A critical review of natural therapies in wound management

The use of natural medicine by both the general population and the nursing profession is increasing. Also referred to as unconventional, alternative, and complementary, these therapies often are derived from natural sources and facilitate improvements in health and well being by supporting innate healing processes of the body. Although the application of natural therapies in wound management is still in its infancy, several--honey, larval therapy, aromatherapy, herbal medicine, homeopathy, nutrition, and mind-body-spirit techniques--are demonstrating potential benefit in the management of acute and chronic wounds. Existing evidence of safety and effectiveness is predominantly based on the results of in vivo studies; confirmation from well-designed clinical trials is deficient. Consequently, clinical research is needed to examine these therapies to address the escalating incidence of chronic wounds in a climate of increasing healthcare costs.