10 Best Herbal Decoctions For Burns

Herbal decoctions for burns are liquid extracts made from plants, such as aloe vera, calendula, and plantain, which have been used for centuries to soothe and heal burns.

These decoctions help by reducing inflammation, promoting tissue regeneration, and accelerating the healing process. By using herbal decoctions, individuals can alleviate pain, prevent infection, and minimize scarring. For example, applying aloe vera gel to minor burns can reduce discomfort and promote faster healing, allowing people to return to their daily activities sooner.

This natural approach to burn care improves lives by providing a safer and more effective alternative to traditional treatments.

The following article describes in detail the most important decoctions for burns, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.

1. Aloe vera

Aloe decoctions helps with burns because they possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties that work synergistically to promote healing.

The gel-like substance found in aloe vera has been shown to reduce pain, swelling, and redness associated with burn wounds. Additionally, its ability to stimulate collagen synthesis and improve skin hydration helps to accelerate the natural healing process.

By using herbal aloe decoctions as a topical treatment, burns can recover faster and with less scarring.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Aloe vera decoctions that help with burns.

• Aloe-emodin: Aloe-emodin is a anthraquinone compound that helps with burns by exhibiting anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which aid in reducing inflammation, preventing infection, and promoting wound healing.
• Saponins: Saponins are a type of glycoside that help with burns by forming a protective barrier on the affected area, which prevents bacterial contamination and promotes the growth of new tissue.
• Alprogen: Alprogen is a polysaccharide that helps with burns by stimulating the production of collagen, which is essential for wound healing and tissue repair, and also by promoting the migration of keratinocytes, which helps to close the wound.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of aloe used to make decoctions for burns.

• Leaves: The gel from Aloe vera leaves is most commonly used to make decoctions for burns because of its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Leaves: The juice extracted from Aloe vera leaves is used due to its ability to promote wound healing and reduce pain.
• Leaves: The latex from Aloe vera leaves is utilized for its antimicrobial properties to prevent infection in burn wounds.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic aloe for burns.

1. Harvest 2-3 pounds of fresh aloe vera leaves with thick fleshy texture and no signs of damage.
2. Cut the leaves into small pieces and remove the outer green skin to reveal the gel.
3. Soak the aloe vera pieces in 3 cups of water for 8-12 hours to allow extraction.
4. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth into a container to separate the solids from the liquid.
5. Store the herbal aloe vera decoction in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and consume 1/4 cup as needed.

2. Calendula officinalis

Pot marigold decoctions helps with burns because of its natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

The decoction, made from the flowers of Calendula officinalis, has been used for centuries to soothe and promote healing in minor to moderate burn wounds. It reduces swelling, relieves pain, and prevents infection by inhibiting bacterial growth. Additionally, pot marigold's antioxidant properties help repair damaged tissue and promote collagen synthesis, promoting faster wound closure and minimizing scarring.

This natural remedy has been shown to be an effective and gentle way to aid in the healing process of minor burns.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Calendula officinalis decoctions that help with burns.

• Beta-sitosterol: This sterol helps with burns by reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• N-acyltyrosine: This phenolic compound has been shown to accelerate wound healing by stimulating the growth of new tissue, reducing inflammation, and promoting collagen synthesis.
• Oleanolic acid: This triterpenoid has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to reduce pain, inflammation, and tissue damage associated with burns, thereby promoting faster wound healing.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of pot marigold used to make decoctions for burns.

• Flowers: They are the primary part used due to their high concentration of triterpenoid saponins and flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
• Leaves: Leaves are also used for their medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial compounds, making them effective in soothing and treating burn wounds.
• Roots: The roots of Calendula officinalis contain bioactive compounds that promote wound healing, reduce inflammation, and prevent infection, making them a valuable part for treating burns.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic pot marigold for burns.

1. Harvest 20-30 fresh calendula officinalis flowers for a decoction and clean them thoroughly.
2. Weigh 2-3 grams of the cleaned flowers and add them to 1 liter of boiling water.
3. Reduce heat and simmer the mixture for 10-15 minutes or until the liquid has reduced slightly.
4. Strain the decoction using a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean container.
5. Allow the decoction to cool and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

3. Plantago major

Plantain decoctions helps with burns because of its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.

When applied topically or consumed orally as a tea, plantain has been shown to reduce pain and discomfort associated with burns. The anti-inflammatory compounds in plantain help to soothe and calm the affected area, while the antimicrobial agents prevent infection and promote healing.

Additionally, plantain's antioxidant properties help to protect damaged tissues from further harm, allowing for faster recovery and reducing the risk of scarring.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Plantago major decoctions that help with burns.

