Homeopathic remedies can help to soothe the pain of burns and reduce the chance of
blistering. Burns require immediate attention to prevent further tissue damage, so cold
applications and natural remedies should always be close at hand. Burns—even minor
ones—can cause some degree of shock, and care should be taken that the person rests. Any
serious burn should have emergency attention from a physician. (Remedies can be used while en
route to medical care.)
For dosage information, please read the information at the end of this section. See also
“Using Homeopathy With Professional Guidance” in What Is Homeopathy?
Arnica: This is a valuable first-aid remedy to help reduce pain and swelling and
prevent the onset of shock after any injury. Another remedy that is more specific to the burn
should be considered after Arnica.
Cantharis: This remedy is indicated for extreme burning pain, when the person is
very intense and restless. It is often useful in reducing or preventing blister formation.
Cantharis can help with any burn, but is most often indicated for severe ones (second
or third degree).
Causticum: If a burn is intensely painful and blisters seem to be forming, this
remedy may help to bring relief. The person often feels more sad than restless from the pain.
Rawness and soreness may develop in the injured area. Causticum is also helpful when
pain remains in older burns, or when burns have not completely healed.
Hepar sulphuris calcareum: This remedy is helpful for treating very sensitive and
painful burns in people who are prone to infection. The person may feel extremely vulnerable
and irritable, and may have chills or be very sensitive to cold.
Hypericum: This remedy is often helpful when the pain of a burn is intense and the
nerves are extremely sensitive. Along with the usual discomfort of a burn, stabbing or
shooting pains may be felt in the injured area.
Phosphorus: This remedy may be useful for the pain of electrical burns, on the way
to medical care. (When electrical burns occur, the damaged area may look small on the surface,
but be more extensive underneath; they should always be examined by a doctor.)
Urtica urens: When a burn is mild and the primary symptoms are redness and stinging
pain, this remedy often brings relief. It is often useful for sunburn when the pain is prickly
and stinging.
Calendula and Hypericum tinctures: These tinctures (used topically in unpotentized
herbal form) often is helpful in soothing burns and promoting tissue healing. Ten drops of
either Calendula or Hypericum tincture, or both, may be mixed in an ounce of
water and applied to the area several times per day.
Homeopathy Dosage Directions
Select the remedy that most closely matches the symptoms. In conditions where
self-treatment is appropriate, unless otherwise directed by a physician, a lower potency (6X,
6C, 12X, 12C, 30X, or 30C) should be used. In addition, instructions for use are usually
printed on the label.
Many homeopathic physicians suggest that remedies be used as follows: Take one dose and
wait for a response. If improvement is seen, continue to wait and let the remedy work. If
improvement lags significantly or has clearly stopped, another dose may be taken. The
frequency of dosage varies with the condition and the individual. Sometimes a dose may be
required several times an hour; other times a dose may be indicated several times a day; and
in some situations, one dose per day (or less) can be sufficient.
If no response is seen within a reasonable amount of time, select a different remedy.
For more information, including references, see What is Homeopathy? and Understanding Homeopathic Potencies.
The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes
only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical
experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not
necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with
prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor,
practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or
before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2009.
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