Mend wounds.
It’s fitting that comfrey’s scientific name, Symphytum, means “to unite or knit together.” The herb’s root and leaves rapidly heal minor cuts and scrapes thanks to a compound called allantoin, which stimulates skin cell growth.
Try: Gaia Comfrey Compound
Ease rashes.
Get relief from poison oak, sumac, and ivy exposure with jewelweed-infused salves. Usually found growing near poison ivy, jewelweed can alleviate itching and irritation, possibly because of its cleansing saponins. Thoroughly wash the affected skin with soap and water, and then apply salve.
Try: WiseWays Herbals Itch Free Salve
Comfort bumps.
Used since ancient times, stalwart arnica remains a natural first-aid essential. Perfect for topical applications, arnica alleviates pain and accelerates healing of bruises, sprains, and pulled muscles. Do not use on open wounds; it’s toxic to the bloodstream.
Try: Weleda Bumps and Bruises Skin Salve
Subdue stings.
Tame painful bug bites with salves containing calendula and echinacea. Calming, anti-inflammatory calendula controls swelling; echinacea fights infection with its antimicrobial and antiviral properties.
Try: MJ’s Herbals Calendula Salve
