Sprain Remedies

While living in Peru, I sprained my ankle. Sweet little ladies took me to their home, whipped up some egg whites and slathered the “merengue” all over my ankle and wrapped it in a paper towel. (They actually made the “paper towel” by rubbing paper between their hands until it was soft, and then pricking it with a fork). As the white prickled and popped like rice crispies, the swelling went down. Finally, when the paper was touching my skin, the swelling had gone down completely. I'm not sure about the salt, it most likely was in the whipped whites, but I can attest that this egg white remedy works wonders.

Ankle sprain - torn ligament

So I slipped down a hole unexpectedly. After the initial shock (tapped EFT-style - even though I am in shock, I deeply accept myself and the situation) I realised that I could still move my ankle and wouldn't necessarily have to call the coast guard. I remembered films about people dragging their broken legs down mountains/cutting off their own arms and remembered that I was only half a mile from the nearest house, hardly in a remote or extreme situation. I could even see people in the distance so I sat and let myself recover for a bit. I also had a phone and got some basic information about sprains. There was clearly damage - I elevated the foot for a few minutes, gingerly testing what I could or could not move. Then I remembered all the bombing in Syria and the recent earthquake victims in Italy, and how people have far worse injuries that this and not because they are stupid enough to walk on coarse paths in sandals, and I garnered sufficient courage to limp back to the car. It was quite painful, and it wasn't the best thing to do unassisted, but I drove to A&E where I had to park what seemed to be miles from the entrance, and they couldn't lend me a crutch!

Anyway, after 4 hours I was given an X-ray and an appointment with an orthopaedic surgeon who said DO NOT DO ANY EXERCISE, WEAR THIS BIG BOOT OR I WILL WRAP IT IN PLASTER. He reckoned after 4 weeks I might either be healed or need surgery. So I Earth-cliniced and read a lot about sprains and tried essential oils (no good), tiger balm (no good) and arnica (no good). I also checked out Louise Hay's healing affirmations (I am confident in my inner healer/my body is perfect whole and complete etc). Eventually I tried the grape cure (spread split-open grapes all over swollen/painful area, bind up and sleep) which brought the swelling right down - maybe it was the grapes, or maybe just the time - it was 6 days after the initial injury. Some areas are still hot, however, so after 2 nights of grape-foot, now arnica gel mixed with peppermint essential oil is soothing, cooling and absolutely lovely for the foot.

I am on the road to recovery and feel confident that in a few weeks I will be taking off the boot and going for physio and not surgery. Fingers crossed. So, now I am feeling quite buoyant, but for a few days did find there was a whole lot of emotion coming up - all sorts of things, old injuries, memories of my parents' ankle injuries, a sense of shame that I haven't cared for myself when I could have, that I have taken for granted my own good health and not paid much respect to my inner healer/the amazing natural, inherent drive to repair disease in spite of the mental palava that so often gets in the way. I was having a dispute with someone which was upsetting me, far more than it should have, and this has helped me to get a sense of priority - what has been so important to me is the kindness offered all the time by strangers and colleagues, and the love and concern from others who are good enough to give me time and support. So I am still wearing the big boot and using crutches but the swelling is greatly reduced after 8 days. Who knows what miracles will happen in the next 20?

Comfrey Leaf for Fractures and Sprains

I know many of these comments were submitted a few years ago. I just wanted to add my 2 cents about comfrey leaf. I took comfrey leaf for many years with no harm before FDA decided to put on THEIR toxic list.

I've also done lots of research both about the so called study that prompted the FDA to ban manufacturers from using comfrey for internal consumption, as well as many health experts/MDs that have voiced their medical opinion about its safety.

In the study, some ungodly amount was fed to rats and, given their small weight and size, supposedly the PAs (pyrrolizidine alkaloids) in the comfrey caused liver damage.

Comfrey, in my view, hands down is the best thing for a sprain, bone fracture, strain, etc. in accelerated healing and cell regeneration. I still take comfrey leaves (not the root) internally (yes, I can find it in bulk) when I have a sprain/strain.

Of course, do your own research to decide for yourself. I have done mine and use it responsibly and only when needed. Never had any problems nor side effects.

You can still make poultice, even if don't take internally. You can find comfrey cremes as well.

While some of the other recommended items will help take away swelling, they won't regenerate cells (like from tom tendon or ligament). If you start getting too active too prematurely before tears heal, you can re-injure. That's where comfrey is different than other remedies.

My 12 year old son sprained his second toe playing frisbee. The first night I did an apple cider vinegar wrap since that usually brings significant relief overnight. However, the next day the toe seemed no better.

Then I remembered I had some Arnica/Comfrey Tincture. I had him apply it liberally to his toe before bed the next night.

He woke up with significant improvement.

Last night he asked for a comfrey tincture poultice, so I doused a piece of old t shirt with the tincture and wrapped his toe.

This morning he is doing well. Not 100%, but able to wear his boots as the swelling has subsided.

I made that particular tincture in the first place because I want to use it as a base for magnesium oil.

