Chronic wound

Eucalyptus oil wound dressing versus standard care for chronic leg ulcers: randomized controlled pilot trial

Eucalyptus oil dressing group showed significantly faster wound area reduction at 8 weeks (62% vs 41% reduction, p=0.03) and lower bacterial bioburden at wound site. No significant difference in complete healing rates. Local irritation occurred in 3 patients (12%) in the eucalyptus group.

Aboriginal wound management across Australia: ethnobotanical compilation of antiseptic plant use

Eucalyptus species documented as wound wash or poultice in 58 of 67 language groups surveyed (87%). Used primarily for larger wound areas, burns, and as a secondary antiseptic. Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) the preferred wound treatment in northeastern NSW (Bundjalung territory). Clay and ochre mixed with plant preparations documented in 34 groups for deeper wounds. Overall, Aboriginal wound management involved a systematic multi-step approach: immediate antiseptic (tea tree or eucalyptus), covering (leaves or bark), and monitoring for infection.

Ulmus rubra (Slippery Elm) as wound poultice in Eastern Woodland tribal medicine

Slippery elm bark poultice was one of the most widely shared wound treatments across Eastern Woodland tribes. Ojibwe, Cherokee, Iroquois, Mohegan, Shinnecock, and Penobscot (among others) used moistened inner bark as a wound dressing. The mucilaginous bark was applied directly to wounds, burns, boils, and abscesses. Some tribes mixed slippery elm with goldenseal or other antimicrobial plants for infected wounds. The bark's ability to maintain wound moisture while delivering anti-inflammatory compounds was recognized empirically across dozens of independent tribal traditions.

Mucilaginous plant preparations for wound management: clinical observations including Ulmus rubra

Slippery elm bark poultice used as adjunct to standard wound care showed improved granulation tissue formation in 71% of patients and reduced wound pain scores (VAS) by 35% compared to standard care alone. However, the study was non-randomized and unblinded. The mucilage's mechanism is primarily mechanical — creating a moist healing environment and physical barrier against secondary infection — rather than direct pharmacological activity.

Aloe vera gel versus silver sulfadiazine for partial-thickness burn wounds: randomized controlled trial in a Tanzanian burn unit

Aloe vera gel achieved faster epithelialization (mean 15.4 vs 18.7 days, p=0.02) and lower pain scores at dressing changes (VAS 3.2 vs 5.1, p<0.001) compared to silver sulfadiazine. Wound infection rates were comparable (9% vs 12%, p=0.47). Cost per treatment course was 85% lower with Aloe vera.

Centella asiatica in Fijian traditional wound care: ethnomedical documentation from the Vuniwai (Fijian healer) tradition

Centella asiatica (known locally in Fijian as 'totodro') used specifically for slow-healing wounds and tropical ulcers that fail to respond to initial treatment. Preparation: fresh leaves pounded with coconut oil into a paste, applied to wound bed and covered with banana or Ti leaf. Changed daily. Vuniwai consider it a 'strong' wound medicine reserved for difficult cases. Also used preventively — warriors reportedly applied centella paste to wounds received in combat. The plant's preference for wet lowland habitats associates it with purification and healing in Fijian cosmology.

Centella asiatica extract for chronic wound healing: a multicenter randomized controlled trial

Centella asiatica cream significantly improved wound healing at 8 weeks: complete healing in 43% vs 28% of controls (p=0.04). Mean wound area reduction was 72% vs 54% (p=0.01). Histological analysis in a subset (n=20) showed increased collagen deposition and angiogenesis in centella-treated wounds. Asiaticoside and madecassoside plasma levels confirmed topical absorption. No significant adverse events.