Bed sores are commonly seen in people who are immobile, bedridden or in wheelchairs for a long period. It is a condition most likely to affect the elderly who have limited mobility, and in people who are hospitalized. People who have been paralyzed, or are suffering from some serious illness that makes them immobile, are more at risk.
Bed sores are also called pressure ulcers or pressure sores, and develop when prolonged pressure on the skin, especially over the bony areas, results in loss of blood supply in the affected area. Common areas of infection are mostly the hip, spine, lower back, buttocks, elbows, shoulder blades and heels. The cells and tissues in the area where bed sores have developed do not get enough oxygen and die. Harmful microbes tend to invade this dead tissue and cause further harm. The herbal remedies given here can provide a lot of relief from this condition.
12 Herbal Remedies For Bed Sores
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is very effective in treating bed sores. Its leaves contain a gel like substance that has strong anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Application of aloe vera gel on the bed sores help in quick recovery and makes the skin soft and smooth as well.
It is very soothing to the skin and provides relief from the pain. You can also add some honey and vitamin E to aloe vera gel and apply over the bed sores. This will help heal the infection quickly and provide relief from pain.
Witch Hazel And Turmeric
This is one of the best and most effective herbal remedy to treat bed sores. Witch hazel is used as an astringent and helps to treat skin infections. Turmeric possesses powerful anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
A combination of these two herbs is very beneficial in providing relief from pain and inflammation in this condition. Wash the bed sores thrice a day with a mixture of witch hazel and turmeric.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is very effective in treating bedsores. It fights bacteria by penetrating into the infection and killing the microbes.
Dilute two drops of essential tree oil with a glass of water and bathe the bed sores with this antiseptic solution whenever the bandages are changed. This will prevent infection in the wound and aid in faster healing.
Calendula
This is another affective herbal remedy using the herb calendula. Prepare a tea by boiling a few calendula flowers in a cup of water. Let it steep for ten minutes and use this herbal rinse to wash the bed sores.
You can also apply it as a compress on the wounds. This antiseptic wash works as an effective healing agent as it helps reduce inflammation and kills the bacteria in the wound. This application should be done several times a day.
Goldenseal
Goldenseal is an herb that possesses anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It is very beneficial in the treatment of bed sores. A poultice can be made from goldenseal and some water.
You can also use goldenseal ointment. Apply this poultice over the affected areas three to four times a day. It helps to reduce inflammation and prevents infection from setting in, thus aiding quick healing.
Manuka Honey
Active manuka honey is commonly used to soothe irritated skin as it possesses immense healing properties.
Apply some manuka honey on a piece of sterile gauze and place it over the bed sore. Change this dressing twice a day. This will provide relief from the pain and help cure the infection quickly.
Slippery Elm
Slippery elm is an herb that is used in skin soothing balms as it has immense healing properties. Comfrey is a demulcent which has a lot of mucilage, and helps treat inflammation and irritation in the body.
An herbal poultice prepared from a paste of these two herbs, is effective in curing any infection in a wound. Prepare the paste by mixing together some powdered comfrey leaves with slippery elm. Apply this poultice over the bed sores and leave it overnight in order to enable quick healing of the infection.
Goldenseal And Myrrh
Goldenseal and myrrh are two effective herbs which are extremely helpful in curing bed sores. A combination of these two herbs has the best anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
A paste can be prepared by combining the powder of these two herbs with little sterilized water. Apply this topically over the wound to enable quick healing. You can also prepare an herbal tea using these two herbs and have it twice a day. This will help reduce the inflammation and pain in your body.
St. John’s Wort
The leaves and flowers of St. John’s wort are used in many herbal preparations due to its medicinal properties. The oil can be used to treat bruises, wounds and skin infections.
You can dilute a few drops of this oil with some almond oil and use it to massage the affected area. This is a highly beneficial herbal remedy to treat bed sores.
Echinacea
Echinacea is a popular herb that helps to prevent infections and boost immunity. It has strong antimicrobial properties and helps reduce inflammation in the body.
Echinacea is used widely to treat boils and sores due to these properties. Sprinkle some Echinacea powder over the bed sores several times a day. This will reduce the pain and inflammation in the affected area, preventing any infection from setting in.
Chamomile And Horsetail
Chamomile is an herb with strong anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. It can be used to treat bed sores as helps kill the infection and provides relief from pain. Horsetail is another herb that helps to heal wounds and burns.
A combination of these two effective herbs is the best herbal remedy to treat bed sores. Prepare a wash using these two herbs and water. This herbal wash will also help strengthen and nourish the affected skin.
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba is an herb originally from China, but grown all over the world now due to its many medicinal properties. It helps to improve blood circulation in the body, and is hence very useful for people suffering from bed sores.
Taken internally, this herb will facilitate good blood circulation and prevent formation of bed sores.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.