Lavender and chamomile essential oils have properties that make them particularly effective for treating burns. Valerie Ann Worwood, the author of "The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy," says, "Although chamomile is antibacterial, antiseptic and disinfectant, it is most valued for its anti-inflammatory properties." Thus, chamomile will prevent infection and soothe the burn. She also says, "A few drops of lavender oil wiped on a burn effects the most remarkable cure as the skin returns to normal within days, whereas without it there would be a blistering patch and, eventually, a scar." If your burn is a serious second-degree or a third-degree burn, seek medical attention.
Step 1
Apply a cloth that has been soaked in cool water over the burn for a few minutes to reduce pain. Alternatively, you may soak the affected area in cool water or run cool water from a sink faucet over the burn.
Step 2
Add 1 drop of lavender oil and 1 drop of chamomile oil to a bowl of cold water for each square inch of skin that has been burned. For example, if the size of the burn is approximately 2 inches in area, place 2 drops of each essential oil into the bowl.
Mix the water with a spoon to disperse the essential oils. Soak gauze or a clean cloth in the bowl.
Step 3
Wring the water out from the soaked gauze or cloth. Apply directly over the affected area. Leave on for several minutes.
Tips and Warnings
- Lavender essential oil may be placed directly onto a burn.
- Worwood emphasizes the importance of cooling the skin for at least 10 minutes, even if the pain has stopped. By removing all the heat, you will prevent further damage to the live skin underneath the burn. However, do not place ice directly on a burn because it can make you too cold and increase damage to the wound. Lavender and chamomile may cause allergic reactions in some people.
Things You'll Need
- Lavender essential oil
- German or Roman chamomile essential oil
- Bowl of cold water
- 2 pieces of clean cloth or gauze
- Spoon
References
- "The Complete Book of Essential OIls & Aromatherapy"; Valerie Ann Worwood; 1991
- MayoClinic.com: Burns-First Aid
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