Herbal Remedies for Burns

First-degree burns affect the outer layer of the skin, causing pain, redness, and swelling. Second-degree burns affect both the outer and underlying layer of the skin, causing blistering in addition to the pain, redness and swelling of first-degree burns. Third-degree burns are the most serious and extend into deeper tissues, causing charred, numb areas of the skin. Third-degree burns, second-degree burns that cover more than 2 to 3 inched in diameter, or burns of the hands, feet, face, groin, buttocks, or a major joint, are all serious medical emergencies and should betreated by a health care professional immediately.

For first and second-degree burns, run cool water over the affected area or soak in a cool water bath for at least 5 minutes. Then, apply a healing herbal salve or cream. Herbs to use include anti-inflammatory herbs, herbs to prevent infection, and herbs that speed wound healing.

Herbs Used To Treat Burns

HerbTreatment SupportApplication
Aloe Veraanti-inflammatorygel, externally
Comfreydemulcent anti-inflammatorypoultice, externally
St. John's Wortanti-inflammatoryoil, externally
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