Kawakawa for Infected Wounds

CASE STUDY: NZ Natives Topically for First Aid

CASE STUDY SUBMITTED BY:  Fiona Willson - Naturopath & Medical Herbalist (BNat)

PATIENT: 42-year-old female
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INITIAL PRESENTATION & KEY CLINICAL OBSERVATIONS:

Client presented with cat scratch wounds anteriorly and posteriorly on the digits of her left hand.  The wound was open, red, angry, purulent and swollen.  She had already taken a course of antibiotics and over the counter wound cream and had not responded well to this treatment.  Over several weeks the wound hadn’t healed. 

The client also presented with cat scratch fever, with body aches and cold & flu symptoms, indicative of a systemic infection.

HERBAL TREATMENT:

Kawakawa poultice made with the leaves (shiny side against the wound).

FOLLOW-UP:

1 week: Wound was fully healed and client was going travelling.

HERBAL TREATMENT:

Kawakawa ointment

Treatment:  Apply ointment regularly and keep the wound moisturised.

FOLLOW-UP:

No further follow up, the client did not return.