Herbal Remedy for Leg Ulcers

by Lisa Parris

Overview

When people hear the word "ulcer" they tend to think of stomach ulcers, but "ulcer" is the medical term used to describe any type of open sore or lesion of the skin or mucous membranes. Many ulcers are complicated by inflamed or necrotic tissues at the wound site increasing the odds of infection. Ulcers of the leg can be slow to heal, as the further you get from the heart, the greater the reduction in circulation. Medicinal herbs can be used to help heal the wound while keeping costs and potential side effects to a minimum.
Clean

Prior to the application of any sort of wound treatment or dressing, the ulcer should be cleaned to remove any debris and to help prevent bacterial growth at the wound site. To clean a leg ulcer, mix ¼ tsp. of tea tree oil with 1 tsp. of distilled water. Pour the resulting solution over the wound area. Tea tree oil has antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties that will effectively disinfect the sore.

Treat

Once the wound has been cleaned, a simple salve made from calendula flowers can be applied directly to the affected area. To make your own salve, place 3/4 cup of petroleum jelly in a small sauce pan. Melt the jelly over low heat. When it is completely melted, add ¼ cup of calendula blossoms. Allow the mixture to come to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and cover; let the flowers simmer for 10 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and pour through a fine mesh strainer to remove any plant particles. Press on the debris that has been filtered out to remove as much of the beneficial oils as possible. Transfer the filtered liquid to a clean container and allow it to cool. The salve can be applied as soon as it has cooled to room temperature. Store any unused portion in a sealed container at room temperature for up to six months.
Cover

After applying the salve, cover the wound with a sterile gauze pad and secure the pad with medical tape or with clean gauze or cloth wrappings. Clean the wound and change the dressing at least two times a day. Be sure to wash your hands and use clean towels each time to avoid the unintentional transfer of bacteria. Visually inspect the wound each time you clean it. If your wound seems to be getting worse rather than better (covering a larger area, becoming redder, developing an unpleasant aroma, etc.) seek professional medical advice immediately.

Overview