Accidents happen, and sometimes adults and children get burned. There are hot pans, scalding water, curling irons, and more that can cause a painful, red spot on the skin. When a burn happens, we look for immediate relief, and these home remedies for burns might be a great option.
After all, it’s always better to use a natural cream instead of one with chemicals when possible. The chemicals might give quick relief, but they are absorbed into the body and can affect health long term. Keep reading to learn how to make your own homemade burn relief cream.
If you are dealing with a serious burn, please see a health professional before using any home remedies. If it’s a non-serious burn try one of these natural treatment for burns or make your own homemade cream to keep on hand. Whatever you use, try not to rub the burned area so that the damaged skin isn’t torn loose.
Table of Contents:
Home Remedies for Burns
When you’re dealing with a burn, you just want the pain to stop! What can you put on it as soon as possible to help ease the sting and lessen the pain? Here are some natural options that are probably close at hand in your cupboard or cabinet.
Honey – In 2006, scientists did a study (1), (2) and stated that “small, non-serious burns healed faster when treated with gauze and a dash of honey, on average, than those treated with antibiotic creams and other dressings.” Manuka honey is the best kind to use with this natural burn relief treatment.
Essential Oils – If you have a minor burn, you can dilute essential oil and apply it to the skin 2-3 times a day. Mix 1 tablespoon of a carrier oil or aloe vera with 3-6 drops of essential oil. The oils that work the best for burns/skin problems are helichrysum, lavender, peppermint, Roman chamomile, and tea tree.
Aloe Vera – Another study proved that burns treated with aloe vera healed 6 days faster than those treated with Vaseline. If you’re not sure where to find aloe vera in a store, make sure you check the pharmacy section or pick up an organic aloe vera gel online.
Turmeric Paste – Did you know this? “Many South Asian countries use it (turmeric) as an antiseptic for cuts, burns, and bruises, and as an antibacterial agent.” (3) Just take about 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder and add enough liquid [like water, milk, aloe vera gel, or carrier oil to make a spreadable paste that you can apply to the skin. Let it sit and dry on the skin before rinsing it off.
Flax seed – Boil 2 cups of water and 3 tablespoons of flaxseed for 15 minutes. Cool the mixture so it becomes gel-like. Soak a linen cloth to lay over the burn and stop the skin from drying out.
If you often deal with minor burns, it would be good to have the following natural burn relief cream on hand to grab quickly. It should be kept in your house for up to a year.
Homemade Burn Relief Cream
Ingredients
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup coconut oil, extra-virgin AND unrefined
- ⅛ cup organic beeswax pellets yellow or white *
- 1 tablespoon turmeric paste
- 8 teaspoons organic dried comfrey
- 15 drops essential oils **
Instructions
- Use a double boiler, or make one by setting a glass jar in a medium pot with 1-2 inches of water. Bring the water to boil then turn down to med/med-high.
- Add the olive oil, coconut oil, and beeswax.
- When those are melted together, add the turmeric and comfrey and let them simmer for 2 hours.
- Stir occasionally.
- Remove from heat, strain the mixture, and add essential oils.
- Store in a glass container.
Notes
- http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/19/health/19real.html?_r=0
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7561562
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92752/
