4 Natural Home Wound Healing Hacks

If you have the unfortunate experience of cutting or burning yourself at home, there are ways to fix it up with these 4 natural home wound healing hacks.

These are easy ways to stop bleeding or burning and close wounds fast while minimizing scar tissue at the same time. It is important to note that if a wound continues bleeding or blistering it may be more serious than a superficial cut and you may need to visit a doctor or hospital for treatment. However, if it is just an annoying slice or hot touch these hacks may help.

Call Your Honey

Small wounds, cuts, or even bruises can be treated with the ancient healing powers of honey. Slathering your wound (minor bleeding should be stopped first) with honey and then covering with a bandage could work better than some over-the-counter (OTC) conventional first aid products. 

According to the study, ‘Honey-Based Templates in Wound Healing and Tissue Engineering’ by researchers from the Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Memphis and published in the journal ‘Bioengineering’ concluded that,

“…honey, particularly Manuka honey, eliminates bacteria, resolves chronic inflammation, and promotes faster wound healing. Its potency against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, such as MRSA, makes it a particularly invaluable tool in an age where more strains of resistant bacteria are developing. As such, honey is a valuable addition to many tissue engineering templates in eliminating bacterial infection, aiding in inflammation resolution, and improving tissue integration…”

All honey will work but for optimal results use raw honey or, as mentioned, Manuka honey a superior honey from Australia shown to have potent healing benefits.

Spicy Curcumin Fix

Turmeric (curcumin) supplement capsules, have recently been very popular when it comes to reducing inflammation for helping joint pain. However, studies show that topically applying a turmeric paste or salve may be a good natural home wound healing hack. An archived study published in the journal ‘Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry’ found that,

“Curcumin treatment was shown to decrease the levels of lipid peroxides (LPs), while the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), activities were significantly increased exhibiting the antioxidant properties of curcumin in accelerating wound healing…The results clearly substantiate the beneficial effects of the topical application of curcumin in the acceleration of wound healing and its antioxidant effect.” 

If you have turmeric in your spice cabinet you can sprinkle some of the dry powder directly on a minor wound which has shown to assist in immediately closing it. Later, mix it with water, apply to your non-bleeding injury, and cover with a bandage for accelerated healing.

Coconut Cure

Many people now have virgin coconut oil (VCO) in their home. If you don’t, you may want to pick up some. It offers a variety of uses that range from hair and skin care to dental health and improving brain function. Now, you can add wound healing to the list. 

VCO has been studied for its healing effects. The journal, Skin Pharmacology and Physiology published a study that researched VCO wound healing on laboratory rats showing that, 

“VCO-treated wounds healed much faster, as indicated by a decreased time of complete epithelization and higher levels of various skin components. Pepsin-soluble collagen showed a significant increase in VCO-treated wounds, indicating a higher collagen cross-linking.”

It is important to use virgin coconut oil as it is the most effective. VCO can be used as a burn salve as well. Wash your wound and apply VCO with sterilized gauze and then cover. Take note that is important not to put your hand in the coconut oil jar as it can contaminate the oil with the bacteria from your hand. Instead, use a clean, steel or wooden spoon or something similar that has been thoroughly washed or sterilized for application.  

Sweet Salve

Practically everyone has white sugar in their kitchen cabinet. Although it can be unhealthy when repeatedly consumed, if you apply it to a wound it just may be the quick save you need. 

A clinical trial posted in the ‘Journal of Wound Care’ reported that, 

“In vitro [laboratory] tests demonstrated that sugar inhibits bacterial growth…Pain and malodor [unpleasant smell] reduced markedly. Patient and staff surveys revealed overwhelming support for the sugar therapy.”

Similar to curcumin, you can sprinkle white sugar on to a minor wound to help it close. Afterward, create a paste, apply, and cover for optimal healing.

Always keep your wound very clean, re-dressing it at least two times per day. Sterile gauze or bandages are essential as protective covering. If your wound continues bleeding or becomes red, hot and swollen be sure to seek medical help immediately. In the meantime, these simple 4 natural home wound healing hacks could prevent a minor wound from lingering or becoming infected especially when conventional applications are unavailable.