Holistic remedies are often cheaper than over-the-counter medications. Some of these natural items you might already have at home. Honey, arnica, and tea tree oil are all inexpensive home remedies that have one thing in common, they have antibacterial agents. Each of these is ideal for treating small wounds like cuts or scrapes. Several clinical studies have proven that these easy-to-find options are ideal in certain medical scenarios.
Honey
Honey is a versatile substance that has many purposes and healing properties. People have used honey to treat wounds for thousands of years. A clinical study showed that honey is just as effective as conventional treatments when treating small wounds. Honey has a high sugar content that halts microbial growth. By stopping bacteria from growing in open wounds, this allows your body to begin healing itself. This study says honey is recommended when treating small wounds, and even burns. [1]
Arnica
Arnica has been used in creams, ointments, and oils for topical use. It is most commonly used in self-care. In a study that looked at postoperative patients, arnica was used to treat pain, bleeding, and swelling on or near the incision. The results found that arnica was comparable to other anti-inflammatory treatments. Arnica was somewhat effective in relieving post-op patients, however, it is better used as a home remedy. [2]
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is most commonly used topically to treat acne and bug bites. In a study that evaluated tea tree oil’s effect on Staphylococcus aureus (staph) wounds, doctors dressed the open wounds in tea tree oil. The main focus of this study was to determine if tea tree oil could clear the staph infection. The results of this study found that the wounds caused by staph did shrink when tea tree oil was used. However, scientists recommend dressing much smaller wounds in tea tree oil. Scientists urge medical companies to manufacture a product that includes tea tree oil for small wounds. [3]
There is still more research that needs to go into testing these three natural remedies. Right now the science shows that if you need a quick antibacterial for any small wound, honey, arnica, or tea tree oil are all cheap and easily accessible options.
Sources
[1] Yaghoobi R, et al. Evidence for Clinical Use of Honey in Wound Healing as an Anti-bacterial, Anti-inflammatory Anti-oxidant and Anti-viral Agent: A Review. Jundishapur J Nat Pharm Prod. 2013;8(3):100-104. doi:10.17795/jjnpp-9487 [Times cited=31] [Journal impact factor=.76]
[2] Gaertner K, et al. Is Homeopathic Arnica Effective for Postoperative Recovery? A Meta-analysis of Placebo-Controlled and Active Comparator Trials. Front Surg. 2021;8:680930. Published 2021 Dec 17. doi:10.3389/fsurg.2021.680930 [Times cited=1] [Journal impact factor=2.45]
[3] Edmondson M, et al. Uncontrolled, open-label, pilot study of tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) oil solution in the decolonisation of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus positive wounds and its influence on wound healing. Int Wound J. 2011;8(4):375-384. doi:10.1111/j.1742-481X.2011.00801.x [Times cited=11] [Journal impact factor=2.385]
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