First Aid

Cuts, Scrapes & Minor Wounds

Clean the wound, stop bleeding, prevent infection, and speed clean closure of everyday cuts, scrapes, and abrasions.

Prevention

Key nutrients: Vitamin C, zinc, protein, vitamin A.

Eat regularly: Citrus, bell peppers, oysters, eggs, fish, sweet potato, carrots, leafy greens, pumpkin seeds.

Keep tetanus vaccination current and clean wounds promptly.

Raw / medical-grade honey

FoodStrong evidence

Apply a thin layer of raw or Manuka honey (UMF 10+) directly to the cleaned wound and cover with a dressing; change 1–2× daily. Acts as a natural antibiotic — draws fluid out, lowers pH, and releases low-level hydrogen peroxide that kills bacteria including MRSA.

Calendula salve / tincture

HerbStrong evidence

Apply ointment 2–3× daily, or rinse with diluted tincture, to speed epithelial healing of clean cuts, grazes, and post-procedure skin.

Yarrow

HerbTraditional use

Sprinkle dried powdered yarrow leaf directly on a bleeding cut — a classic styptic that stops minor bleeding within minutes; also mildly antiseptic.

Tea tree oil

HerbStrong evidence

Dilute to 5–10% in a carrier oil and dab around (not deep into) a cleaned cut to prevent bacterial and fungal infection.

Aloe vera gel

HerbStrong evidence

Fresh leaf gel applied 2–3× daily soothes and accelerates healing of shallow cuts, scrapes, and abrasions.

Plantain leaf (Plantago)

HerbTraditional use

Crush a clean fresh leaf into a poultice for cuts, scrapes, and 'drawing' embedded dirt; long-standing field first-aid remedy.

Vitamin C + zinc

VitaminStrong evidence

500–1000 mg vitamin C and 15–30 mg zinc daily during healing support collagen formation and immune defence at the wound site.

A note of caution. Natural doesn't mean risk-free. Herbs and supplements can interact with medications, affect pregnancy, or worsen certain conditions. Speak with a qualified clinician before starting a new regimen, especially if you take prescriptions.