What is a Natural Anti Inflammatory for Skin Injuries?
Skin injuries can be very painful and depending on the location of the wound, can become difficult to heal, particularly if the skin injury is located in a stress area like between the fingers or in an area exposed to moisture or constant use. There are natural anti-inflammatories, both internal and external, that can aid in the healing process.
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Definition
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Inflammation is defined, by MedicineNet.com, as redness, warmth, swelling or pain that resulted from an irritation or injury. Typically aspirin, Tylenol or ibuprofen would be taken, but there are natural anti-inflammatories if you would prefer not to use pharmaceutical brands.
Pineapples
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Pineapple stems produce a substance called Bromelain, which, according to Dr. Randall Neustaedter OMD, LAc, CCH, is an anti-inflammatory that works by limiting the production of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins. Bromelain doesn't have the side effect of stomach irritation. The dose for a 150 pound person is 500 mg three times a day, between meals.
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Tumeric
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Tumeric contains a substance called curcumin, which is also an anti-inflammatory. According to MedlinePlus, the adult dose for tumeric is 450 mg to 3 g, divided into several doses. You can also drink Tumeric tea steeping 1.5 g of dried root in 150 ml of water.
Aloe
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Aloe Vera gel has been used for centuries in skin injuries. It is an anti-inflammatory and also helps to accelerate healing if the gel is put on the wound. It is is used to relieve inflammation and heal burns.
Arnica Montana
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Arnica is a topical ointment that is used to reduce the inflammation and swelling of sprains, bruises and joint pain. Research is being performed, testing Arnica's ability to reduce bruising, by protecting damaged blood capillaries.
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