In part 1 of this article, we reported on the tens of millions of emergency room visits due to injuries in the U.S. Any open wound can lead to infection, whether it’s in normal times or long-term survival settings. Family medics must act to prevent contamination and, hopefully, a tragic outcome. For that, antiseptics are needed. We discussed commercial antiseptics last time; today we’ll discuss plant-based and other naturally antiseptic substances.
As mentioned in Part 1, many people confuse antiseptics, disinfectants, and antibiotics. The goal of all of these substances is to combat infection, but they’re not the same. Disinfectants are applied to non-living surfaces, such as countertops. Antiseptics, on the other hand, are applied to the surfaces of living tissues, mostly as prevention. Doctors apply disinfectants to clean their exam table, then use antiseptics on the skin of patients undergoing procedures on that table. Antibiotics are curative for many bacterial infections; they are most commonly ingested by or injected into a patient, something you don’t want to do with either disinfectants or antiseptics.
PLANT-BASED AND OTHER NATURAL ANTISEPTICS
When the commercial antiseptic products run out, the family medic will need to look to nature for substances that can prevent and treat infection. Some plant extracts are thought to have significant antiseptic properties. They include:
- Witch hazel: This is a mild antiseptic largely used for acne. It can serve as a gargle for throat issues or applied directly for mild wounds.
- Grapefruit seed extract: Known for its antimicrobial activity, a spray solution of four to forty drops of this substance in four ounces of water can be applied to affected areas two to three times a day.
- Honey: Applied full strength or diluted with water, raw unprocessed honey has been found to prevent growth of many species of bacteria. Its pH profile promotes oxygen delivery to wounds. Some researchers even believe raw honey to be superior to antibiotics in treating certain drug-resistant bacteria. It can be used for bites, stings, cuts, burns, or any infection.
When using raw honey on wounds, always start with clean hands and sterile dressings. Keep the area neat by putting honey on the dressing before applying to the wound. An exception would be a large, deep wound: In that case, fill the wound with honey before covering with a dry dressing. Replace when wound drainage saturates the dressings. It should be noted that there are commercially=made dressings available that incorporate honey (MediHoney).
- Tea tree oil: A well-known natural antibiotic, this pungent oil contains antiseptic compounds that are effective against fungal infections like ringworm, athlete’s foot, and jock itch. For wound cleanings, add 1½ tablespoons of tea tree oil to a cup of warm water and apply to the area.
- Turmeric paste: A compound in turmeric called curcumin possesses antimicrobial properties which may enhance wound healing. Mixing turmeric and warm water to make a paste can successfully treat dry socket, a common infection that occurs after removing a tooth. Apply the paste gently and cover with a small amount of gauze.
- Aloe vera: A member of the cactus family, aloe vera contains a gel-like substance called glucomannan which promotes wound healing. Aloe vera is a popular natural treatment for burn injuries as well. Apply a thin layer or wet a bandage with it and cover the wound.
- Coconut oil: Coconut oil contains monolaurin, a fatty acid thought to have antimicrobial effects. It can be used as a base to make antiseptic ointments.
- Garlic: Garlic is well-known for antimicrobial properties due to a substance it contains called allicin. Simply crush a clove of garlic and mix it with a third of a cup of water or some coconut oil. Use the solution right away, as it loses potency in just a few hours.
- Salt: Although sea water is risky to use as an antiseptic, cleaning with sterile salt (“normal saline”) solutions is thought to decrease the risk of infection. Mix a liter of water and two teaspoons of salt in a pot with a lid and boil for fifteen minutes. Let cool and use immediately on the wound or seal in sterile canning jars.
(Historical aside: In centuries past, punishment for sailors at sea involved lashes with a whip. Since these whippings broke the skin, salt or saltwater was rubbed into the wound to prevent infection. But just because salt was used historically as an antiseptic, doesn’t mean it really worked. Researchers have found that rinsing a wound in seawater is harmful due to the presence of dangerous marine microbes. Additionally, many bacteria tolerate salt very well, including the organism behind deadly MRSA infections. Therefore, the saying “rubbing salt in the wound” became a metaphor for making a bad situation worse!)
Among the many other natural substances that have had antiseptic properties attributed to them are the following:
- Vinegar
- Anise oil
- Lavender oil
- Eucalyptus oil
- Baking soda
- Camphor
- Cinnamon oil
- Citronella oil
- Frankincense oil
- Myrrh oil
- Lemon juice or oil
- Oregano oil
- Spearmint oil
- Sweet Orange oil
A combination of commercial and natural antiseptic products known as sugardine (or sugardyne) is an additional option. Studies has shown the mixture of sugar and povidone-iodine is effective for wound management. It appears that sugardine nourishes regenerating tissues and inhibits the growth of bacteria. Several formulas can be found, depending on the thickness of the paste desired. It has the consistency of thick honey in concentrated form (9:1 sugar: povidone-iodine), less viscous when more dilute (as low as 2:1). No specific standard exists.
It’s important to realize that the evidence for the antiseptic effects of many natural substances is limited in terms of hard scientific data. They also are difficult to standardize in any meaningful way and, thus, different versions of the same substance may vary in their effect on different individuals. There is also the possibility of an allergy to the extract. Do your own research and make your own conclusions.
Joe Alton MD
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