 Nov 2007 21:59:11 Chronic wounds, considered as the most challenging health problems, do not respond well to the majority of the standard treatments. The situation is often more complicated as the wounds are often infected with antibiotic resistant bacteria. As a result, it seems administration of alternative medicine may be helpful in several cases. Ointments with plant-derived ingredients have an excellent stimulatory effect on the formation of granulation tissue and epithelization. Honey Honey has been used to treat wounds since ancient times. Honey can act as a sealant, keeping the wound free from contamination, when applied directly on the wound surface or via a dressing. Its high sugar provides topical nutrition, thought to promote healing and tissue growth. Honey is also a bactericidal and hyperosmotic agent that draws fluid from the wound bed, and kills the bacteria that cannot thrive in such an environment. It is an ideal first aid dressing, especially where standard medications and equipment are not available. Maggot Maggots as biochemical debriding agents have been used for centuries to help heal wounds. They ingest and degrade bacteria; they also secrete an enzyme that disinfects the wound, dissolves necrotic tissue, and stimulates wound healing. Leeches The leech, once an indispensable part of medicine in the 19th century only to be abandoned in favor of scientific medical advances, is seeing a renaissance in the area of modern plastic reconstructive surgery -- particularly in microsurgery transplantation. Arnica Arnica is particularly effective in torpid wounds coated with smeary fluids and those with poor formation of granulation tissue. The application of arnica compresses, combined with immobilization and limb elevation is believed to be effective in treating lymphangitis. Foxglove Studies have revealed using wet compressions of digitalis lanata (foxglove) promotes wound healing significantly. It is mainly effective in treating torpid wounds coated with smeary fluids, old wounds and chronic ulcers. Comfrey http://www.presstv.com/pop/print.aspx?id=31073 3/26/2008

Press TV Print Page 2 of 2 Comfrey is also used in making wet compresses to treat leg ulcers. Hypericum Hypericum is the foremost used wound oil. It is much like making an ointment dressing, but the oil compress must be changed more often. Echinacea Echinacea not only stimulates the body immune system, but also it helps improve wound healing. Marigold Calendula (Marigold) is used as a wound cleansing as well as a stimulator of wound healing. It is believed to be a potent stimulator of granulation tissue; as a result, care must be taken not to allow excessive granulation tissue formation. PKH/RE Count of views : 586 © Press TV 2007. All Rights Reserved. http://www.presstv.com/pop/print.aspx?id=31073 3/26/2008

Natural remedies treat chronic wounds

by Patricia Khashayar

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