5 Home Remedies For Burn Relief + Foods To Eat & Avoid

Whether they're from exposure to the sun, a hot liquid or something else, there's no debating that burns hurt. Severe burns can quickly destroy the skin and cause excruciating pain. Depending on the severity, some burns can be treated at home. Home remedies for burn relief can help promote healing, reduce the risk of infection and deter scarring. Essential oils, aloe vera and other natural remedies can also help reduce inflammation and provide pain relief, without the use of medication.

Home Remedies for Burn Relief

1. Aloe Vera

Home remedies for burn relief include aloe vera. Look for an aloe vera gel that is at least 99% pure. You can also purchase an aloe vera leaf and extract the gel at home. Apply aloe to your skin twice a day for a cooling sensation that will provide pain relief. (1)

2. Essential Oils

Certain essential oils can be used as home remedies for burn relief. Lavender essential oil can be applied to the affected area three times per day to help soothe damaged skin and promote healing. Tea tree oil can be used to help reduce the risk of infection, while frankincense essential oil can help prevent scarring. For pain relief, try peppermint oil. It provides a cooling sensation to help lower pain and inflammation. (2)

3. Vitamin E

Home remedies for burn relief include Vitamin E. Vitamin E works as a powerful antioxidant to help soothe irritated skin and repair damaged tissue caused by burns and other wounds. Take 400 IU daily or use Vitamin E as a topical gel to promote healing. (3)

4. Zinc

Natural home remedies for burn relief include zinc. The body needs zinc to help burns and other wounds from the inside out. Take 30 mg of zinc twice a day as a natural remedy for burns.

5. L-glutamine

Home remedies for burn relief include L-glutamine. L-glutamine is an amino acid that the body utilizes to help heal tissue and prevent infection. Take 500-1,000 mg of L-gluatmine each day as a supplement to speed healing. (4)

Foods to Eat that Help Heal Burns

1. Water

Be sure to drink plenty of water to help replenish lost fluids after experiencing a burn. Water, along with electrolyte drinks like coconut water, can help keep you hydrated and speed the healing process.

2. Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits like oranges, guavas and papayas are packed with Vitamin C. Vitamin C works as a healing antioxidant to help boost the immune system and repair damaged tissue.

3. Zinc

The body needs zinc to aid in the chemical reactions that help heal wounds. Add zinc-rich foods to you diet, like spinach, pumpkin seeds, chickpeas and cashews.

4. Clean, Lean Protein

Protein plays an important role in rebuilding damaged tissues. Add sources of organic, lean protein to your diet to promote healing.

Foods to Avoid that Slow Healing

1. Sugar

Sugar slows down the healing process by promoting inflammation in the body. Avoid candy, energy drinks, soda and other food and drink products that contain processed sugar.

2. Trans and Hydrogenated Oils

Most processed foods contain trans and hydrogenated oils that increase inflammation and decrease your body's ability to heal.

3. Processed Foods

Processed foods are often packed with dangerous ingredients, including chemicals, food dyes and sugar. These harmful ingredients slow down the body's healing process.

4. Excess Sodium

Foods that are high in sodium can decrease the body's ability to heal by inducing inflammation. Avoid high-sodium foods while recovering from your burn.