Burns Scalds Herbs

Burns are caused by dry heat, corrosive substances and friction. Scalds are caused by wet heat – hot liquids and vapours.  Burns can also be produced by extreme cold, and by radiation, including the sun’s rays.  Burns may be related to, or a result of, a more life-threatening situation. 

Extensive burns or burns causing more than minor discomfort should be treated by a healthcare professional. For superficial burns caused by temperature (picking up a hot object, for example), natural medicine may be helpful after the burn is cleaned with soap and cold water and gently dried.

Care in treatment of minor Burns and Scalds

1. DO NOT use adhesive dressings.
2. DO NOT break blisters, or interfere with the injured area.
3. DO NOT apply lotions, ointments, creams, or fats to the injured area.
4. Cool the injured part with copious amounts of cold water for about 10 minutes to stop the burning and relieve the pain.  If water is unavailable, any cold, harmless liquid such as milk or canned drinks will suffice.
5. Gently remove any jewellery, watches, or constricting clothing from the injured area before it starts to swell.

Herbs and Remedies for Burns and Scalds

Serious burns should always be treated by a medical doctor. Less serious burns may benefit from a variety of alternative treatments. Some herbs that can be used to treat burns include aloe, oil of St. John's wort, calendula (pronounced KUH-len-juh-luh), comfrey, and tea tree oil. Supplementing one's diet with vitamins C and E and the mineral zinc may help a wound to heal faster.

Place sufferer in a cool room and wrap them in a sheet soaked in cool water. Use an electric fan to direct cold air toward the person, or fan manually. Body temperature should drop. Emergency medical help is required if body temperature fails to drop to normal levels: heat stroke is life-threatening.

Herbal Medicines for Burns and Scalds

Aromatherapy - Mix one drop of essential oil of sandalwood and four of lavender with 1fl oz/30ml of calendula carrier oil to make a soothing lotion. This is an effective herbal remedy for burns and scalds.

Another Herbal Medicine - Pour a mug of boiling water on to 4 teaspoonfuls of dried chickweed. Infuse for 15 minutes, leave to cool, then apply to the affected areas.

Herbal Treatment for Minor Burns

Calendula Officinalis (Marigold) is one of the best and most well-known herbs for local skin problems. Calendula will also promote the natural healing ability of the skin and help to reduce scar formation by stimulating healthy skin and tissue regeneration. This is one of the main ingredients of all the herbal compositions for treatment of Minor Burns.

How to treat burns and scalds by Herbs

Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) is a well-known herb which has been traditionally used for centuries by Aboriginal Australians for soothing pain in burns and scalds.

Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola) has been used as a medicinal herb for thousands of years in Ayurvedic, Chinese and Indonesian traditions. Legend has it that an ancient Chinese herbalist lived for more than 200 years as a result of using the herb, and this has led to Gotu Kola being called one of the miracle elixirs of life.