Superficial skin wounds, whether they be scrapes, cuts, or puncture wounds, happen to us all.

Before the advent of OTC and prescription sprays, lotions, and creams, an old standby used by physicians and consumers alike was iodine and iodine cleansers. And boy did they sting when applied!!!

Happily, homeopathy is a wonderful option for gently, safely, and effectively treating minor wounds.

Here’s a short list of remedies everyone should have on hand for these moments:

Calendula

Prepared from the common pot marigold, Calendula has long been recognized as helpful with cuts, scrapes, and other skin injuries.

Calendula is often considered when:

• The skin has been cut, scraped, or torn
• The injured area is tender and sensitive
• The wound is superficial and involves the soft tissues

Calendula is commonly used topically in ointments, gels, and sprays. WHP's Be gone Lil’ Cuts and Scrapes is made with Calendula and is great to have in the medicine chest!

Hypericum perforatum

Hypericum is particularly noteworthy when injuries involve parts rich in nerves.

Characteristic symptoms include:

• Sharp, shooting pains extending from the wound
• Tingling, numbness, or nerve-related discomfort
• Injuries to fingers, toes, neck, coccyx, and other highly innervated areas
• Puncture wounds accompanied by shooting pains

A finger caught in a door or struck by a hammer is a classic situation in which Hypericum may be considered.

Ledum palustre

Ledum is one of the principal remedies for puncture wounds. Here are important characteristic indications for its use :

• The injured area feels cold to the touch
• Cold applications relieve the discomfort
• Warmth aggravates

Minor skin injuries are a part of life, and these remedies have been included in homeopathic medicine kits for generations. As always, serious wounds, deep punctures, signs of infection, or injuries requiring medical attention should be evaluated promptly by a qualified healthcare professional.

About Dr. Lisa Samet:

Dr. Lisa Samet N.D. provides Washington Homeopathic Products with a regular column on using homeopathy for the family. She's a naturopathic physician who specializes in homeopathic medicine. Dr. Samet graduated from the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in 1998 and has been practicing in Montreal since then. She was born and raised in New York.

Dr. Samet has chosen to focus on homeopathy because, in her experience, it is the deepest healing modality available, as it does not just soothe or palliate symptoms but actually stimulates the body to begin healing itself. Dr. Samet sees patients in her Montreal office as well as long-distance using Zoom, Skype, or FaceTime. Learn more here: Dr. Lisa Samet. You can follow her on Facebook as well.