• Aucubin: Aucubin, a glycoside, helps with burns by reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Apolipoprotein a-iv: APA-IV, a protein, helps with burns by accelerating wound closure and tissue repair by promoting the migration and proliferation of skin cells.
• Phenolic acids: Phenolic acids, specifically Caffeic acid and Ferulic acid, help with burns by exhibiting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, which aid in reducing oxidative stress and promoting tissue repair.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of plantain used to make decoctions for burns.

• Leaves: They are used due to their anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, which can help soothe and protect the skin from further irritation.
• Stems: They are used because they contain mucilages, which can help to create a protective barrier on the affected skin and promote healing.
• Roots: They are used for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce pain, inflammation, and promote the healing process of the burn.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic plantain for burns.

1. Collect plantago major leaves and flowers from a clean and pesticide-free area.
2. Dry the collected plantago major in a warm and dry place for at least 24 hours.
3. Combine 1 ounce of dried plantago major with 4 cups of water in a saucepan.
4. Heat the mixture over low heat for 10 to 15 minutes or until the liquid is reduced by half.
5. Strain the decoction and discard the solids to obtain the herbal tea.

4. Arnica montana

Mountain arnica decoctions helps with burns because of its anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce swelling and ease pain.

The decoction's antioxidant compounds also help to prevent tissue damage by neutralizing free radicals. Additionally, mountain arnica has been shown to promote collagen synthesis, supporting the healing process and improving skin elasticity.

By using mountain arnica decoctions topically, individuals can soothe and treat burns in a natural and effective way, promoting faster recovery and minimizing scarring.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Arnica montana decoctions that help with burns.

• Helenalin: A sesquiterpene lactone that helps to reduce inflammation and prevent tissue damage associated with burns.
• Norditerpenes: A type of sesquiterpene that exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can aid in wound healing and reduce the risk of infection after a burn.
• Caftaric acid: A phenolic acid that acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, helping to reduce oxidative stress and promote tissue repair in burn injuries.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of mountain arnica used to make decoctions for burns.

• Flowers: They are primarily used due to their high concentration of sesquiterpene lactones, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Roots: The roots are used for their ability to penetrate deep into tissues, providing relief from pain and inflammation.
• Leaves: The leaves are often used in decoctions for their ability to soothe and calm the skin, reducing redness and discomfort.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic mountain arnica for burns.

1. Harvest 1-2 ounces of fresh arnica montana roots and flowers from the plant's flowering tops.
2. Dry the fresh arnica montana roots and flowers in a warm place for 1-2 weeks.
3. Use a mortar and pestle to grind 2-3 tablespoons of the dried roots and flowers into a fine powder.
4. Steep 1 teaspoon of the ground arnica montana powder in 1 cup of boiling water for 5-7 minutes.
5. Strain the decoction through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve into a clean container and discard the solids.

5. Hypericum perforatum

St John's Wort decoctions helps with burns because of its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

The herb has been used for centuries to soothe and calm damaged skin, reducing redness and swelling associated with burns. The decoction also promotes healthy tissue regeneration, accelerating the healing process and reducing the risk of scarring.

Additionally, St John's Wort's antibacterial and antifungal properties help prevent infection, ensuring a quicker recovery from burn wounds.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Hypericum perforatum decoctions that help with burns.

• Flavonoids: These flavonoids have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce swelling, pain, and oxidative stress associated with burns.
• Hyperforin: This phenolic compound has potent anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which can aid in preventing infection and promoting wound healing in burn cases.
• Naphthodianthrones: These compounds have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help protect damaged skin cells from oxidative damage and promote tissue repair in burns.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of st john's wort used to make decoctions for burns.

• Leaves: They are rich in hyperforin and hypericin, which have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that help soothe and heal burns.
• Stems: The stems of Hypericum perforatum contain flavonoids, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that aid in the recovery of burned skin.
• Flowers: The flowers of the plant have a high content of flavonoids and phenolic acids, which help reduce inflammation, prevent infection, and promote wound healing.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic st john's wort for burns.

1. Harvest fresh or dried aerial parts of the plant in the summer months when in full bloom.
2. Clean and dry the harvested plant material thoroughly to prevent contamination.
3. Weigh out 1-2 grams of dried plant material per 100 milliliters of liquid for the decoction.
4. Combine the weighed plant material with the liquid in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
5. Simmer the mixture for 5-10 minutes and then let it steep for a further 10-15 minutes.

6. Symphytum officinale

Comfrey decoctions helps with burns because of its rich antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

The herb's allantoin content promotes wound healing by stimulating collagen synthesis, improving tissue strength, and reducing scar formation. Additionally, comfrey's mucilages help soothe the affected area, reducing pain and discomfort.

