Lavender oil appears to contain compounds to potentially help heal burns. Those of us who use this amazingly versatile aromatic oil often reach for when we’ve spent too much time in the sun.
I did this a couple of summers ago. Within a very short period of time, the redness faded and my skin regained it’s natural color. (I should not that I have an olive skin tone, so this may have been a contributing factor.)
Although it’s best to avoid sunburns in the first place, sometimes, despite your best efforts to protect your skin from damaging UV rays, overexposure happens.
Lavender oil also works well for run-of-the-mill kitchen burns. If you cook a lot, these are practically unavoidable. Serious burns still require professional help. So don’t substitute an essential oil for appropriate medical care.
Lavender Oil for Burns
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In the early 20th century, a French scientist named Rene-Maurice Gattefosse discovered first hand lavender’s skin regenerating potential. According to a number of widely published accounts, he suffered severe burns on his hands. Because he worked with aromatic oils, he knew what to do. He covered his hands with lavender oil and enjoyed rapid healing. Scarring was reported to be minimal.
Lavender Essential Oil for Healing Burns
Although lavender essential oil is probably best known for its ability to help you fall asleep, it has a strong affinity for the skin. That means it can help heal skin irritation, such as cuts, scrapes and other types of wounds, as well as burns.
Recently, when I was stung by a bee, and I noticed some swelling, lavender oil seemed to immediately fix the problem. (However, if you are allergic to bee stings, please don’t rely upon this method. Head quickly to the nearest emergency room.)
Please understand that I’m not a healthcare professional. So I can’t give medical advice. All I can do is share my personal experience of how I use lavender essential oil, and how this aromatic helps me, without making claims it will do the same for anyone else.
Does Lavender Oil Help Burns?
Lavender oil is an extremely versatile aromatic oil. In my humble, non-professional opinion, I think it should be in every home. It is an excellent all-around first aid remedy. Because it appears to contain natural analgesic compounds, it’s sometimes recommended help quell headaches and sooth muscle strain. You can also use it to clean down your counters. It’s believed lavender essential oil contains natural germ-fighting compounds.
You’ll definitely want lavender oil in your first aid kit, especially if you suffer a first or second-degree burn. (However, if the burn is deep or widespread, you’ll want to seek medical help instead.) You may want to run the area under cold water, or apply some ice, before using the lavender oil. You can reapply this oil a few more times, until healing is well underway, if you feel the need.
Is Lavender Essential Oil Good for Burns?
For burns, some people recommend mixing lavender with aloe vera gel, but, in this instance, you may prefer to use lavender on its own. When you’re in pain, you don’t want to have to mix oils.
One brand of lavender essential oil I can highly recommend is sold by Plant Therapy, a small family-run business based in Idaho. I buy from them frequently because I love the quality of their oils, and I also like the fact they don’t sell them through a multilevel marketing system.
Disclaimer
These statements have not been approved by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. People with health concerns should discuss them with a doctor. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use essential oils, unless under the direction of a health care professional.
I’m not a healthcare professional, so all of the above statements are my personal opinion, and are not intended as medical advice.
For Additional Reading
Lavender Oil for Wound Healing
