By Leen Randell
Updated: Jul 10, 2024
10 Best Herbal Tinctures For Burns
Herbal tinctures for burns are concentrated liquid extracts of plants, used topically to soothe and heal burned skin.
These natural remedies help reduce pain, inflammation, and discomfort associated with burns, promoting a faster recovery process. Examples of herbal tinctures that have shown efficacy in burn care include Aloe vera, Calendula, and Plantain. By using these tinctures, individuals can experience improved wound healing, reduced scarring, and enhanced quality of life.
For instance, a burn victim can use an Aloe vera tincture to reduce redness and discomfort, allowing them to return to daily activities sooner.
The following article describes in detail the most important tinctures for burns, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.
- 1. Aloe vera
- 2. Calendula officinalis
- 3. Glycyrrhiza glabra
- 4. Solidago virgaurea
- 5. Zingiber officinale
- 6. Althaea officinalis
- 7. Symphytum officinale
- 8. Hypericum perforatum
- 9. Achillea millefolium
- 10. Plantago major
- What is the best combination of herbal tinctures to use for burns?
- What ailments similar to burns are treated with herbal tinctures?
1. Aloe vera
Aloe tinctures helps with burns because of its exceptional healing properties.
The tincture's potent extract, rich in vitamins A, C, and E, accelerates the skin's natural healing process. It reduces inflammation, soothes pain, and promotes collagen synthesis to improve skin elasticity. Additionally, aloe's antimicrobial properties prevent infection and promote tissue repair, leading to faster wound closure and reduced scarring.
Its topical application makes it an effective and accessible remedy for burns of all grades, providing instant relief and promoting long-term skin health.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Aloe vera tinctures that help with burns.
- Aloe-emodin: Aloe-emodin is a chromone compound that has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help reduce inflammation and prevent infection in burn wounds.
- Catechin: Catechin is a flavonoid that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help protect the skin from oxidative damage, reduce inflammation, and promote wound healing in burn injuries.
- Glycoproteins: Glycoproteins, such as acemannan, have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties, which help soothe and protect the skin, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue repair in burn wounds.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of aloe used to make tinctures for burns.
- Leaves: They are rich in soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, making them effective for treating burns and skin irritations.
- Gel from leaves: The clear gel inside Aloe vera leaves contains vitamins A, C, and E, as well as other nutrients that promote skin healing and reduce inflammation.
- Sap from leaves: The sap or juice extracted from Aloe vera leaves contains powerful anti-inflammatory compounds, including aloin and aloe-emodin, which help to reduce pain and promote wound healing.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic aloe for burns.
- Harvest mature aloe vera leaves with a thick fleshy texture and no signs of wilting or damage.
- Chop the aloe vera leaves into small pieces weighing 1 pound and mix with 80% ethanol at ratio 1:5.
- Steep the mixture in a glass jar for 2-3 weeks in a cool dark place.
- Strain the liquid through cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve into a clean glass container discarding the solids.
- Store the herbal aloe vera tincture in a glass bottle with a tight-fitting lid in a cool dark place.
2. Calendula officinalis
Pot marigold tinctures helps with burns because of its rich anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
The flavonoids and terpenes present in the plant have been shown to reduce inflammation, pain, and swelling associated with burn wounds. Additionally, the antiseptic properties help prevent infection by killing bacteria and other microorganisms that may be present on the skin.
By promoting healthy healing and reducing the risk of complications, pot marigold tinctures can aid in the recovery process after a burn injury.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Calendula officinalis tinctures that help with burns.
- Triterpenoid saponins: These compounds help with burns by reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing through their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
- Neryl acetate: A terpene found in Calendula, neryl acetate helps with burns by reducing pain and inflammation due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Carotenoids: These compounds, including calendulin, aid in wound healing by promoting collagen synthesis, reducing oxidative stress, and protecting against bacterial infections.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of pot marigold used to make tinctures for burns.
- Flowers: The flowers contain the highest concentration of triterpenoid saponins and carotenoids, which are responsible for their anti-inflammatory and healing properties.
- Leaves: The leaves have a higher concentration of sesquiterpenes, which contribute to their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.
- Stems: The stems have a higher concentration of flavonoids, which help in reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic pot marigold for burns.
- Harvest calendula officinalis flowers at peak bloom when they are fully open and bright yellow.
- Dry the flowers in a warm dark place for at least 24 hours or use a food dehydrator at 95 degrees fahrenheit for 6 hours.
- Combine 1 part dried flowers with 2 parts 80 proof vodka in a clean glass jar and store in a cool dark place.
- Steep the mixture for 2 to 6 weeks in the dark shaking the jar daily then strain the liquid through a cheesecloth into another container.
- Transfer the tincture to a glass bottle and store in a cool dark place for up to 2 years.
3. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Licorice tinctures helps with burns because of its natural anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce redness, swelling, and pain.
The active compound, glycyrrhizin, soothes and calms the affected skin, promoting a faster healing process. Additionally, licorice tincture's antimicrobial properties help prevent infection by inhibiting bacterial growth.
By applying topically or taking internally, licorice tinctures provide relief from discomfort and promote healthy tissue repair, making it an effective natural remedy for burn wound care.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra tinctures that help with burns.
- Glycyrrhizin: Glycyrrhizin has anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce redness, swelling, and pain associated with burns, promoting a faster recovery.
- Liquiritin and liquiritigenin: These two compounds exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to protect the skin from damage, reduce oxidative stress, and promote wound healing in burn injuries.
- Isoliquiritigenin: Isoliquiritigenin has been found to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can aid in reducing inflammation, promoting tissue repair, and preventing infection in burn wounds.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of licorice used to make tinctures for burns.
- Roots: They contain glycyrrhizin, a compound that helps to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain associated with burns.
- Barks: They have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which aid in promoting wound healing and preventing infection.
- Leaves: They possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to protect the skin from damage caused by burns and promote faster healing.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic licorice for burns.
- Harvest 30-40 grams of dried root material of glycyrrhiza glabra in the fall season when mature.
- Grind the harvested material into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle for 10 minutes.
- Combine the ground root powder with 60-80 percent vodka as a solvent in a clean glass jar.
- Store the mixture in a cool dark place for 2-6 weeks shaking the jar daily for 5 minutes.
- Strain the liquid from the jar using cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a separate container.
4. Solidago virgaurea
Goldenrod tinctures helps with burns because of its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
The plant's active compounds, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, work to reduce swelling and pain in burned areas, promoting healing and tissue repair. Additionally, goldenrod's antiseptic qualities help prevent infection by inhibiting the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause further harm.
This natural remedy has been used for centuries to soothe and support the skin, providing relief from burns and promoting a faster recovery.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Solidago virgaurea tinctures that help with burns.
- Phenolic acids: These compounds, particularly caffeic acid and ferulic acid, have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation, prevent infection, and promote wound healing in burn injuries.
- Flavonoids: Quercetin and other flavonoids in Solidago virgaurea have potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects, which can help soothe burned skin, reduce pain and inflammation, and prevent infections.
- Triterpenoids: Ursolic acid, a triterpenoid found in Solidago virgaurea, has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties that can help reduce inflammation, prevent infection, and promote tissue repair in burn wounds.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of goldenrod used to make tinctures for burns.
- Roots: They are used due to their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help in reducing burn damage and preventing infection.
- Leaves: They are used for their cooling and soothing effects, which aid in reducing pain and promoting wound healing.
- Stems: They are used for their anti-inflammatory properties, which help in reducing swelling and promoting the healing process of burns.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic goldenrod for burns.
- Collect 1 part of dried solidago virgaurea flowers and 2 parts of dried root in a clean glass jar.
- Fill the jar with 80 proof vodka to cover the plant material completely and seal the jar.
- Store the jar in a cool dark place for 4 to 6 weeks to allow extraction.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into another clean glass container discarding the solids.
- Label and store the tincture in a cool dark place after allowing it to mature for 2 to 4 weeks.
5. Zingiber officinale
Ginger tinctures helps with burns because of its natural anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce pain and swelling associated with minor burn injuries.
The bioactive compounds in ginger, such as gingerols and shogaols, work to alleviate discomfort by blocking the production of prostaglandins, which are hormone-like substances that cause pain and inflammation.
By using a herbal ginger tincture on burns, individuals can experience faster healing times, reduced redness, and a significant decrease in overall discomfort.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Zingiber officinale tinctures that help with burns.
- Gingerols: Gingerols, particularly 6-gingerol, have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation associated with burns.
- Shogaols: Shogaols, a type of gingerol derivative, exhibit antimicrobial activity, which helps prevent infection and promote wound healing in burn injuries.
- Gingerol-derived phenolic compounds: These compounds have antioxidant properties that help protect the skin from oxidative damage, reduce the risk of scarring, and promote tissue repair in burned areas.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of ginger used to make tinctures for burns.
- Rhyzomes: Zingiber officinale's rhyzomes are often used in tinctures for burns because of their high concentration of gingerols and shogaols, which have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
- Roots: The roots of Zingiber officinale are used to make tinctures for burns due to their ability to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Buds: Zingiber officinale's buds are used in tinctures for burns because they contain bioactive compounds that help to soothe and heal burn wounds.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic ginger for burns.
- Harvest 1-2 pounds of fresh zingiber officinale rhizomes in the morning after dew has evaporated.
- Dry the rhizomes in a warm place with good air circulation for 1-2 weeks.
