1) Apply a tincture of Echinacea to wounds. It’s full of antiviral and skin- and wound-healing properties.

2) Tea tree oil is an antiseptic and can be dapped on minor cuts to prevent infection

2) Applying aloe vera gel to cuts can speed healing. It contains anti-inflammatories that remove bacteria and stimulate the growth of healthy new skin cells.

3) Stop small cuts from bleeding with used tea bags. The tannic acid in tea has an astringent effect, prompting blood vessels to constrict more quickly, slowing the flow of blood. Using light pressure, hold a cool tea bag agasint the cut for one minute. Rinse, then cover with a bandage.

4) Susun Weed, herbalist and author of Healing Wise and Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year, suggests having plantain oil on hand for everything from stings to scrapes to diaper rash. It’s both anti-itch and antipain, and it also counters infection — sort of like bacitracin and hydrocortisone cream all in one. Any plantain leaf can be used to make an infused oil (place leaf in a jar covered in olive oil, let sit six weeks) or you can buy it ready-made. If making your own, don’t wash the leaf; water on top of oil can lead to mold.