Injuries: Herbal Remedies For Sprains and Strains

[suzanne sanders]

I am not a doctor, if you need a doctor, then please make an appointment.   The information below is what I would do in the event of a Strain or a Sprain.   

Immediate treatment is to apply the ICE approach:  ice, compression and elevation.  

After the symptoms have subsided, there maybe a case for using alternate hot and cold compresses.   

3 minutes hot followed by 1 minute cold, repeated for about 15 minutes.  This improves local circulation to the relevant muscles, and later treatment may include massage to relieve muscular aches.  

Cold Compress: 

5 drops Lavender essential oil

1 Tbsp. of iced water  

Or 

5 drops chamomile essential oil

1 Tbsp.  iced water

Comfrey Leaf infusion for a cold compress.  If you do not have comfrey leaves you can use diluted tincture of comfrey.   

You could also add Calendula to this either in flower form or tincture form.  

Tincture Cold Compress: 

1 Tbsp. to 1 1/4 cups cold (very cold) water

Compress: 

A compress is a way of applying herbal extracts directly to the skin, to reduce the inflammation or promote healing.  usually, an infusion or decoction of the herb is prepared for use in the compress, or simply hot or cold water can be used.  

Soak a clean cloth or flannel in a hot or cold infusion.

Place on the affected area and hold firmly in place.  use a towel or bandage to tie in place if kept on for long.  

One of my favorites is Comfrey Poultices:  

A poultice acts in a similar way to a compress, but the herb itself is used, rather than just a liquid extract.  Normally poultices are applied hot.  

When Swelling has subsided, gently rub in Comfrey Salve or Self Heal Salve at least 3 to 4 times a day.    

There are some different homeopathic remedies: 

Arnica

Rhus Tox:  for muscular strains, from lifting heavy weights for instance, with pain, stiffness and swelling

Ruta Grav:  For torn ligaments or tendons, especially in sprains of the ankles or wrists, with a feeling of bruising in the bones. 

After symptoms have subsided you can also start using a warming herbal salve.  I sell one called Deep Tissue Healing / Warming Balm.  

Other suggestions: 

Herbal muscle liniments. 

Sports Massage weekly

Acupuncture

Diet During An Injury: 

No soda, no sugar, no fried foods, No fast food junk, no soy, no corn, no canola and no caffeine.

Eat a variety of cooked greens daily

Eat salad daily

Only organic wheat

Only grass fed meat

Only organic dairy

Only organic eggs

Drink filtered water, No fluoride or chlorine 

Daily Wellness: 

At least 8 hours of sleep

Meditate daily

Cut TV, social media, video games and computer time down, read a book, get out in nature, sit by a tree etc...