I have been using magnesium oil that has been made with magnesium flakes and vodka instead of magnesium flakes and water since it is less sticky with the vodka. (Thanks for that tip, Art! )

I thought, "Why not make magnesium oil with a vodka that is actually a tincture of herbs that is useful for muscle and joint pain?" I haven't gotten around to making my comfrey/arnica magnesium oil yet, but meanwhile, the comfrey arnica tincture is quite useful!

Here is how I did it:
I filled a mason jar about 1/3 full of dried arnica flowers. Then I added about 1/3 of the jar worth of loosely packed dried comfrey leaves. I poured vodka over the dry herbs to cover plus about an inch and let it sit for 6 weeks. (It may have been much longer, actually. 2 weeks would have been enough, though I think 6 is better.)

I strained out the plant material through a coffee filter and labeled my jar, "arnica/comfrey tincture."

By the way, while many herbal tinctures in vodka are meant for internal use, arnica is not to be taken internally. So this tincture is not for internal use.

~Mama to Many~

Yesterday I fell and sprained my wrist in the morning. Come that evening became very painful and was throbbing. I iced it and it felt better for a short time. I looked on EC and found the apple cider vinegar remedy. I cut the toe out of an old sock, saturated it with AC and put it on my wrist. Wrapped it with Saran Wrap. Excruciating pain for 2 hours. Pain stopped and I fell asleep for the night. Woke up this morning with swelling mostly gone and no pain. I was amazed! Thx EC.

I fell off two railroad ties and all 175 lbs of landed on my left ankle and top of my foot I couldn't wait to get home to soak my foot in epsom salt, rosemary and black seed oil. Then for bed laid Castor oil on my entire foot up to a couple inches above my ankle wrapped it in saran wrap and then wrapped flannel around it and an ace bandage to keep it all in place slept with foot elevated.

Morning I hurt but every night I have kept this routine and not missed a beat at work. Our family has used this method my whole life for any pulls strains, sprains and it has been a life saver. On the mend :)

Before it got cool here I was in very tight shoes and my feet were swelling up as they do in hot days. I was taking a break outside work-we have a back yard- about the only way to get back thru the door is to sort of jump in so you do not knock over the small step ladder that serves as our steps.

Anyway the next day I awoke and I couldn't put my right foot down I was in Deep Pain!! I was praying I didn't break anything but I didn't know? For two weeks or more I had to hop on a cane. Everyone telling me to go to the doctors. I am not one who runs to doctors. Make a long story short I found this site and heard about ACV. Next day I went in I {should say hopped in} to a small fruit store near where I live and by chance I asked if they had heard of it and bam the lady said we just got in in!!! I did it twice with the saran wrap etc. It is GONE NO PAIN I CANNOT BELIEVE THIS! ~! I AM BEING VERY GENTLE WITH MY ANKLE AND WILL USE THE CANE FOR A FEW DAYS. Just unbelievable!! Thanks you all for your posts!!

BEATEN EGG WHITES AND SALT MIXTURE PLUS ACV FOR SPRAIN

Yesterday afternoon I sprained my right foot and it was paining like mad! I looked for cures on EC (I am EC biggest fan! ) and found a few cures. Not knowing which one to apply, I decided to use all 3 together! I drank 2 TBLsp of ACV then soaked a cotton-wool strip in ACV and covered the area with it for about 20 min. I then applied a mixture of 1 beaten eggwhite with a tsp of salt to the foot. Reapplying every 10-15 min until all used up. My hubby then covered my foot with a strip of ACV-soaked-cotton-wool and covered it with an old sock at bedtime. I woke up this morning nearly pain-free. I would say 70% better! Last night I couldn't touch or stand on the foot and now I could move and walk on it! Thanks to all you guys and the granny from 1888!

@SJ (2018 post below),

Thank you for sharing your experience. yesterday evening I took a hard tumble walking to the grocery store. Fell on concrete and must have taken all my weight with my right hand. Seemed to only affect my pinkie to hand knuckle, but by night time the whole back of my hand hurt and my wrist. The pain kept me awake.

Came here and discovered your story about ACV. I tried it and the coolness felt great. I applied fresh ACV (to a sock) an hour after the first application and the pain definitely went down. I finally found a comfortable position for my wrist and hand, and slept like a baby. It's painful to use today, so must not use it! Tough, cause I am right handed. Anyway, thank you everyone who shares their experiences here.

I had a broken ankle in the 70's that wouldn't show up on Xray, my ligaments were torn from continuous spraining that finally, in the 80's had an operation to fix cause newer Xrays showed a fracture, but ligaments would not heal, kept getting casts.

I heard of Comfrey Root applying it as a poultice. Comfrey Root is called a bone knitter, wound healer, etc. I have never had another sprain now for forty years. My father in law used it for his gums, rinsing with comfrey tea after his teeth were removed for dentures. His doctor said he has never seen gums heal so fast in his life.

Earthclinic.com

Please never stop this website. It has helped me with everything I look up.

For ankle sprain, arnica gel, helichrysum, apple cider vinegar, dmso, all work! Bless you

Dear Kay, Here are a few things you could try.

