Statistics indicate a higher probability of injury at home than at the workplace. For instance, you could easily wind up with a bleeding fingertip, especially when slicing onions or bread. Also, you can easily get injured from falls and height-related accidents or slide from wet floors and get bruises and scrapes.
A timely response is essential for avoiding complications from a wide range of wounds. Most minor injuries can be treated effectively with first aid, which includes applying pressure to the area to reduce swelling, cleaning it out, using antibiotics, and stitching if necessary. But you can as well manage injuries without going to the hospital.
Here are some home remedy tips for minor injuries:
Stop the Bleeding
To begin treating some wounds, you must first stop the bleeding. Therefore, use a clean towel to apply pressure to the wound and keep the affected area elevated above your heart.
However, medical attention should be sought if bleeding is significant or does not stop despite repeated pressure.
Rinse and Clean the Wound
After applying pressure to stop bleeding, properly cleanse the cut with water to eliminate any dirt and germs. Studies have shown that plain tap water is just as adequate as sterile saline.
Smear Honey
Honey's ability to dissolve dead tissue around a wound and promote new tissue growth has been shown to hasten the healing process. To top it all off, it keeps the incision from getting infected with bacteria.
In addition to its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, honey's high viscosity helps to keep wounds moist and inhibits microbial infection by acting as a barrier.
Apply Aloe Vera
The soothing effects of aloe Vera, along with its abundant enzymes and vitamins, have been shown to promote healthy skin. According to the Mayo Clinic, the anti-inflammatory properties of aloe Vera help minimize swelling and pain after sunburns that occur when sunscreen is neglected.
It can be applied directly from the plant or bought as a gel at drugstores and convenience stores; both are useful in alleviating moderate sunburns.
Using Lavender
Lavender's antiviral and anti-bacterial characteristics make it a popular essential oil for treating bug bites and stings that won't go away. Research shows that using lavender oil speeds up the body's natural process of producing collagen, which aids in mending wounds.
Making Use of Cayenne Pepper
The hot vegetable has long been valued for its medicinal properties. The antifungal and antibacterial qualities of the vegetable are enhanced when it is dried and ground into a powder and then applied directly to wounds or cuts. Cayenne powder mixed with water can help stop mild bleeding by equalizing blood pressure, thus reducing blood flow and speeding clotting.
Clove
Clove or clove oil has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties and has been shown to alleviate pain, making it an ideal remedy for toothache. Once an infection has been established, the plant's antiseptic properties can help fight and stop it from spreading.
Chamomile
Chamomile is a wonderful natural cure because of its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities. It can help treat swelling or inflammation, ulcers, muscle spasms, and sleeplessness, among other minor wounds.
Conclusion
Honey, aloe vera, crushed cayenne pepper, and chamomile are examples of at-home anti-fungal and anti-bacterial remedies that can be used to heal minor ailments that don't require medical treatment. But first, make sure the bleeding stops and the wound are clean.
However, you should get medical attention immediately if you sustain a severe injury, such as a deep cut or an animal bite.