Cuts and bruises are a common occurrence in any child’s life and if you are opting for an alternative treatment to minor knicks and bumps, a few homeopathic and herbal remedies will come in handy. Before treating any cut or bruise, ensure that it is not serious, marked by severe pain, persistent bleeding, deformity of the affected area or inability to move or feel at the site of the injury.
In more serious cases, your child should be taken to a medical doctor for further investigation like x-rays or a wider cut may require stitching and appropriate dressing.
Herbal & Homeopathic Remedies for Kid’s Cuts & Bruises
- To clean a small cut, use a Calendula officinalis (marigold) tincture or infusion. Calendula is an effective antimicrobial agent and will sooth inflamed tissue. A tincture may cause burning at the site of the injury due to the alcohol solvent so it may be advisable to dilute the solution.
- Symphytum officinalis (comfrey) will assist with healing time of cuts, speeding up skin growth. Comfrey should be used after properly disinfecting the skin with Calendula or any other herbal disinfectant.
- A herbal tincture of Valeriana officinalis (valerian) and Passiflora incarnata (passion flower) diluted in water will assist with pain relief, anxiety and agitation typical of kids after a fall or injury.
- A herbal tincture of Salix nigra (willow bark) will reduce inflammation and ease pain. Willow bark is the source of aspirin and has similar anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
- Arnica montana is a useful homeopathic remedy for bruises and hematomas and reduces pain and swelling associated with falls. Arnica montana can be used in a potency of D6 to 30CH. Avoid using Arnica oil or an Arnica massage application on a bruise. Arnica oil causes vasodilation (increased blood flow) to the applied area and can aggravate inflammation and bruising.
- Symphytum officinalis 6CH , a homeopathic remedy, can be useful for injured bones provided that there are no fractures or breaks.
- For aches and pains due to muscle inflammation after a fall or bump, use Arnica 6CH and Mag phos D6 (tissue salt) administered at regular intervals. Arnia oil or cream can be safely used on the skin for muscular aches and pains provided that there is no hematoma or broken skin. Refer to Homeopathic Anti-inflammatory.
It is always advisable to seek professional medical attention for more serious cuts and bruises. First aid home care is not suitable for fractured or broken bones, large open wounds that need stitching or if a child is listless and unresponsive.