Aaaah.
But just as you’re getting ready to nestle up in a warm blanket to catch up on the latest episode of The Voice, your dog decides to take a flying leap onto the couch to show you just how much she loves you. That rockin’ cup of tea spills all over your arm.
The pain is intense. You flinch, still in shock. A few seconds later, a pulsating, burning sensation sets in.
It hurts so badly you fight back tears. The burn isn’t bad enough to need medical assistance, but it still needs some kind of attention.
The question is: what home remedy will you use? Here are seven time-tested home remedies that just might help you heal from a minor burn.
1. Honey
We all know that honey makes for a tasty, gooey option on a peanut butter sandwich. But did you know that honey can help heal burns too?
According to Medical Daily, “honey also has some anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, and is probably the only home remedy backed by science.” That’s because studies show that honey has the ability to heal burns faster than traditional burn treatments.
So next time you spill your cherished cup of hot chamomile tea, reach for a bottle of honey. If you’re comfortable with direct application to the burn, apply it the same way as you would a topical ointment. Or you can saturate gauze in honey and dab it on the affected area.
2. Milk
Remember that famous “Got Milk” campaign? Now you have another reason to “get milk.” And that reason is minor burns.
It is believed that milk can actually help to alleviate the pain associated with burns. “The fat and protein content in milk soothes burns and promotes healing,” according to Reader’s digest.
So just how do you use milk to sooth a burn? It’s really quite simple.
“Soak the burn in milk for 15 minutes for quick relief. Full-fat, whole-milk yogurt can also help cool and hydrate your parched skin,” says Reader’s digest.
Remember this the next time that awful burning sensation sets in. Your skin will thank you for the much needed intervention.
3. Aloe
When you were a child, you may have heard your mother say that aloe heals burns and other ailments. As it turns out, she was right. Aloe has been a first-line burn intervention for thousands of years.
“Aloe contains active compounds that may reduce pain and inflammation and stimulate skin growth and repair,” according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. “It is also an effective moisturizing agent. For this reason, aloe vera gel has gained tremendous popularity for relief of burns.”
In truth, this isn’t just an old wives’ tale. Research backs this concept up.
“In one study, burn sites treated with aloe healed completely in less than 16 days compared to 19 days for sites treated with silver sulfadiazine,” according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. And “in a review of the scientific literature, researchers found that patients who were treated with aloe vera healed an average of almost 9 days sooner than those who were not treated with the medicinal plant.”
That said, experts say aloe should not be used on serious burns. “Aloe is best used for minor burns and skin irritations and should never be applied to an open wound,” according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
4. Lavender Oil
When it comes to burns, lavender oil can be an important key to healing. So consider this option when choosing a home remedy.
“Lavender essential oil is a very effective antiseptic that also reduces pain and promotes rapid healing,” according to Natural News. “In addition, lavender reduces scarring.”
In fact, lavender oil may eliminate scarring altogether. “When lavender oil is applied to a burn very quickly, the burn may heal with no scarring at all,” according to Natural News.
Just put lavender oil on a clean cloth and dab away. Your burn will fade much faster. And who knows, you may be left with no visible scar at all.
5. Vinegar
Vinegar is useful for more than just cooking, cleaning, and animal accidents. In truth, vinegar may also help to heal burns.
“White vinegar contains acetic acid, a component of aspirin that can help relieve the pain, itching, and inflammation of a burn,” according to Reader’s Digest. “It is also an antiseptic and astringent, so it will help keep your burn from becoming infected. Vinegar also draws heat from the burn, helping to dull pain naturally.”
To use vinegar to heal burns, Reader’s Digest says to “soak paper towels in diluted vinegar to create a soothing compress or use cotton swabs to gently dab the burn with vinegar.”
So give vinegar a try. You’ll be on the road to recovery in no time.
6. Vitamin C and E
Vitamins are essential when it comes to health in general. And two of our favorite vitamins are known to assist the body when it comes to healing from burns.
The first of these is vitamin C. We’re often told to take vitamin C to ward off the sniffles. But vitamin C has many more uses, including burn recovery.
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, “vitamin C helps skin heal by enhancing new tissue growth and strength.” The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests taking 1,000 mg two to six times a day for burns.
Further, you can ramp up your intake of vitamin C by eating foods known to contain this vitamin. A great option comes in the form of tasty oranges. Or you can down a glass of your favorite orange juice for a quick fix of C.
In addition, Vitamin E is an excellent option when it comes to healing from a burn. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, “vitamin E promotes healing.” You can apply vitamin E to a burn in the form of an ointment. Or you can take it in supplement form.
So remember these useful options the next time you suffer from a minor burn. You’ll be back to yourself in no time.