By accelerating the natural healing process, comfrey decoctions can alleviate symptoms of burns, promote faster recovery, and minimize the risk of complications, making it a valuable adjunctive therapy for burn wound care.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Symphytum officinale decoctions that help with burns.

• Allantoin: This compound helps with burns by promoting wound healing, reducing inflammation, and improving tissue regeneration.
• Tannins: Tannins in Symphytum officinale decoctions help with burns by reducing inflammation, preventing infection, and promoting the formation of a protective barrier on the affected skin.
• Saponins: Saponins in Symphytum officinale decoctions help with burns by reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, and exhibiting antimicrobial properties to prevent infection.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of comfrey used to make decoctions for burns.

• Leaves: The leaves are the most commonly used part due to their high concentration of mucilage, which helps to soothe and protect burns.
• Roots: The roots are also used for their mucilaginous properties, which aid in wound healing and reducing inflammation.
• Stems: The stems are utilized for their anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which help to prevent infection and promote wound healing in burns.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic comfrey for burns.

1. Gather 40-60 grams of dried symphytum officinale roots and clean them thoroughly with a fine mesh sieve.
2. Combine the cleaned roots with 1 liter of distilled water in a medium-sized saucepan and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat to a low simmer and let the mixture steep for 3-5 minutes.
4. Strain the decoction through a cheesecloth or a fine mesh sieve into a large glass container.
5. Allow the decoction to cool to room temperature before refrigerating it in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.

7. Centella asiatica

Asiatic pennywort decoctions helps with burns because it possesses potent anti-inflammatory properties that reduce swelling, redness, and pain associated with burn injuries.

The decoction's antioxidant compounds also help to neutralize free radicals and promote the healing process by protecting damaged tissue from further damage. Additionally, Asiatic pennywort contains soothing agents that calm the skin, reducing discomfort and promoting a faster recovery.

As a result, it has been traditionally used in many Asian cultures to treat burns and accelerate the wound-healing process.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Centella asiatica decoctions that help with burns.

• Asiaticoside: Asiaticoside is a triterpenoid saponin that helps with burns by promoting wound healing and tissue repair through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Madecassoside: Madecassoside is another triterpenoid saponin present in Centella asiatica that aids in wound healing by reducing inflammation, preventing bacterial growth, and promoting collagen synthesis.
• Astragalin: Astragalin is a flavonoid glycoside that exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helping to soothe and calm burned skin, reduce pain and discomfort, and promote the healing process.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of asiatic pennywort used to make decoctions for burns.

• Roots: The root of Centella asiatica is commonly used to make decoctions for burns due to its high content of triterpenoids and other bioactive compounds that aid in wound healing and inflammation reduction.
• Leaves: The leaves of Centella asiatica are often used to make decoctions for burns due to their high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help soothe and protect the skin from damage.
• Barks: The bark of Centella asiatica is utilized to make decoctions for burns, leveraging its potential anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties to promote healing and prevent infection.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic asiatic pennywort for burns.

1. Harvest 30-60g of fresh centella asiatica leaves and stems from the plant.
2. Wash the centella asiatica leaves and stems with cold running water to remove impurities.
3. Chop the centella asiatica into smaller pieces to increase the surface area for infusion.
4. Steep 15-30g of chopped centella asiatica in 1 liter of boiling water for 5-10 minutes.
5. Strain the centella asiatica decoction through a cheesecloth or fine mesh to remove solids.

8. Althaea officinalis

Marshmallow decoctions helps with burns because of their exceptional soothing and protective properties.

The mucilages present in the plant create a barrier that shields the burned area from further irritation, reducing pain and discomfort. Additionally, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds in marshmallows help to calm inflammation, promote healing, and restore the natural skin barrier.

This natural remedy can provide fast relief for minor burns, helping to reduce scarring and promote faster recovery.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Althaea officinalis decoctions that help with burns.

• Mucilages: These complex carbohydrates help protect the burned area by forming a physical barrier, reducing inflammation, and promoting wound healing.
• Gallic acid: This phenolic compound exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, which aid in reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and the risk of infection in burn wounds.
• Glucuronic acid: This acidic compound contributes to the formation of mucilages and also displays anti-inflammatory properties, helping to soothe and calm the affected area, promoting a faster recovery process.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of marshmallow used to make decoctions for burns.

• Roots: They are used due to their high mucilage content, which helps to soothe and protect burned skin.
• Leaves: They are used for their anti-inflammatory properties, which aid in reducing pain and discomfort associated with burns.
• Barks: They are used for their antioxidant properties, which help to promote wound healing and prevent infection in burned areas.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic marshmallow for burns.

