Burns can be caused by fire, the sun's radiation, or exposure to heat, chemicals or electricity. Burns hurt more than most wounds because they damage directly a large number of nerve endings, causing intense pain. If you've suffered a small first- or second-degree burn, herbal treatment is an option. If you've suffered a large second-degree burn or any third-degree burn, seek medical treatment.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a common treatment for burns because of its soothing and cooling properties. In "1000 Cures for 200 Ailments," herbalism expert Dr. David Kiefer suggests breaking a fresh aloe leaf and smearing the clear gel that oozes out directly onto the burn. He advises that if you don't have access to an aloe plant, aloe vera gels are easy to find in health food stores and pharmacies. Look for the purest aloe gel possible. You can apply it as often as you need for pain.
Gotu Kola
Dr. Robert Rister of "Healing Without Medication" suggests gotu kola for a burn, as it speeds the healing process and prevents scarring. He cites a study published in the July 1979 issue of the Annals of Plastic Surgery reporting that gotu kola prevented long-term scarring in 22 of 27 patients. He advises taking an extract containing 60 to 120 mg of asiaticides daily, but warns that gotu kola shouldn't be taken by pregnant women.
Lavender Oil
Dr. Rister also suggests lavender oil, explaining that the burn-healing power of lavender oil was discovered when a French chemist, named Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, thrust his hand into a container of lavender oil after burning himself during an experiment. The oil relieved his pain quickly and the burn healed without scarring. Rister explains that lavender oil stops inflammation and triggers the regeneration of skin cells. The scent of lavender also has sedative effects, which calm the nerves after injury. Apply a compress soaked in few drops of lavender oil diluted in a teaspoon of water directly to the burn after two to three days.
Chamomile
In "Solve It With Supplements," Dr. Robert Schulman recommends the topical application of chamomile to a burn. He explains that chamomile is both anti-inflammatory and antiseptic, so it will ease your pain while it prevents infection. These properties come from a compound called chamauzulene, which is found in highest concentrations in German chamomile. Apply a lotion containing chamomile or a compress soaked in chamomile tea to your burn several times a day.
References
- "1000 Cures for 200 Ailments"; Dr. Victor Sierpina; 2007
- "Healing Without Medication"; Robert S. Rister; 2003
- "Solve It With Supplements"; Robert A. Schulman, M.D.; 2007
