Herbal Remedies for Treatment of Burns
There are a number of herbs and herbal treatments that can help reduce the discomfort and aid skin repair for first degree burns as well as some second degree burns.
The herbs that are helpful as a natural treatment for burns are primarily used topically, either as a compress or an herbal wash.
Herbal remedies can sooth the pain of a burn, help fight infection, aid in repair of the skin, and help prevent the formation of scar tissue. Also are vitamins A, C and E, as well as the trace mineral zinc especially helpful while the body is recovering from burns.
| Herbal Remedy to Treat Burn
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 Pure-Heal Gel™ By Native Remedies
Natural topical herbal gel that helps to support and soothe the skin after burns, cuts and scrapes and other minor mishaps. It contains selected medicinal herbs in therapeutic dosages that cleanse and support the skin.
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Natural Herbs Used for Treating Burns
 Plantain (Plantago major)
Plantain is one of the most popular folk remedies in North America used in the treatment of burns. Juice from the plant is applied directly to mild burns for a soothing effect. It is also useful in treating insect bites. It is anti-bacterial, and like comfrey, it contains allantoin, an anti-inflammatory phytochemical that speeds wound healing and stimulates the growth of new skin cells.
Aloe (Aloe Vera)
Aloe gel relieves pain and inflammation and speeds the healing process. Aloe has been used since ancient times, and modern research has supported the effectiveness of this natural herbal remedy to treat burns, including frostbite and the burns caused by radiation therapy. Aloe contains the enzymes carboxypeptidase and bradykininase, which relieve pain, reduce inflammation and decrease redness and swelling. It also has important antibacterial and antifungal properties that help to prevent infection. Either aloe gel purchased in the store, or the fresh juice from the aloe plant may be used. Many people keep a live aloe plant as an essential part of personal first aid kit.
Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica)
Gotu kola is highly valued in Ayurvedic medicine for its ability to rejuvenate the skin. It speeds the healing process and helps to prevent scarring. Taken internally, especially when taken with vitamin C, it promotes collagen synthesis, an important function of skin repair. For an effective topical herbal treatment for minor burns or sunburn, mix equal parts of gotu kola powder with aloe gel.
Oregon Grape Root (Mahonia aquifolium)
Oregon grape can be very helpful in treating burns as it contains berberine, proven to protect against bacteria, viruses and fungi. Scientific research has shown that plants containing berberine stimulate the immune system and fight infection. Oregon grape root is a strong antioxidant and contains tannins that ease inflammation, irritation and itching of the skin.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lavender pure essential oil is considered by many aromatherapists as one of the premier remedies for burns. It is antiseptic and analgesic, and is the only essential oil that can be applied directly to the skin without dilution. It prevents infection, reduces inflammation, promotes healing and reduces or prevents scar tissue formation. It is considered the safest essential oil to use with children, as evidenced by the many lavender scented baby products on the market. The scent of lavender also has calming effects, which soothe the nerves after injury.
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)
Comfrey has been used in Chinese Traditional Medicine for over 2000 years. One of the most common uses of comfrey leaf is as an ointment or a poultice applied externally as a natural treatment for burns, sprains, broken bones, and other wounds, where it promotes rapid healing of both skin lesions and bone breaks.
Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Commonly known as marigold, calendula has a long history of use as a treatment for burns and other skin inflammations. Calendula is antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, helping to promote healing by stimulating production of the outer skin cells. Calendula may be used for acute dermatitis from radiation therapy, mild skin burns, scalds, razor burns, mild sunburn and even windburn. It acts immediately and effectively in the prevention of blisters and scar tissue. It may also be used in the case of chemical burn as an eye wash. Calendula is most effective when it is used as a compress applied to the burn area. Note that calendula is a member of the composite family along with ragweed, and may cause allergic reactions.
Slippery Elm (Ulmus fulva)
Slippery elm has been used for centuries by Native Americans in North America as an herbal treatment for burns, wounds, boils, ulcers and other skin inflammations. Slippery elm is a mucilaginous demulcent, diuretic and anti-inflammatory that may be used as a topical treatment for inflammatory skin conditions.
Other natural herbs that have been used to treat burns.
Herbal Poultice and Oinment for Burns
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The Use of Herbal Remedies for
the Treatment of Burns
Self-care with herbs is most appropriate for first-degree burns, and for some small second degree burns. The quickest thing to do is to keep the burned area in cold water or apply an ice pack for at least ten minutes. Oil or butter should never be applied as it can make the burn become worse.
A first degree burn injures only the outermost layer of skin, such as ordinary sunburn. The skin is red but unbroken. A second degree burn will develop blisters as the skin has been penetrated more deeply and is very painful. Unless the injury is small, a second degree burn will require medical care from a health care professional. The worst type of burn is a third degree burn. These burns may not be at all painful because the injury has penetrated deep enough to destroy the nerves that transmit pain signals to the brain. Third degree burns are a medical emergency requiring immediate care from a qualified health-care professional.
Before using herbs as a treatment for skin burns, talk with professional health care provider about whether these herbs should be used topically, consumed as a tea, tincture or capsule, the proper dosage, and whether there are any contraindications or possible side effects.
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"If you play with fire, you're gonna get burned."
Author Unknown
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