Numerous herbs may be helpful for skin burns. According to MayoClinic.com, the severity of skin burns is classified as first-degree, second-degree or third-degree, with third-degree burns being the most severe type of burn. Severe burns are a medical emergency that require immediate care from qualified health-care professionals. Before taking herbs to help treat your skin burns, talk with your doctor about possible complications, potential drug interactions and proper dosage.
Calendula
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, calendula, also known as Calendula officinalis, has been used for medicinal purposes since at least the 12th century. Calendula is native to the Mediterranean region but it is now grown as an ornamental plant throughout the world. The flower petals of the calendula plant are used medicinally to treat numerous health problems, including burns, cuts, bruises, dermatitis and otitis media, or ear infections. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that calendula is an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, lymphagogue, choleretic and demulcent that helps treat wounds, burns and boils. Before taking calendula to help treat your skin burns, talk with your doctor about possible side effects and proper dosage.
Comfrey
Comfrey is an herb that may be effective for treating your skin burns. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, or MSKCC, states that comfrey, also known as Symphytum officinale, has been used to treat numerous health conditions, including bronchitis, cancer, inflammation, peptic ulcers, rheumatoid arthritis and wounds. The root, leaves and branches are used medicinally. According to Tilgner, comfrey is used externally to treat contusions, sprains, dislocations, wounds, burns, ulcers and all inflammatory skin disorders. Comfrey decreases the healing time for skin wounds and irritations and has been shown to act as a mild analgesic, Tilgner says. If you are pregnant or a nursing mother, you should not use comfrey. Before taking comfrey to help treat your skin burns, talk with your doctor about possible side effects and proper dosage.
Slippery Elm
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, slippery elm, also known as Ulmus fulva, has been used as an herbal remedy in North America for centuries. Native Americans used slippery elm to help heal wounds, boils, ulcers, burns and skin inflammation. Other common uses for slippery elm include cough, sore throat, diarrhea and stomach problems. The inner bark is used medicinally. Tilgner says that slippery elm is a mucilaginous demulcent, diuretic and anti-inflammatory that may be used externally to treat wounds, burns, ulcers and all inflammatory skin disorders. Tilgner says that slippery elm should always be taken with water when consumed in dry form. Before taking slippery elm to help treat your skin burns, talk with your doctor about possible side effects and proper dosage.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Burns: First Aid
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Calendula
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Comfrey
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Slippery Elm
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
