These recipes harness the power of pure, fresh herbs to support the healing of minor wounds. Each method is straightforward, using minimal ingredients to create effective remedies like poultices, washes, balms, and powders. Always ensure wounds are clean and seek medical attention for deep or infected wounds.
1. Plantain + Yarrow Fresh Leaf Poultice
Purpose: This poultice soothes irritation, reduces inflammation, and promotes healing of minor cuts, scrapes, or insect bites by leveraging the natural astringent and antimicrobial properties of plantain and yarrow.
Ingredients
- 1 handful fresh plantain leaves (Plantago spp.)
- 1 handful fresh yarrow leaves (optional, if available)
- Clean cloth or gauze
Method
- Wash and bruise the leaves until they release juice.
- Apply directly to a cleaned minor wound.
- Cover lightly with clean cloth/gauze. Replace every few hours.
2. Cerasee (Bitter Leaf) Wash
Purpose: A gentle rinse to cleanse minor wounds, reduce bacterial growth, and support tissue repair, utilizing cerasee’s natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory qualities.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp dried cerasee leaves (or 3 tbsp fresh)
- 2 cups boiled water
Method
- Pour hot water over the leaves, cover, steep 15-30 min.
- Strain and cool to lukewarm.
- Use as a wash or compress for minor wounds 2-3 times daily.
3. Sea Moss + Shea Healing Balm
Purpose: This balm moisturizes and nourishes healing skin, creating a protective barrier to support tissue regeneration, with sea moss providing minerals and shea butter aiding hydration.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp shea butter
- 2 tbsp olive or avocado oil
- 1 tbsp sea moss gel (or powdered sea moss soaked briefly in warm oil)
Method
- Warm oil gently with sea moss for 20-30 min (do not boil). Strain if using whole sea moss.
- While still warm, mix in shea butter until smooth.
- Pour into a clean jar and let solidify at room temp.
Use: Apply a thin layer over clean, healing skin to keep moist and nourished.
4. Herbal Wound-Healing Powder (Styptic Blend)
Purpose: A styptic powder to stop minor bleeding, reduce inflammation, and protect wounds by drawing out impurities and forming a mineral-rich coating, combining the healing properties of yarrow, plantain, and sea moss.
Ingredients (equal parts, dried and powdered):
- Yarrow leaves/flowers – helps slow bleeding and soothe tissue
- Plantain leaves – draws out impurities, eases irritation
- Sea moss (sun-dried, finely powdered) – provides minerals and a protective coating
- (Optional: Cerasee leaf powder for extra cleansing effect)
Method
- Dry the herbs completely (air-dried in shade or low oven, but not burnt).
- Grind into a fine powder using a clean grinder.
- Mix equal parts of each powder and store in a small, dry glass jar with a tight lid.
How to Use
- Clean the wound gently with warm water.
- Sprinkle a pinch of the powder blend directly onto the bleeding or raw area.
- Cover lightly with clean gauze or cloth.
- Reapply with fresh powder after cleaning the wound once or twice daily.
Storage: Keep in a cool, dry place. Lasts 6-12 months if stored airtight.
Notes
These natural remedies are designed for minor wounds and should be used with care. Always prioritize cleanliness and consult a healthcare professional for serious injuries. By using plantain, yarrow, cerasee, and sea moss, you can tap into nature’s healing properties with simple, time-tested methods.
Precautions:
- Use only on minor wounds.
- If the wound is deep, heavily bleeding, or shows infection, seek medical attention.
- Always use clean, dry utensils when handling the powder to prevent contamination.