Herbs can strengthen and tone the body's systems. As with any therapy, you should work with your doctor to diagnose your problem before starting treatment. You may use herbs as dried extracts (capsules, powders, or teas), glycerides (glycerine-extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, make teas with 1 tsp. herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 to 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 to 20 minutes for roots. Drink 2 to 4 cups per day. You may use tinctures alone or in combination as noted.

The following herbs may be applied topically (externally) to minor burns:

    • Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera comes in both cream and gel. The gel relieves pain and inflammation and speeds the healing process. Apply externally to the burned area, 3 to 4 times daily as needed, for soothing and healing.

    • Calendula (Calendula officinalis), or Pot Marigold, as an ointment or a tea applied topically. To make tea from tincture, use 1/2 to 1 tsp. diluted in 1/4 cup water. You can also steep 1 tsp. of flowers in one cup of boiling water for 15 minutes, then strain and cool. Test skin first for any allergic reaction. Only use calendula topically.

    • Comfrey: Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) has been used in Chinese Traditional Medicine for over 2000 years. One of the most common uses of comfrey leaf is as an ointment or a poultice applied externally as a natural treatment for burns and other wounds.

    • Gotu Kola: Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) is used as a cream containing 1% of the herb. It is highly valued in Ayurvedic medicine for its ability to rejuvenate the skin. The medication speeds the healing process and helps to prevent scarring.

    • Lavender: Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a pure essential oil that is looked at by many aromatherapists as one of the best remedies for burns. It is antiseptic and analgesic and is the only essential oil that can be applied directly to the skin without dilution.

Lavender prevents infection, reduces inflammation, promotes healing and reduces or prevents scar tissue formation.

    • Plantian: Plantian (Plantago major) is one of the most popular folk remedies in North America for the treatment of burns. Juice from the plant is applied directly to mild burns for a soothing effect.

It is anti-bacterial, and like comfrey, it contains allantoin, an anti-inflammatory phytochemical that speeds wound healing and stimulates the growth of new skin cells.

Debridement is the process of removing unhealthy tissue from the body. It is an important part of treating a burn. Removing (to debride or cut away), all of the dead tissue that has been burned helps so healthy tissues can grow. This is usually done on deep second and third degree burns. It usually helps prevent infections.

Types of Debridement are:

    • Autolytic Debridement: This is the body's own process of getting rid of dead tissue and keeping healthy tissue.

    • Enzymatic Debridement: This type of debridement uses enzyme solutions or ointments to treat the tissue.

    • Hydrotherapy (Mechanical) Debridement: Hydrotherapy, or pressurized water, is most commonly used to debride burn wounds.

    • Maggot Debridement: This type of debridement uses maggots, or fly larva.

    • Mechanical Debridement: This form of debridement is the removal of tissue using a dressing that is changed regularly.

    • Surgical Debridement: This is the process of removing damaged or dying tissue surgically.

Each time the debridement is completed the wound is covered. Many times the wound is covered with allografts. Although they are eventually rejected by the body, allografts help prevent infection and allow healing to begin. The use of drugs that suppress the immune system has made the allograft a lifesaving technique for burn patients.

As healing takes place and the burn victim becomes stronger, grafts of skin from healthy parts of the patient's body are used to cover the burned areas permanently. This process can take many months or even years to complete. Advances in the understanding and treatment of serious burns have led to the creation of specialized burn wards in major hospitals. It is now possible for those with burns on up to 85 percent of their body surface to survive when proper treatment is begun quickly enough.