The best home remedies for burns include the use of cold water, honey, fruits, turmeric, tea bags, plantain leaves, calendula, salt, papaya, lavender oil, potato, vinegar, Aloe Vera, and tea tree oil in different forms. Burns refer to a condition that occurs when a part of the body is affected due to thermal, chemical, or electrical effects that heat up the body cells, thereby damaging them.
Burns are categorized into three types, depending on their severity. Simple home remedies may alleviate the effect of burning in a few days in case of first degree burns, but for third-degree burns, medical consultation must be sought immediately.
Home Remedies for Burns
Some of the immediate and long-term treatments through home remedies are explained below.
Cold Water
This is the best way to cool burns. Put the burnt part under running cold water or applying ice on the affected area. This should be continued for up to 10 minutes. One must also drink at least 8-10 glass of water daily until the burn is cured.
Honey
It is medically proven that applying honey to second-degree burns prevents any kind of infection from forming. A few drops of honey are sufficient to prevent infection, as it is highly concentrated and powerful.
Fruits
Fruits are rich in antioxidants. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center [1], fruits must be taken regularly for the early healing of burns. Tomatoes, cherries, and blueberries are good sources of antioxidants. Vegetables like peppers and squash are also antioxidants.
Turmeric
It is good to take turmeric in the form of powder mixed in warm milk at night while sleeping. This is known to cure inflammation and pain.
Tea Bags
Dip tea bags in water and keep them over the burnt surface. This helps in drawing heat from the wound and providing a soothing effect due to the presence of tannins. Otherwise, tea can be boiled in a cup of water and strained. This can then be applied over the burnt area using a clean cloth or cotton.
Plantain Leaves
Plantago, which is otherwise known as ‘Isab Ki Bhusi’, is known to have expectorant properties, as well as antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. These also produce mucilage, which is a source of wetness in the burnt area. Juice from its leaves should be applied on the burnt portion of the body for quick healing and relief.
Calendula
The herb calendula is good for the treatment of burns, as it regenerates the burnt skin and reduces the appearance of scars. It can be regularly applied during the healing process.
Salt
Mouth burns caused due to eating hot food can be relieved by rinsing out your mouth with salted water. This should be done every 2 hours until the pain lessens.
Papaya
Papaya can be applied to the affected area because it contains enzymes that have the ability to remove all the dead cells. The pulp should be applied after 3-4 days of the burn incident after the internal healing process has already started.
Lavender Oil
The oil obtained from lavender is known to be effective for burns. These must be applied with gentle hands a few days after the injury occurred.
Potatoes
It is observed that the peel of boiled potatoes can be applied over the burnt area in the initial phase of healing. This aids in early recovery and protection from infectious agents. This technique is practiced in many hospitals.
Vinegar
As an antiseptic and astringent, vinegar works well in preventing infections. However, vinegar should be diluted with water and applied over the affected area.
Aloe Vera
The gel obtained from Aloe Vera is well known for its healing properties, analgesic action, and cooling effects. Aloe gel can be applied 2-3 times a day over the burnt area.
Tea Tree Oil
The oil obtained from the tea tree should be diluted with a small amount of water. This is to be applied over the affected area.
It is advised that individuals who have suffered from a third-degree burn should massage the affected area regularly. This increases the blood circulation and nutrient and oxygen supply in the same area so as to recover and regain the lost cells and tissues. Source