- Chop 1-2 cups of dried zingiber officinale rhizomes into small pieces using a sharp knife.
- Combine 1 cup of chopped rhizomes with 2 cups of 80-proof vodka or glycerin in a clean glass jar.
- Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2-6 weeks, shaking the jar daily.
6. Althaea officinalis
Marshmallow tinctures helps with burns because they provide a soothing and protective barrier for the skin, reducing inflammation and discomfort.
The mucilage extracted from marshmallow roots forms a gel-like substance that cools and moisturizes the affected area, promoting healthy wound healing.
Additionally, herbal marshmallow tinctures have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce redness, swelling, and pain associated with burns, making them an effective natural remedy for minor to moderate burn injuries.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Althaea officinalis tinctures that help with burns.
- Althaeic acid and mucilages: These complex compounds help with burns by forming a protective barrier on the skin's surface, reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing.
- Gallic acid: This phenolic compound helps with burns by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, which can lead to tissue damage and hinder the healing process.
- Glucuronic acid: This polysaccharide component helps with burns by promoting the production of collagen, a crucial protein for wound healing, and also by reducing inflammation and promoting tissue regeneration.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of marshmallow used to make tinctures for burns.
- Roots: Althaea officinalis roots are commonly used for making tinctures because they contain mucilages that help soothe and protect burned skin.
- Leaves: Althaea officinalis leaves are used for making tinctures because they have anti-inflammatory properties that aid in reducing burn inflammation and promoting healing.
- Roots: Althaea officinalis roots are also used for making tinctures because they have emollient properties that help moisturize and calm burned skin, facilitating faster recovery.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic marshmallow for burns.
- Harvest fresh althaea officinalis roots and leaves in the morning after the dew has evaporated.
- Chop the harvested plant material into small pieces to increase the surface area for extraction.
- Combine 1 part chopped althaea officinalis with 2 parts 80 proof vodka in a clean glass container.
- Store the mixture in a cool dark place for 2 to 6 weeks to allow for extraction.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean glass bottle.
7. Symphytum officinale
Comfrey tinctures helps with burns because of its exceptional healing properties.
The herb contains allantoin, a powerful compound that stimulates collagen production, promotes tissue regeneration, and accelerates wound closure. When applied topically as a tincture, comfrey's active ingredients can help soothe and calm the burned area, reducing pain and discomfort.
Additionally, comfrey's anti-inflammatory properties can reduce swelling and promote a faster recovery process, making it an effective natural remedy for minor burns and scalds.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Symphytum officinale tinctures that help with burns.
- Alkaloids: These compounds help soothe and calm the skin, reducing inflammation and pain associated with burns.
- Saponins: Saponins in Symphytum officinale tinctures have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which aid in reducing the severity of burn wounds and promoting faster healing.
- Phenolic acids: These phenolic compounds exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to protect the skin from further damage, promote collagen synthesis, and accelerate the healing process of burns.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of comfrey used to make tinctures for burns.
- Leaves: The leaves are the most commonly used part of Symphytum officinale due to their high concentration of allantoin, which promotes wound healing and tissue regeneration.
- Roots: The roots are used for their anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce pain and swelling associated with burns.
- Stems: The stems are used for their mucilaginous properties, which help soothe and protect the skin from further irritation caused by burns.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic comfrey for burns.
- Harvest 30-50 grams of fresh symphytum officinale roots and stems in the early morning to ensure maximum potency.
- Chop the harvested plant material into small pieces to increase its surface area for optimal extraction.
- Combine the chopped plant material with 500 milliliters of 60-80% ethanol in a clean glass jar to create a solvent.
- Steep the plant material in the solvent for 2-4 weeks in a cool dark place shaking the jar daily to facilitate extraction.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean glass bottle discarding the solids to produce the tincture.
8. Hypericum perforatum
St John's Wort tinctures helps with burns because of its unique ability to promote wound healing and reduce inflammation.
The antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties in the herb help to prevent infection and soothe the burn, reducing pain and discomfort. Additionally, St John's Wort's antioxidant properties help to protect damaged skin cells from further damage, promoting healthy tissue regeneration and accelerating the recovery process.
As a result, this natural remedy can provide relief from burns and promote faster healing.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Hypericum perforatum tinctures that help with burns.
- Hyperforin: Acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, reducing pain and inflammation associated with burns.
- Quercetin: Exhibits antioxidant properties, protecting the skin from oxidative damage caused by burns and promoting wound healing.
- N-acetyl-serotonin: May help with pain relief and tissue repair, potentially reducing the risk of infection and promoting faster healing of burn wounds.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of st john's wort used to make tinctures for burns.
- Leaves: Rich in flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help soothe and heal burns.