Raw Unpasteurized Apple Cider Vinegar - You can take 1 T. In water twice a day which helps some with pain. But even better (or in addition) is to dampen a cloth with it and wrap your wrist with it (cover with saran wrap and an ace bandage, not too tight) and wear this over night for a few nights to see if it helps. My son once had a sprained foot that he could bear no weight on. A few hours of vinegar on a cloth on it and he was up walking!

Castor Oil can be rubbed into the area. It is good for pain and healing. You could do this 2-3 times a day.

Turmeric is helpful for pain and inflammation and healing. 4 capsules 2-3 times a day. Some put it into milk (1/2 to 1 teaspoon twice a day) but I don't care for it that way, personally.

Peppermint essential oil (diluted 1:1 with another oil if it is too strong for you) rubbed into the pained area can help with pain and also healing. It is possible that you have some inflammation even if it isn't visible. This could be done 4 times a day or more if you find it comfortable. I love to put peppermint onto painful muscles and joints.

Perhaps the best thing (though maybe the hardest to find) would be comfrey. Comfrey is good at healing older injuries. One of its names is "knitbone!". You could take comfrey root capsules (you might need to take up to 4 3-4 times a day) internally. You could find a quality ointment with comfrey in it to massage into your wrist. Dr. Christopher has some complete bone and tissue products that can be used internally and externally. However, due to FDA regulations, he can no longer put the comfrey into the capsules, but people seem to still find the other herbs used helpful. You can buy it in bulk and make your own. I do use comfrey internally and externally with my family, even children and have never had a problem. Comfrey makes cells regenerate faster. We have missionary friends in Africa that make a comfrey tea to fertilize their gardens with great results!

With everything, drinking a lot of water is always important. Pain is always worse if you are not well hydrated.

Any of the above could be safely done together, also. (You could use the vinegar on your wrist at night and the castor oil or peppermint during the day, etc.)

Let us know what helps you!

~Mama to Many~

I fell on my wrist while roller skating and it felt like the TFCC tear from what Mr. Google was able to tell. There was no bruising or heavy swelling so I decided not to go to the doctor. There seems to be no major issues regarding the mobility of the joint but it was quite painful. ACV is basically my go-to remedy for everything so I tried the trick with the sock dipped in ACV and a plastic wrap over night. It definitely decreased the pain and increased joint mobility by at least 50%. I strongly recommend this. Just be careful with applying the ACV on your palm as you can damage the skin like I did - it is now dry and itchy but still worth it. However, you could surely protect it somehow... the back of the hand was fine...

I had to jump to get out of the way of a woman on a bicycle and badly injured my feet. I went to the doctor and was told I probably had no broken bones but they were badly sprained. I limped around for a couple months with no abatement (stabbing pains like needles not knives). I had some raw fermented Sauerkraut in the fridge that I hadn't tried and finally ate some of it (around 1/4 cup with juice). I woke up the next morning and all pain was gone and it hasn't come back. Please give this a try but make sure it is fermented and unprocessed. Good luck!

I sprained my ankle badly one night and thought I would be out of commission for a while but remembered the wonderful ACV cures on this and other websites. My ankle was swollen and painful. I could barely walk. So, I took an old sock, cut the toe off and soaked it in ACV. I slipped it over my foot and positioned it on the most swollen part of my ankle. I then took a small plastic bag (Ziploc works well) and cut both ends off so it was just a plastic sleeve and slipped it over the wet sock and tucked it in around the sock so the vinegar would stay put. I took a larger plastic bag and made another sleeve and slipped it over the whole mess. I then took an ace bandage and wrapped over the plastic to keep everything in place and went to bed. The next morning I was walking without pain and as the day went on, I got better. I am shocked and cannot explain how this worked, but it did. And that is all that matters to me. Simply amazing!

Hello! I just discovered the amazing healing qualities of castor oil and thought I share my story...

My husband and I went to concert Friday night, where I danced my butt off and severely strained both my calf muscles (although I didn't know it at the time). For the next two days I was in a lot of pain and could hardly walk. I have to say, I found this rather comical--albeit a bit embarrassing--to discover that I can no longer shake it like I used it!

Anyway, last night I had the intuitive guidance to massage castor oil into my calves and lo-and-behold the difference straight away was utterly amazing! I did it again before bed, and then this morning before getting up, and although my calves are still a bit sore, they feel so much more comfortable, and I can pretty much walk normal again! I am completely blown away by how effective castor oil is at relieving muscle strain! Crazy-awesome-cool!

I plan to make an infused oil with healing herbs to have on hand to treat muscle and joint problems, which should help with recovery even more. Will probably make a warming balm as well.

Anyway, that's my experience with castor oil. Amazing stuff! Cheers

Vinegar & brown paper works. I first learned of it in 'Jack and Jill'--he breaks his crown and puts vinegar & brown paper on it. Simple remedy.

The very best remedy for a sprained ankle (and other foot pains) in my family, is from Pete Egoscue's book: lying down on the floor (on a rug or blanket) next to the couch, putting your feet up on the couch so that your body forms right angles at your hips and knees. Usually, about 45 minutes does wonders. Take a book to read or watch a video so as not to get bored!!