Home Remedies for Cuts and Bruises
An excerpt from the 20th Century Cookbook:
Contused Wounds are those from blunt or rough instruments, making torn, irregular incisions. Care should be taken to remove by washing or otherwise all outside matter from the wound, and to place the parts as nearly as possible in their proper positions. Then, after stopping the effusion of blood by slight pressure, wipe dry and apply adhesive straps, the same as in incised wounds; as the surface of the wound has been more seriously injured, there will be more reaction. Keep the wounded part immersed in hot water, as hot as can be borne, until the inflammation has subsided. This may be done even before the adhesive plasters are applied. Where the case is serious this will be found to act like a charm in relieving the pain and inflammation; then keep on cotton batting wet in hot water. Cures have been effected in this manner where amputation has seemed necessary. Keep it up until the inflammation has subsided. If cold water is all that is attainable, apply it by means of compresses kept wet. A few drops of laudanum in the water will help to relieve the pain.
Punctured wounds made by any sharp point, as a needle, pin, thorn, sharp nail, etc., often become very painful and suppurate--sometimes involving the whole limb. It should be universally known that to pound the part immediately after the puncture, giving it several smart taps with almost any object within reach, will invariably prevent the subsequent soreness and suppuration. The pain will be increased by the pounding, for a minute or two, but very soon after all pain and soreness will disappear. Trifling as this may seem to some, it may nevertheless, if heeded, prevent a case of lock-jaw.
Bruises treated with hot water will be speedily relieved.
To prevent discoloration of the skin after a bruise, bathe as above in hot water, and then apply molasses spread on paper or linen. No mark will be left. Or make a paste of dry starch and cold water and put on the injured part.
Severed arteries are indicated by the blood coming in jets or spurts from the wound, and the sooner a physician is on the spot the better. While waiting tie a handkerchief loosely around near the wound, between it and the heart. Put a stick between the handkerchief and the skin, twist it around until the blood ceases to flow. If the wound is in a position where the handkerchief cannot be used, press the thumb on a spot near the cut, between it and the heart. Increase the pressure until the bleeding ceases, bat do not lesson the pressure an instant until the doctor arrives. Every one should understand and remember these rules, as in default of them speedy death will be the result.
Bleeding of severe cuts may often be stopped by the application of quantities of salt and flour, spread on thickly. This will answer in a moderate cut always. Cobwebs are used successfully also.