Abrasions
Symptoms: The appearance of these wounds is well-known; however, certain cuts such as those that are deep and wide may require immediate attention by a doctor to prevent scarring. If the bleeding does not stop using the following methods, or if blood gushes in bright spurts, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Cause: A spot rubbed bare of skin or mucous membrane. These are wounds to the skin common in childhood. A cut severs the skin, such as is inflicted by a sharp object; an abrasion rubs and/or scratches the surface, such as the common scraped knee; and a bruise results from forceful pressure against some object, where the skin is not broken so the blood rushes to the damaged tissue beneath the surface.
Herbal Aids:
1. Wheat Grass Chlorophyll: It has both healing and antiseptic characteristics. The chlorophyll is applied either directly onto the afflicted surface, or, it is soaked in a cloth and bandaged to the area. At the same time, the chlorophyll should be taken internally. Jurassic Green is a great source of natural cholorphyll.
2. Comfrey: * Most skin sores can be aided by the use of comfrey. Use three parts comfrey with one part lobelia to relieve pain and restore the skin. Apply fresh or dry comfrey root, powder or leaf, powdered, to help stop the bleeding. The comfrey can be put right into the wound; if it is powdered, pour over the area, if fresh, tear up finely and apply. Fresh or dried comfrey can be applied directly over the damaged area--just keep adding additional amounts as needed. Cover with gauze, bandage lightly to hold comfrey in place and so the area can breathe. Comfrey paste can also be applied directly over the damaged area as with burns. *
3. Rash Formula: Made of comfrey, marshmallow, marigold, beeswax, and oils, this is an antiseptic that has been used historically on lesions, eczema (dry), poison ivy, soothes inflamed surfaces, abrasions, burns, hemorrhoids, for bruises and swellings. May be used whenever needed. Good to have on hand at all times. *
4. Myrrh: One herbalist has a favorite application of Myrrh. He combines equal parts of finely powdered golden seal and powdered Myrrh gum. He mixes a pinch of the combination with a little saliva (or water, he says, if you are squeamish), and applies the paste to cuts, sores, pimples, abrasions--any kind of skin wounds. As this dries, it forms a crusty, protective scab over the wound, just like a real scab, but with the additional antiseptic and healing properties of the herbs. He says that he has been able to wean himself from the constant use of band-aids.
5. Plantain: (Plantago major) This entire plant is solvent in water or can be used directly on the external area in question and is an alterative astringent, diuretic and antiseptic. When applying bruised leaves to the wounded area, it is known to check external bleeding and aid as an anti-infectious aid as well.
6. Cayenne Pepper: The old herbalists claimed that cayenne pepper (Capsicum or red pepper) should be poured directly into a fresh wound, to sterilize and stop the bleeding.
A wound, external or internal, may stop bleeding if the individual will drink a cup of water (preferably hot) with a teaspoon of cayenne pepper (red pepper) stirred into it. The bleeding may generally stop by the time a person can count up to ten after drinking the cayenne tea. The cayenne equalizes the blood pressure from the top of the head to the feet. This keeps the pressure from the hemorrhage area so it will clot naturally, which it cannot do with heavy blood pressure pumping the blood rapidly at the hemorrhage area. Cayenne powder available in bulk herbs.
See Also Dr. Christopher's Complete Tissue & Bone Formula
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* Concerning the use of Comfrey: The FDA is having all the herb companies put a warning label on any product that has comfrey in it.
The label says the following: Warning: External use only. Consuming this product can cause serious liver damage. This product contains Comfrey. Comfrey contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which may cause serious illness or death. This product should not be taken orally, used as a suppository, or applied to broken skin. For futher information contact the FDA at http://www.cfsan.fda.gov
Dr. Christopher used Comfrey in many of his formulas. He recognized the benefits, and powerful healing agents of Comfrey. A good majority of his formulas contained Comfrey. However, recently the FDA and the FTC decided that Comfrey was a dangerous herb, because when it is a young plant it has a high Pyrrolizidine alkaloid content. This has led the FTC and the FDA to believe that Comfrey is dangerous. Dr. Christopher never had a problem with Comfrey, and we have yet to hear of someone who has been damaged by it. Nevertheless, the Dr. Christopher Company had to remove Comfrey from the internal formulas. Comfrey is still used in the external formulas.
Dr. Christopher taught and belived that the whole herbs should be used an not one element. Whole herbs are used in all of the products. No research was done by the FDA concerning using the herb in its entirety - only that pyrrolizidine alkaloids alone cause liver damage.
For more information about comfrey follow the links at the bottom of this link.
We would recommend that anyone using a product with comfrey in it also use a liver cleansing product such as the Liver Gall Bladder Formula.
Here is an additional link to the FDA site concerning the use of comfrey: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/ds-ill.html