- Flowers: High in naphthoquinones, specifically hyperforin and hypericin, which have antibacterial and antiviral properties that aid in preventing infection and promoting wound healing.
- Stems: Contain flavonoids and phenolic acids that exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, helping to reduce pain and promote tissue repair in burns.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic st john's wort for burns.
- Gather 250 grams of fresh or 500 grams of dried hypericum perforatum flowers and stems in a clean environment.
- Combine the gathered plant material with 750 milliliters of 60-80 proof ethanol in a clean glass container.
- Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2-6 weeks, shaking the container daily for 20 minutes.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean glass container, discard the solids.
- Store the resulting tincture in a clean dark glass bottle and label it with the date and contents.
9. Achillea millefolium
Yarrow tinctures helps with burns because of its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiseptic properties.
When applied topically to burn wounds, yarrow's active compounds help reduce redness, swelling, and pain. Additionally, the tincture's antimicrobial properties inhibit bacterial growth, preventing infection and promoting a faster healing process.
This natural remedy can also aid in soothing and calming the affected area, making it an effective treatment for minor burns and burns caused by sun exposure or other heat sources.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Achillea millefolium tinctures that help with burns.
- Sesquiterpene lactones: These compounds help with burns by reducing inflammation and pain through their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
- Flavonoids: These compounds aid in the healing process by their antioxidant properties, which help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals and promote tissue repair.
- Phenolic acids: These compounds help with burns by reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing through their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of yarrow used to make tinctures for burns.
- Leaves: They contain salicylic acid, which helps to reduce inflammation and promote healing in burns.
- Flowers: They contain flavonoids and terpenoids, which have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties to aid in wound healing.
- Stems: They contain sesquiterpene lactones, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects to promote recovery from burns.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic yarrow for burns.
- Harvest the fresh aerial parts of the herb during the blooming stage in mid to late summer.
- Dry the harvested plant material in a warm place or using a dehydrator at 95 degrees fahrenheit.
- Combine 1 part of dried herb with 2 parts of vodka in a clean glass jar with a tight lid.
- Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 4 to 6 weeks shaking the jar daily to facilitate extraction.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into another clean glass container and discard.
10. Plantago major
Plantain tinctures helps with burns because of its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which aid in reducing pain and discomfort.
The tannins present in plantain help to contract blood vessels, thereby decreasing swelling and redness around the burned area. Additionally, plantain's antimicrobial properties prevent infection by killing bacteria that can cause further complications. This natural remedy provides relief from burns, promoting faster healing and minimizing scarring.
As a result, plantain tinctures have been used for centuries to soothe and treat burn wounds effectively.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Plantago major tinctures that help with burns.
- Apolypodin: A saponin compound found in Plantago major, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce redness and swelling associated with burns.
- Phenolic acids: Plantago major contains various phenolic acids, such as ferulic acid, which possess antioxidant properties that can help neutralize free radicals and promote wound healing in burn victims.
- Plantaginin: A flavonoid glycoside found in Plantago major, which has been reported to exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities that can aid in the healing process of burns by reducing inflammation and preventing tissue damage.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of plantain used to make tinctures for burns.
- Leaves: They contain anti-inflammatory and astringent properties that help soothe and protect burned skin.
- Stems: They have antimicrobial properties that aid in preventing infection and promoting wound healing in burns.
- Roots: They possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help reduce pain, inflammation, and promote tissue repair in burn injuries.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic plantain for burns.
- Harvest the plantago major leaves and flowers in the morning when they are at their most potent.
- Dry the harvested plantago major leaves and flowers in a warm place for 1 to 2 weeks.
- Combine 100 grams of the dried plantago major leaves and flowers with 500 milliliters of vodka in a clean glass jar.
- Store the jar in a cool dark place for 2 to 4 weeks shaking it every day.
- Strain the tincture through a cheesecloth and discard the solids then transfer the liquid to a clean glass bottle.
What is the best combination of herbal tinctures to use for burns?
The best combination of herbal tinctures that help with burns is Aloe vera, Calendula, and Plantain.
Aloe vera soothes and calms the skin, while Calendula promotes wound healing and reduces inflammation. Plantain, on the other hand, helps to reduce pain and itching.
To use, combine equal parts of each tincture and apply topically to the affected area. You can also mix them with a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil for better absorption.
Always do a patch test before using any new herbal remedy.
What ailments similar to burns are treated with herbal tinctures?
Ailments similar to burns/tinctures.html">burns/tinctures.html">burns that are treated with herbal tinctures are skin irritations, wounds, and ulcers.
Herbal tinctures like calendula, aloe vera, and plantain extract can help soothe and heal these conditions by reducing inflammation, promoting tissue regeneration, and preventing infection.
These tinctures may also be used to treat minor cuts, scrapes, and abrasions, providing rapid relief from pain, itching, and discomfort.