Scars occur when the body attempts to repair a wound. Scars can form both internally and externally. Internal scars are usually formed from a surgical procedure and can be extremely painful. External scars, such as acne or keloid scars, typically do not hurt but are often unsightly. Many people opt to remove the scars by using treatments that may include steroid injections, freezing or surgical removal. A less invasive, alternative remedy to reduce a scar's appearance may be the use of certain herbs and oils.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has been used for centuries as a topical skin treatment, especially effective for burns and abrasions, states the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Many believe that aloe vera gel, massaged in and around the scar, has the ability to improve it's appearance; however, most studies can not confirm this. In a study published in the December 2008 issue of "Burns," researchers found that aloe vera did significantly decrease subdermal temperature, allowing the wound to heal more quickly and with less pain but did not have ability to improve the cosmetic appearance of the scar, nor its strength or depth.
Lavender
Lavender, in the form of oil and most often associated with its relaxing, soothing, sedative effects, may also help reduce the appearance of scars. Although there is little supporting evidence that lavender heals all types of scars, it has been shown to smooth the skin, and act as a preventative treatment for skin conditions such as eczema and acne, according to The University of Maryland Medical Center. In a study published in the September 2000 issue of "Phytotherapy Research," scientists found that lavender in addition to therapeutic touch from the mother improved and reduced the scaly, dry skin lesions that children with eczema suffered from. Lavender has also been used effectively to treat fungal infections, wounds, and reduce muscle and joint pain.
Gotu Kola
Gotu kola, an herb popularly used in Ayurvedic medicine, may have the ability to strengthen connective tissues which could be effective for healing the appearance of those ugly scars, especially keloids which is a shiny, raised scar that can be very itchy and painful and often continues to grow in size. Although the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center reports that gotu kola extract has been be used as a way to reduce the size and appearance of a scar as well as a way of preventing it from occurring, there are no studies that actually prove this works. Gotu kola also may be effective in treating varicose veins, burns, dermatitis, wounds, cellulite and scleroderma.
Calendula
The herb calendula, also known as marigold, appears to have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. Therefore, topical solutions of calendula, in the form of ointments, tinctures and washes, have been shown to heal wounds, burns, bruises and cuts, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center. If calendula is used at the onset of the injury, it appears to lessen the appearance of the scar. The website, Herbs2000.com, suggests that a salve made out of calendula used on scar tissue, especially scars obtained from a surgical procedure, will heal faster after consistent applications. More research needs to be done to provide reliable evidence. Calendula has also been found to help relieve and treat stomach ulcers and menstrual cramps.
References
- Herbs2000com: Scarring
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Aloe Vera
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Calendula
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Lavender
- UPMC: Gotu Kola
- "Burns"; The Efficacy of Aloe Vera, Tea Tree Oil and Saliva as First Aid Treatment for Partial Thickness Burn Injuries; L. Cuttle, et al.; December 2008
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