Natural Antiseptic for Injuries

Antiseptics are used to kill germs and reduce the likelihood of infection from an injury. The best time to use antiseptics is during the first cleaning of the wound and for a few days afterward. In addition to antiseptics such as iodine, there are other natural products you can use for disinfecting injuries.

Types

• According to Herbal Medicine Guide, natural antiseptics include ginger, goldenseal, aloe vera, horseradish, clove oil and cinnamon bark oil. Tea tree oil and calendula (marigold) also have strong antiseptic properties.

History

• Garlic contains a strong antibacterial compound called allicin. During World War II, the Russian army used garlic powder for wound cleaning.

Function

• Sweet clover contains nordihydroguaiaretic acid, which is particularly effective at killing skin bacteria.

Considerations

• Cineole and terpinen are two compounds in tea tree oil that are used to determine oil quality. When selecting tea tree oil, look for a product with less than 15 percent cineole and at least 30 percent terpinens, according to Dr. Christine Horner, M.D., medical consultant for TV station WLWT in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Expert Insight

• The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends echinacea, slippery elm bark, gotu kola and marshmallow be used externally to disinfect wounds.