Burns happen anywhere, often and unexpectedly. It can happen at home and once it does everyone surely reaches for the Neosporin, but that treatment may not always be readily available. Therefore, it would be wise to arm yourself with a few quick and easy hacks to relieve that scorching tingling sensation that even the smallest of burns can produce. Below are 12 natural home remedies for burns that may prove to be even more effective than your over the counter treatments.
Try our home remedies for burns in order to feel better fast!
1. Raw Potato
Due to its anti-irritating and soothing properties, raw potatoes are a fine choice to alleviate burns in that it may also reduce the chances of gruesome blisters forming. Note: In the case of a blister forming, avoid the temptation of breaking the blister. Breaking the blister can greatly increase the chances of infection and may require more serious attention.
Instructions
- Slice a potato and rub on the affected area, let its juices seep through the raw skin.
- Grate the potato and apply it for fifteen minutes on the burn, it may yield better results.
2. Cold Water
Cold water is a resource found almost anywhere. This enters the home remedies for burns best for chefs working diligently, and carelessly in the kitchen and require relief for the next for hours. Note: avoid using ice as a compression as it can limit blood flow and damage the fragile skin.
Instructions
- Run cold water over the affected area within seconds of being burned, this can keep the burn from spreading.
- Keep the affected area under running water a few minutes and repeat every few hours for maximum relief.
- Alternatively, a cold compress can be just as effective.
3. Aloe Vera
Talking about home remedies for burns and not mentioning aloe vera would be an injustice to the plant’s healing powers. Most of all, an aloe vera plant is extremely easy to nurture and when in need, can become your friend. Also, a few of these remedies including aloe vera are home remedies for sunburns.
Instructions
- Cut a small piece of the plant’s leaf.
- Apply its fresh gooey gel directly on the burn. It will not only bring relief but also speed up the healing process.
- Also, a teaspoon of its gel and a teaspoon of turmeric can produce a special concoction with maximum benefits.
4. Coconut Oil and Lemon Juice
So far we’ve spoken of home remedies for burns and what immediate action to take. However, once the affected area ar cooled and dried, coconut oil and lemon juice may be a viable option. Coconut oil is full of Vitamin E and fatty acids that offer anti-fungal, antioxidant, and antibacterial benefits. Lemon juice offers acidic properties that naturally lighten, making scars less likely to appear.
Instructions
- Add Coconut oil with a splash of lemon juice into a container, in order to produce a mixture that encourages healing.
- Soak a cotton ball or dip a Q-tip in the solution, gently apply, then sit back and let nature work.
5. Honey
As we are finding out, there are plenty of home remedies for burns. However, not many can effectively disinfect a wound so that it can properly heal. Honey, can be found in almost any pantry and is both efficient and effective. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory properties found in honey can greatly reduce the chances of developing hypertrophic scars. These unsightly legions can attract unwanted attention, which can easily be prevented. Note: At all cost, avoid using adhesive dressings on the wound. A sticky bandage, when ripped, can cause additional damage to the already vulnerable area.
Instructions
- Slather honey on a gauze bandage and directly place it on the wound.
- Change the bandage 3-4 times daily for maximum results.
6. Black Tea Bags
The worse thing about burns is still feeling the burn after the fact. It can be quite irritating. Tannic acid is a weak acidity found in black tea bags and can be used to draw heat out of the burn, bringing maximum relief. Therefore enjoy the benefits of black tea bags by following the instructions below.
Instructions
- Steep three tea bags in a pitcher filled with warm water (about 5-10 minutes).
- Let the infusion cool before soaking a clean cloth in it.
- Place the towelette onto the affected area.
- Apply as often as you need.
7. Vinegar
Not always the popular choice due to its pungent odor, vinegar, is one of those burns home remedies that aids in two ways and can prove to be very effective. The astringent and antiseptic properties in vinegar contribute to healing burns while preventing infection at the same time.
Instructions
- Dilute equal parts water and white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
- Pour the liquid over the wound rinsing it well.
- Once cleaned, soak a cloth in the solution and wrap the affected area.
- Swap out the old cloth with a fresh clean one every 2-3 hours for maximum recovery.
8. Lavender Essential Oil
Another resource that works in multiple ways, lavender essential oil has antiseptic and painkilling properties. Note: Lavender oil can be used directly on the wound, but not undiluted. In addition, resist the urge to use butter, petroleum jelly, and oil. These products tend to trap heat as oppose to drawing it out. To reap the benefits lavender oil offers, follow the instructions below.
Instructions
- Add five drops of lavender oil to two cups of water.
- Dip a clean cloth in the mixture and lay it on the affected area covering it completely.
- Repeat as often as needed.
- Alternatively, in two teaspoons of honey, add a few drops of lavender essential oil and cover the wound completely.
- Use the concoction as a balm for the burn a few times a day to stave off discomfort.
9. Plantain Leaves
Plantain leaves are said to be popular among home remedies for burns. These leaves are infamously copious in anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Note: It would be wise to avoid re-injuring the area. When possible, avoid friction to the area as well as direct sunlight, which can yield harmful results.
Instructions
- Crush a few fresh plantain leaves until you have conjured up a paste.
- Spread the paste on the affected area and cover with a clean cotton cloth or secure with a gauze bandage.
- Reapply the plaster once the plantain dries.
10. Onion Juice
Onion juice is also one of those triple threat ingredients that help combat the effects of a burn wound. Armored with components like sulfur compounds and quercetin, onion juice can relieve pain, help with the healing process and furthermore can significantly reduce the chances of blistering. Avoiding the chance of blisters when possible can reduce the possibility of infections.
Instructions
- Chopp or grate a fresh onion and gently tend to the wound, letting the juices seep through the skin.
- Repeat the process as often as necessary. The fresher the cuttings, the more likely they are to yield positive results.
11. Milk
Milk has been used for the purposes of healing burns and bringing comfort for generations upon generations. The fat and protein found in milk works as a soothing aid for burns and encourages healing. Whole milk is said to work best due to its even richer properties. In addition to milk, full-fat-whole-milk yogurt can have the same cooling effect on the affected area.
Instructions
- Pour the milk into a convenient container.
- Simply soak the burn in milk for about 15 min for immediate relief.
- Repeat as often as needed.
12. Oats
Oats contain a skin-soothing property many are familiar with. A remedy for when the burn is now in the phase of being a dry irritating nuisance. When the temptation to scratch the vulnerable area sets in, reach for the carton of oats. To use the popular remedy, follow the instructions below.
Instructions
- Add oats to a small bowl of warm water.
- Let the remedy cool before applying.
- Soak the affected area for a few minutes.
- Let the skin air dry, leaving the residue of oats to linger on the irritated skin to further reduce itching.
Conclusion
These home remedies for burns are just a few treatments picked up from a pool of many home remedies for burns. There is an indefinite amount of helpful information for the recovery of a burn wound. Experimenting with the different types of natural healing treatments can be useful in discovering what works best for you. It is worthy to note that these remedies are for minor and first degree burns. For more serious burns, such as third-degree burns, please seek medical attention to avoid infection. In the case of infection setting in due to minor burns medical attention is required as well.
Leave a Reply