In
this post I’m going to share my experience with treating bruising and
sore muscles with some classic vulneraries. Vulnerary herbs are
medicinal-grade plant preparations that speed healing. They are often
external applications, which means that you apply the plant extracts
(oil, usually) directly onto the skin in the affected areas.
Trauma
refers to impactful injuries brought on by a sudden or extraordinary
circumstances. These types of injury can range wildly: knots in soft
muscles, bruising, sore joints, stretched muscles, bumps on the head,
swelling. Very serious trauma will require immediate emergency care and
most likely a scary experience in a hospital or ambulance. Treatment
with the following botanicals is
only appropriate in the days and weeks after you’ve been checked out by
professionals, patched up, and sent home. This information is not a substitute for medical care.
The
formula and treatment I am going to share is one I customized for myself after
an unfortunate incident, when I got into an accident on my bike. I
didn’t have any broken skin, but I had a bad bump on the head, a lot of tension in the neck and
shoulders, swelling on my hip and side, a bruised ankle and wrist, and nervous tension.
Classic Vulneraries and Anti-inflammatories for Physical Trauma:
Calendula or Marigold- Calendula officianalis
You may remember calendula from my summer post about sunburn!
The same mechanism of action that helps to heal sunburns on the surface
of the skin also penetrates to bruised tissue and damaged stomach
lining. When drank as a tea, the moistening and healing properties will
treat the pain and internal ulcers of the stomach lining. Applied as an
oil or in a salve, calendula diminishes vascular damage on the surface
of skin.
Arnica - Arnica montana 
Arnica
is a member of the same taxonomical family as calendula, the Composite
Flower family. It’s effect in healing damaged tissue is on par with that
of calendula but more care must be taken with Arnica, as it is more
stimulating. It can irritate the tissues being treated if applied too
often. This can cause inflammation in already sore muscles or irritation
of the stomach, if taken internally as a tea. Arnica oil should not be
applied to broken skin. If any irritation occurs with the use of this
botanical, cease use immediately.
St. John’s Wort- Hypericum perforatum
Hypericum
has become a very popular botanical for it’s use as a sedative and
pain-reliever. Taken as a tea, it relieves tension in the muscles and is
especially effective in treating nerve injuries. Applied topically, St. John's Wort works wonders in diminishing inflammation and moving “catabolic
waste.” This means that all of the
fluids and immune reaction waste are expelled more quickly. In infection,
this may not be advisable. But in the case of physical swelling those
fluids do better to move quickly away from the site. This prevents
stagnation, slow healing, and those ugly bruises.
Oats- Avena sativa
Oats
contain many of the nutrients necessary for the proper function of
nerves. They contain proteins and moistening sugars, which help to heal
physical nerve damage. Oats also have antidepressant, mood elevating
effects. So as it relaxes the muscles and nerves, it stimulates positive
emotions. Resting and feeling sorry for yourself can really make you
blue... It is important to take quite a lot of oats! Take
couple of teaspoonfuls of Avena sativa extract daily. I also encourage
eating your herbs! Have oatmeal for as many meals as possible while
healing.
White Willow- Salix alba
Willow
should be familiar to many people who have had any experience with
pain-relievers-- Aspirin is derived from the active chemicals in the
Salix family. It is a master pain sedative and anti-inflammatory
especially in treating headaches. I would recommend taking 1 mL of
extract every 4 hours to see how well you respond. If you are not
particularly sensitive to pain-relievers, I recommend using capsules
(200mg every 4 hours).
Herbal Oil for Treating Trauma
2 part Arnica montana flowers infused in organic olive oil
2 part Hypericum perforatum flowers infused in organic olive oil
1 part Calendula officinalis flowers infused in organic coconut oil
Rub
the oil into the affected area, taking care not to apply to any broken
skin. Massage the area gently until the oil is no longer slick. Ice areas with swelling. Apply warmth to ease pain when swelling subsides. Reapply oil every 4-5 hours.
Sedative for Muscle Tension and Nerves
1 part Avena sativa glycerite extract
1 part Salix alba glycerite extract
While
treating the bumps and bruising it is easy to forget underlying trauma
that occurs with these types of injuries. Muscles will be tense even in
areas unaffected directly by injury. Pain is a constant companion for a
couple of days and this sends nerves firing, working overtime. I like to
think of these as stress injuries. They will set your mind and emotions
on edge if not managed. Take 2 mL by mouth every 4 hours. Also, eat
oatmeal and rest.
Tips for Effective Rest and Healing
- Take it easy. Keep off of your feet. Allow your body time to rest.
- Sleep as much as possible-- you only heal while you’re sleeping!
- Make
taking care of yourself a priority. Take joy in applying the oil and
eating comfort food like soup and oatmeal. These things are healing you.
- A
lot of people may not be familiar or comfortable with taking care of
themselves. It is a lot of work to make sure your wounds are taken care of
and that you are comfortable and taking your medicine! Moms and spouses
are good for this kind of stuff. ;)
Best Wishes! Take care and take care of each other.