1. Harvest 1 to 2 pounds of fresh roots of althaea officinalis or use 1/2 to 1 cup dried roots.
2. Wash the harvested roots under running water to remove dirt and debris.
3. Chop the roots into small pieces to increase the surface area for infusion.
4. Combine the chopped roots with 2 to 4 quarts of water in a large pot.
5. Simmer the mixture for 10 to 30 minutes to release the active ingredients.

9. Ulmus rubra

Slippery elm decoctions helps with burns because of its unique mucilaginous properties, which create a soothing barrier on the skin's surface.

This natural emollient gel-like substance coats the burned area, reducing inflammation and pain by blocking the sensation of heat and discomfort. Additionally, slippery elm's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds help promote tissue repair, accelerate healing, and minimize scarring.

As a result, slippery elm decoctions provide rapid relief from burn-related discomfort and support the body's natural healing process.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Ulmus rubra decoctions that help with burns.

• Phenolics: These plant compounds may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress associated with burns, promoting healing and tissue repair.
• Triterpenoids: These compounds may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help protect damaged skin and underlying tissue from further damage and promote healing.
• Flavonoids: These plant compounds may help improve blood flow and reduce inflammation, which can aid in the healing process and reduce the risk of infection after a burn.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of slippery elm used to make decoctions for burns.

• Barks: They are used due to their astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe and protect burned skin.
• Leaves: They are utilized for their cooling and antimicrobial effects, which can aid in reducing pain and preventing infection in burn wounds.
• Buds: They are employed for their anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which can promote healing and reduce the risk of complications in burn injuries.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic slippery elm for burns.

1. Harvest 1-2 cups of fresh ulmus rubra leaves and twigs in late spring or early summer when new growth emerges.
2. Chop the harvested ulmus rubra material into smaller pieces to increase its surface area for infusion.
3. Combine 1 cup of the chopped ulmus rubra material with 4 cups of boiling water in a saucepan.
4. Allow the mixture to steep for 10-15 minutes to release the active compounds into the water.
5. Strain the decoction through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve into a clean container to remove solids.

10. Glycyrrhiza glabra

Licorice decoctions helps with burns because of its anti-inflammatory properties, which soothe and calm the affected skin.

The glycyrrhizin present in licorice root has been shown to reduce inflammation, pain, and swelling associated with burns. Additionally, licorice's antimicrobial properties help prevent infection and promote wound healing by destroying bacteria that may be present on the burn site.

As a result, herbal licorice decoctions can provide fast and effective relief for individuals suffering from burns, promoting faster recovery and reduced scarring.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra decoctions that help with burns.

• Licorice saponins: These triterpenoid saponins help with burns by reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Glycyrrhizin: This triterpenoid glycoside helps with burns by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, while also promoting collagen synthesis and tissue repair.
• Flavonoids: These phenolic compounds help with burns by reducing inflammation, scavenging free radicals, and promoting antioxidant activity, which supports wound healing and tissue repair.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of licorice used to make decoctions for burns.

• Roots: The root of Glycyrrhiza glabra is used to make decoctions for burns due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
• Leaves: The leaves of Glycyrrhiza glabra are used to make decoctions for burns due to their cooling and calming effects on the skin.
• Barks: The bark of Glycyrrhiza glabra is used to make decoctions for burns due to its ability to promote wound healing and reduce inflammation.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic licorice for burns.

1. Collect 10 to 20 grams of dried glycyrrhiza glabra roots from a trusted herbal supplier.
2. Grind the roots into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle for about 5 minutes.
3. Combine the powder with 1 liter of water in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat to a simmer for 15 to 30 minutes or until the liquid is reduced by half.
5. Strain the decoction through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve into a clean glass container.

What is the best combination of herbal decoctions to use for burns?

The best combination of herbal decoctions that help with burns is Aloe Vera and Witch Hazel.

Aloe Vera soothes and calms the skin, reducing inflammation and promoting healing. Witch Hazel helps to reduce pain and itching, while also preventing infection and promoting tissue repair.

Another beneficial herb is Plantain, which reduces inflammation and promotes healing. The combination of these herbs can be made into a decoction by steeping them in hot water, then cooling and applying it to the affected area.

This natural remedy helps to promote healing and reduce discomfort.

What ailments similar to burns are treated with herbal decoctions?

Ailments similar to burns/decoctions.html">burns/decoctions.html">burns that are treated with herbal decoctions are wounds, skin lesions, and scalds.

Herbal decoctions made from plants such as Calendula officinalis (marigold), Symphytum officinale (comfrey), and Plantago major (plantain) have been used topically to promote wound healing, reduce inflammation, and soothe pain.

These decoctions can be applied directly to the affected area or added to a compress to provide relief from skin irritations.