I would like to introduce you to an old household remedy that has been used since ancient times: healing wool. The name already reveals what is so special about it - namely its healing effect. It is also something of an "ace up the sleeve" for us midwives when it comes to soothing baby's red bum or mum's sore nipples. This natural product is also recommended for Medicine chest of families. You can Healing wool in pharmacies, health food shops, some drugstores and of course online.
What exactly is healing wool?
This is natural sheep's wool that still contains natural wool wax. This is also known as wool grease or lanolin. This is a secretion from the sebaceous glands in the animals' skin that surrounds the wool like a protective film and actually protects the sheep from moisture and cold.
However, you should not imagine that medicinal wool comes straight from the pasture to the nappy-changing table immediately after shearing the sheep. Of course, the wool is first gently cleaned in such a way that the lanolin it contains is retained. It is then carded. This means that the wool is processed or combed by machine in such a way that the loose wool fibres are aligned in the same direction, creating a kind of fleece structure. This makes the "finished" healing wool feel wonderfully soft. When sheep's wool is processed for textiles etc., the wool grease is washed out.
Healing wool is also called "greasy wool" by some, but healing wool is a protected term. This term may only be used to describe greasy wool that comes from certified sheep breeding and production. However, certified does not automatically mean that the sheep in production are doing well. I therefore recommend that you take a close look at where the product comes from. Unfortunately, there are also the proverbial "black sheep" among the manufacturers of medicinal wool abroad who trample on animal welfare. If you want to be sure that the healing wool for your baby comes from sheep reared in a species-appropriate manner, choose a healing wool that has the Bioland bears. This means you can be sure that the sheep are kept and the wool is produced with the animal's welfare in mind. You can find a product in here.
How does healing wool work?
The special thing about healing wool is the lanolin it contains - a real miracle cure! Lanolin has an anti-inflammatory effect, nourishes and soothes the skin, binds moisture, is breathable and promotes blood circulation. So it's no wonder that this active ingredient is also contained in numerous cosmetic and care products.
If you place the healing wool on an oozing wound, for example, it absorbs the fluid without drying out the skin. Its circulation-promoting effect also ensures faster healing. It is normal that the skin under the wool may become warm and tingle or itch. This is due to the fact that blood circulation is already being stimulated.
In order to be fully effective, healing wool is used without additional wound protection creams. Otherwise it would not be able to absorb moisture as well. You should dispose of used healing wool after a single application. It cannot be washed at home either, as this would cause it to lose its lanolin. In other words, it would be washed out.
When should healing wool not be applied?
For skin rash: In most cases, healing wool is also well tolerated by the youngest children. However, if you notice a skin reaction, for example in the form of a rash on your baby, you must remove the healing wool immediately. If necessary, you should seek medical advice if the rash does not improve.
For neurodermatitis: If your child suffers from neurodermatitis, you should avoid medicinal wool altogether. This is because it often triggers a contact allergy.
For febrile illnessesEven then, the application of healing wool is taboo.
On open wounds: Healing wool should not be applied to open wounds as it is not sterile. In addition, its warming and tingling effect described above can be very unpleasant in this case. In addition, the fine hairs of the wool can stick to the open wound. To still benefit from the effect of the healing wound on open wounds, simply place a thin layer of mesh between the skin and the wool. This can be a piece of Sterile compress be.
How can healing wool be used?
For sore baby bums: If your child has a Nappy rash you can simply place the healing wool on the previously cleaned, reddened or sore areas of skin and put a fresh nappy on top. If necessary, the healing wool can also be shaped into an elongated sausage and placed in the popo fold or in the folds of the groin. In this case, remember to apply the wool without any additional wound protection cream. At the next nappy change, remove the used healing wool and replace it with new wool. For hygienic reasons, you should only ever use healing wool once, especially in the nappy area.
For umbilical care: You can also support the healing of your baby's navel in the first few days of life by using healing wool. To do this, simply place a piece on the rest of the umbilical cord and secure the healing wool there with a gauze bandage.
For sore nipples: If your nipples are sore and damaged, some healing wool in your bra will help to soothe the sensitive skin. However, make sure that there are no wool fibres left on your breast when you put your baby on to breastfeed.
To help the caesarean section scar to heal: If you have a Caesarean section had and your Caesarean section scar is still red and sensitive, a piece of healing wool can also be effective here. It also protects the scar from rubbing against clothing. Simply place the wool on the scar. In particular Caesarean section panties the healing wool finds a good hold.
For earache: A piece of healing wool can provide relief if it is placed on the aching ear and held there for a while with a scarf or cloth. If the child suffers from earache, it should be taken to a doctor. However, healing wool can aid recovery: Simply lay the child with the aching ear on its side on a piece of healing wool.
Shaped into an earplug, the wool can also be pushed very carefully into the front of the ear.
For sore throats: Even if the throat hurts, the anti-inflammatory effect of the healing wool can unfold. To do this, a generous piece of woollen fleece is placed on the affected area and fixed in place with a cloth or scarf.
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