If you find yourself a victim of a burn, look in your kitchen cabinet to treat it. Here are six natural remedies that relieve the pain, speed up healing and prevent scarring.
1. Honey
Apply 1tsp of raw honey on the burn twice a day to disinfect the area and reduce pain. Known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, honey prevents the burn wound from becoming infected and leaving scars. You can also spread some honey on a gauze bandage and put it directly on the burn.
2. Aloe Vera
One of the simplest go-to remedies for sunburn, aloe vera is well known for its soothing and cooling properties. The astringent and tissue healing properties of this herb works to relieve pain and swelling, and aids the healing process. Apply 2tbsp of fresh aloe vera gel directly on the burn twice a day to soothe painful burns and reduce scar tissue.
3. Vinegar
White vinegar is known for its astringent and antiseptic properties, thus preventing your burn from getting infected. It also contains acetic acid, which is known for its pain-relieving properties and reduces itching and inflammation. To treat a minor burn, dilute ½ cup of vinegar with equal amounts of water and soak a washcloth it in. Dab the cloth on the burn for two or three minutes.
4. Oatmeal
This breakfast cereal works wonders when your burn is healing and you are tempted to scratch it. The simplest way to relieve the itch is by adding a cup of crumbled oatmeal to your bath water. Let it soak for 20 minutes to soothe a large burn.
5. Milk
Got a carton of milk in the refrigerator? Then you’ve got a great way to soothe burned skin. The fat and proteins present in milk hydrate the skin and promote healing. Soak the burned area in milk for 15 minutes or place a cloth soaked in milk on the burnt skin.
6. Teabags
Black tea contains tannic acid, which is known to draw out heat from the burn and reduce pain. Put two to three teabags in cold water and allow them to sit for three to four minutes. Dab the strained liquid on the burn using a cotton ball. You can also place cool wet teabags directly on the burn and use a gauze to hold it in place.
Note: These six remedies can only relieve minor or first-degree burns. For more severe burns, consult your doctor.
