Natural Remedies: Burns

Last night I reintroduced my body to extreme heat. It absolutely sucks, I was helping my little sister pour her boiling hot tea into a plastic cup filled with ice. I took it off the stove and starting pouring, the ice shifted which caused the cup to bend and I accidentally poured the scorching hot tea onto my hand. I cried a little as I held it under cool water. Going to sleep last night was the hardest thing ever. My hand felt like it was being held directly over a fire, it was excuriating. So I jumped on my computer looking for anything that would take the horrible sting out of a burn and found a couple things that help.

Burns are the most common of any injuries. Burns can come from any type of extreme heat either from the sun, fire, hot fluids in my case or even chemicals or electricty. While most of us only suffer from minor burns that are non-threatening and are not anything to worry too much about. But certain burns require medical attention. Treatment for burns naturally depend on the severity, size and area of the burn. It is important to be aware of first aid measures of minor burns.

First degree burns are the most common of burn injuries. This usually causes the surface injury to become inflammed, red and swelled. It can be quite tender. This type of burn can be treated at home.

Second degree burns cause greater damage because they are deeper in the skin cause not only pain and inflammation but also blistering. Treatment at home can help to minimize the extent of damage but medical treatment is also necessary.

Third degree burns are obviously the most severe and affect each layer of skin. They are extremely serious because they can completely destroy or kill the affected skin. Because of the depth of third degree burns  this can damage nerves and blood vessels. Areas with third degree burns have a white leathery appearance. If you ever have a third degree burn skip home remedies and go straight to the Emergency Room.

After a burn occurs the very first thing you should do is try and reduce the temperature of the affected area. Dipping the body part in chilled water for 15-30 minutes can greatly reduce the heat.

Applying honey to the wound after washing it properly can prevent infection and help quicken the healing process

Papaya contains enzymes that can help remove dead skin cells from the burned area.

Aloe Vera can be a life saver when it comes to treating burns. This can cool the burn, help the wound heal and prevent it from scarring.

Making a paste from water and baking soda can immediately take the sting out of a burn. Leaving it on for 15-25 minutes works wonders. I actually did this last night and it helped me get to sleep.





Eating foods rich in protein, vitamins and minerals are important in the healing process. Since a burn can cause a loss of the substantial amount of micronutrients it slows the healing process and increases the risk of infection. So make sure to take a vitamin or eat foods rich in Vitamin B, C, Glutamine, Arginine, Copper and Zinc.