Herbs - Strains and Sprains - Herbs and Supplements

A number of herbs have excellent healing qualities that work wonders on bruises, sprains and similar mishaps.

Arnica Arnica accelerates healing of bruises and sprains and is good for sports injuries. It has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties and is rich in sequisterpenoid lactones. Oil, cream or a dilute tincture of arnica should be applied to the area every two hours.

Cabbage A simple poultice, made using crushed leaves blanched in boiling water, relieves swelling and reduces pain.

Calendula Marigold petals are used to create calendula cream. Rub into the affected area and its anti-inflammatory actions will aid healing.

Comfrey A familiar cottage garden plant, comfrey's healing action on joints has earned it the name of knitbone'. It is rich in soothing mucilage; tannins for internal bleeding and allantoin, which encourages ligaments to knit together.

Horsetail Horsetail is full of silica, supporting the regeneration of connective tissue. Easily absorbed through the skin, a decoction should be applied to the injury. It speeds the repair of tissue and is especially useful for injuries that are persistent or take a long time to heal.

Plantain Plantain is rich in tannins, mucilages, silica, apigenin and zinc to combat internal bleeding and encourage faster repair times.

Vinegar Kitchen vinegar makes an effective treatment for bruises and sprains.