Blisters
Blisters result from physical trauma to the skin, whether it's repeated rubbing or a minor burn. Your body creates a little 'cushion' of fluid to protect the damaged skin, a fairly effective protective strategy. The collected fluid and the raw, red underlying skin contain specialised cells that the body has rushed to the area to limit the injury and begin the process of healing. For this reason, it's usually best to leave a blister intact so that the inflamed underlying skin can heal.
For the average blister, vulnerary herbs (herbs that promote healing) can help speed generation of new skin. Other herbs can help cool and heal inflammation and fight bacteria. All the herbs discussed below are readily available in the form of ointments, creams, salves and oils and are found in health food stores. You don't need all of them; just find a topical application that includes one or more of them.
Lavender and tea tree can each be purchased as a highly concentrated and fragrant essential oil. To use essential oils on a blister, dilute them by adding five times as much of a neutral vegetable oil, such as olive, almond, sesame, vitamin E or avocado oil. To make an infused oil with any of the herbs described below, pack a small, clean jar with the herb, then cover the herbs with vegetable oil. Put a tight lid on the jar. Allow it to steep in a sunny spot for two weeks, shaking it every other day. After two weeks, strain the herbs out of the oil and put the oil into a clean bottle. Store it in a cool place.
BASIC BLISTER CARE
Clean the area by soaking it briefly in warm water. Pat it dry gently; do not rub. Do not drain an intact blister unless it is very large or is interfering with movement at a joint.
If you need to drain the blister, pierce it with a sterilised needle, allow the fluid to drain and pat dry. Do not remove the protective covering of skin until it begins to dry and peel on its own; you can then remove it with your fingers or a pair of clean scissors. Apply a small amount of herbal salve or cream to a bandage or soft piece of gauze and gently cover the blister. Avoid further stress to the area for several days. Repeat the cleaning and application of the herb cream and dressings two or three times per day until the blister is healed.
DRUG TREATMENT
Conventional over-the-counter treatment for blisters is usually recommended only if a blister has torn, exposing the skin underneath. Antibacterial creams and ointments can be applied, along with adhesive bandages that keep the wound clean.
HERBAL REMEDIES
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)
This wonderful,
traditional herbal wound healer appears to work, in part, because it is rich
in allantoin, a chemical that stimulates cell proliferation, thus speeding
the growth of healthy new skin. Salves containing comfrey can be spread on
blisters as needed.
Calendula (Calendula off cinails)
The yellow or
orange flowers of the common garden marigold are wound-healing, anti -inflammatory
and antiseptic. You'll see calendula as an ingredient in many first-aid creams.
It makes a wonderful, skinhealing infused
oil. Use commercial products as directed on the package or as needed.
Camomile (Matricaria recutita)
In addition to having
wound-healing properties, camomile is also antiinflammatory
and antiseptic. If you have camomile tea on hand, you can simply dampen a teabag
in warm water and hold it against the blister as often as you need to.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lavender speeds healing and is mildly antiseptic. As an added
benefit, just the smell of lavender has traditionally been used to lift mood.
Use commercial products as directed; dilute lavender essential oil as directed
above and use as often as needed.
St John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
When applied topically in an infused (not essential) oil, St John's wort
is wound-healing, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. Simply dab it on the
blister with a clean cotton-wool ball several times per day.
BLISTER BALM
This herbal ointment is also appropriate for
minor cuts, abrasions, burns and fungal infections.
15 grams dried calendula blossoms
15 grams dried comfrey
root
450 millilitres almond, olive or other vegetable oil
120 grams finely
chopped beeswax
10 drops lavender essential oil
10 drops tea tree essential
oil
Combine the herbs and vegetable oil in a crock pot. Turn the crock pot to its lowest setting, cover and allow to heat gently for two to four hours, checking and stirring frequently to prevent burning. When the oil is yellow in colour and has a 'herby' smell, it's done. Strain through a coffee filter or piece of clean cloth into a large measuring jug. This oil is now an infused herbal oil.
To each 1/4 litre of infused oil (you'll lose some in the straining process), add 60 grams of the beeswax. Heat the oil and beeswax together over very low heat until the beeswax is completely melted. Do not allow to boil or burn. Test the consistency by placing 1 tablespoon of the mixture in the freezer for 1-2 minutes until cool.
The balm should be the consistency of an easily spreadable paste. If it seems too thin, add a little more beeswax; if too thick, add a little oil. Remove from the heat. Quickly add the essential oils. Pour into clean glass containers and cover tightly. Cool to room temperature.
