Best Essential Oils for Burns

Essential oils have many therapeutic uses. Some essential oils may even be able to treat minor burns. While it is possible to see health benefits of essential oils for second-degree burns, the essential oils mentioned here are mainly used for first-degree burns. That being said, these essential oils tend to be reasonably effective essential oils for burns and blisters.

What Are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are compounds extracted from plants. They are made through a distillation process or cold pressing. Once the aromatic chemicals have been extracted from the plant, they are combined with a carrier oil to create the final product. Essential oils are very potent and have many healing properties. Because they are so concentrated, they are typically used topically. Do not ingest essential oils unless they state that they are food grade.

What Essential Oils Are Good for Burns?

Some of the best essential oils for burns include:

1. Peppermint Oil

Peppermint essential oil is made from the peppermint plant (Mentha piperita). Peppermint has been shown to have many benefits in topical pain management and is even helpful in treating minor burns. Peppermint essential oil may help reduce the pain caused by a burn and can help reduce inflammation in the area. Peppermint oil is powerful, so make sure to dilute it in another carrier oil like coconut oil, jojoba oil, or avocado oil. Peppermint oil may also irritate the eyes or skin if not diluted, so be mindful of washing the oil off well after use.

2. St John’s Wort Oil

St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a small yellow flower often used to heal wounds. The essential oil of St. John’s wort is not only beneficial for healing wounds but for treating burns as well. In addition, St. John’s wort has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help soothe burns and prevent infections.

3. Lavender Oil

Lavender essential oil is made from plants in the lavender family (Lavandula). Lavender has skin and wound healing benefits. It helps to soothe the skin, reduce inflammation, and promote skin cell regeneration. These properties make lavender essential oil helpful in treating burns as well. As a result, lavender essential oil is often mentioned as a go-to burn healer. In addition to the properties mentioned above, lavender essential oil also has pain-relieving properties and antimicrobial properties that can prevent infections.

Other Home Remedies for Burns

Some additional home remedies for burns include:

• Putting the burned skin in cool water (not cold water).
• Using a cool compress on the affected area
• Aloe vera
• Honey
• Limiting sun exposure
• Antibiotic ointments
• Avoid popping burn blisters

Summary

Burns on the skin can be painful. While burned skin will need to take its time to heal, there are certain things we can do to support and speed the recovery of our skin. One of the best home remedies for burns is to use essential oils. Whenever you are burned, it is best to first place the burned skin in cool water for 10-20 minutes. After this, apply one of the essential oils mentioned above for their additional benefits. You can continue to apply essential oils to your burns throughout the day for several days until the skin has healed.