How to Make an Herbal Wound Wash

Herbs for a wound wash

Because Ouchies Sometimes Happen

Let's be real, scrapes and cuts happen—whether it’s a kid’s bloody knee from a bike tumble or a gardening mishap. Cleaning a wound can sting, but this herbal wound wash uses gentle, healing herbs to cleanse and soothe naturally. With ingredients you might already have (or can easily find), it’s as simple as making tea. Below, I’ll guide you through creating a safe, effective wound wash to support healing without the “ouch.” All you need is the ability to brew a simple herbal tea.

Herbs brewing in a pot

What Is an Herbal Wound Wash?

An herbal wound wash is a strong herbal tea meant for external use, made with herbs that are known for their:

• Vulnerary (wound-healing)

• Antimicrobial

• Anti-inflammatory properties

This soothing rinse helps cleanse scrapes, cuts, and other minor wounds, supporting the body’s natural healing process without harsh chemicals.

Wound Wash

Ingredients

• Choose 1–4 herbs from the list below (Tip: Use what you have! These herbs work beautifully solo or in combination):

  • Calendula (Calendula officinalis): antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, it promotes tissue repair, making it a go-to for speeding up the healing of minor wounds

  • Plantain (Plantago spp.): draws out debris (like stingers or splinters), soothes irritation, and supports skin regeneration—perfect for gritty scrapes

  • Yarrow (Achillea millefolium): antimicrobial, astringent, anti-inflammatory, styptic—ideal for bleeding wounds

  • Chamomile (Matricaria recutita): calming, anti-inflammatory, gentle on sensitive skin, aids tissue repair

  • Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): antiseptic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, supports skin healing,  its soothing scent can bring calm during wound cleaning

  • Elderflower (Sambucus nigra): anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial, it soothes and cleanses minor wounds while supporting skin recovery

  • Self-heal (Prunella vulgaris): antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, astringent, styptic, speeds up healing

  • Rose petals (Rosa spp.): gentle, cooling, and slightly astringent, antimicrobial,  ideal for delicate skin

  • Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium): anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, supports wound healing

  • Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea): antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, may help prevent infection and promote recovery in minor cuts

  • Comfrey (Symphytum officinale): astringent, wound healing, pain-relieving, excellent for speeding up the healing of shallow cuts, but avoid on deep or puncture wounds

  • Mallow (Malva neglecta/ M. sylvestris) or Marshmallow (Althea officinalis): antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, astringent, their mucilaginous nature calms irritated skin

  • Violet (Viola odorata or V. sororia): cooling, anti-inflammatory, and soothing, it’s gentle for sensitive skin and often grows wild

• Water (distilled is best for purity)

• Witch hazel (preferably alcohol-free, for added astringent and cooling effects)

Tip: Don’t have loose herbs? Herbal tea bags work in a pinch!

Store your wound wash in the refrigerator and refresh every 24–48 hours, or pour into ice cube trays to freeze for quick, soothing use later.

Wound wash (tea)

How to Make It

Brew the Tea

• Bring 2–3 cups of water to a boil. Add a generous handful of herbs (fresh or dried) or 4-6 herbal tea bags. Remove from heat and infuse for 10–15 minutes

Strain & Cool

• Strain out the herbs (compost them if you can). Pour wound wash into a clean glass jar with a lid. Let the herbal tea cool to room temperature before using

Optional: Add Witch Hazel

• You can use the herbal tea as-is, or mix it in a 25:75 or 50:50 ratio with alcohol-free witch hazel for extra cleansing and toning benefits

How to Use Your Wound Wash

Pour or Spray

• Use a clean spray bottle or squirt bottle to gently rinse the wound. This helps remove dirt and debris without the need to rub or scrub

Use as a Compress

• Soak a clean cloth in the cooled tea and apply it as a compress. Always use a clean, fresh cloth each time to avoid contamination

Storage Tips

• Store leftover wound wash in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours

• Or pour into ice cube trays, freeze, and thaw as needed—great for quick first-aid use!

For Minor Wounds Only: This wash is for small wounds, cuts, and scrapes. Seek medical help for deep, infected, or non-healing wounds.

Herbal ice cubes

Final Thoughts

Making an herbal wound wash is a gentle, effective way to support your body’s natural healing process. With just a few backyard or pantry herbs, you can create something that soothes rather than stings, and heals rather than harms.

Keep a stash in your freezer during active outdoor months or make a batch to bring on your next camping trip.