Calendula and wounds

Calendula also known as Marigold has been widely used topically to treat minor cuts and reduce scarring.

Calendula may help to reduce scarring due to the the action of some the constituents in promoting epithelial growth and enhancing immune responses. other actions that contribute to wound healing are an increase in epithelialization time,increase in wound strength, improvement of wound contraction, stimulation of phagocytosis and increased granulation of skin cells. The constituents of Calendula may also improve protein and and collagen metabolism in tissue regeneration.

The clinical studies of Calendula have only been performed on animals and in laboratory situations. However Calendula has been used traditionally for this purpose for a long time.

Calendula creams are available from health food stores and is also available as an essential oil. Other Natural treatments to increase wound healing:

Eat plenty of foods rich anti-oxidants such as Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin E and Zinc and introduce flaxseed oil into your diet
Manuka Honey
Aqueous based creams containing Vitamin E, Vitamin A plus herbs such as Golden Seal, Lavender or Rose hip oil
Gently massaging a cream (at least 4 times/ day) onto the small wounds will reduce any chances of the area becoming infected or scarring

For further information see the Ask a Naturopath.com webpage concerning wound healing

Categories

Calendula and wounds