Plantain (plantago major) - a go to herb for my family in the summer as we're spending time outdoors, at the beach and in the garden. It's great for sunburn, general burns, mozzie bites, bug stings, sand fly and march fly bites, cuts, scratches and wounds that won't heal.
Wound Healing: Plantain leaves have been used topically for centuries to promote wound healing. The leaves contain compounds such as allantoin, which have anti-inflammatory and tissue-repairing properties. Applying crushed or poulticed plantain leaves to minor cuts, burns, and insect bites can help speed up the healing process.
Anti-Inflammatory: Plantain has natural anti-inflammatory properties. It can be used to relieve skin irritations, including sunburns, rashes and various skin irritations and conditions. Its soothing effects can help reduce redness and itching when applied as a poultice or used in skincare products.
Anti-Microbial: Plantain has natural antimicrobial properties, making it effective against bacteria and fungi. It can be used topically to help prevent infection in wounds and skin irritations.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) One of the primary healing benefits of yarrow is its anti-inflammatory properties. It contains flavonoids and sesquiterpene lactones, which have been shown to reduce inflammation in the body. This makes yarrow a valuable herb for treating conditions such as arthritis, rheumatism, and other inflammatory disorders. Yarrow also possesses antiseptic and antibacterial properties. It contains a compound called azulene, which has antimicrobial effects and helps inhibit the growth of bacteria. This makes yarrow useful in treating wounds, cuts, and minor skin infections. This us why I love it in healing salves. Furthermore, yarrow is well-known for its ability to promote wound healing. It stimulates blood flow to the affected area and helps to stop bleeding. The herb has astringent properties that constrict blood vessels and aid in the clotting process. Traditional use of yarrow involved applying it directly to wounds to speed up the healing process and prevent infection.
Calendula is renowned for its skincare benefits. anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal. It can soothe irritated skin, reduce redness, and promote the healing of wounds, cuts, burns, and bruises. Calendula is often used to alleviate dryness, skin irritations, dermatitis, and other inflammatory skin conditions. A wonderful Wound Healer; The natural skin-regenerating properties of calendula stimulates tissue growth and increases blood flow to the affected area, accelerating the healing process. Applied topically to cuts, scrapes, and minor burns to promote faster recovery and minimise the risk of infection.
Lavender reduces inflammation and improves wound healing and can benefit the skin in numerous ways. It has the ability to lessen acne, help even skin tone, and reduce wrinkles.
Lavender has antifungal properties and reduces inflammation, it can help keep problematic skin conditions at bay. Lavender helps cleanse your skin and lessen redness and irritation. Lavender can aid in evening skin tone since it reduces inflammation. It can reduce discoloration, including dark spots, helps lessen blotchiness and redness. If you have hyperpigmentation on your skin, lavender may be able to help with that as well. Lavender is full of antioxidants, which help protect you from the free radicals which contribute to fine lines and wrinkles on the face. Painful inflammation can be treated with lavender, the pain-relieving and numbing effects help soothe the inflammation, while the beta-caryophyllene in the oil also acts as a natural anti-inflammatory helping to also heal burns and sunburn. Lavender promotes the healing of skin tissue, therefore having wound healing properties.
Lavender does double duty for insect bites. It acts as an insect repellent, and it can relieve itching after a bite occurs. Insect bites cause redness, itching, and pain. They can sometimes become infected. Lavender helps relieve insect bites by warding off bacteria and reducing inflammation. It also naturally helps relieve pain.
Considering these healing factors this balm is essential in any Aussie's bag this summer.