Kitchen Quickies: Burns
As the name implies, Kitchen Quickies are short and to the point remedy suggestions to get you on your way if you have suffered any mishaps in the kitchen.
I open my oven door and pull the rack out to tend to whatever lovely thing is cooking all the time. The other day, however, I managed to singe my forearm on the rack.
What did I do?
I immediately sprayed it with something I keep in my kitchen for precisely such occasions: Similasan Burn Recovery.* (Note: Mine was a minor burn. If you have anything more serious than a superficial burn, seek medical assistance.)
This Burn Recovery bottle has pride of place in my cupboard and is standing ready and available for quick access following silly cooking errors as well as sunburned shoulders. Next to this spray is a little tube of Cantharis, which I also took shortly after using the spray. At bedtime that night, I put a little Boiron Calendula ointment* on the burn and that was that. I didn’t think about it again until my husband saw it and commented a few days later, saying, “that was a nasty burn.” I had pretty much forgotten about it because I didn’t feel it again after the first day.
This Similasan burn combination contains homeopathic Calendula, Cantharis, Echinacea, and Urtica urens. All of these homeopathic remedies would likely be just as affective if taken orally when chosen individually, based on the presenting symptoms. But, this spray feels so good! (Additionally, homeopathic pellets can be put in some fresh water and applied to the skin for a similar effect to the commercially available spray.)
Homeopathic Calendula is the first remedy I think about for any skin ouchies — big and little. According to K. Chandran (and Kuttan 2008), it’s with good reason. They found “the administration of Calendula officinalis extract significantly decreased the serum level of marker enzymes of tissue damage….” (Note: This research was conducted using an extract of Calendula.)
Why these homeopathic remedies?
Calendula pains are cutting, burning or stinging in nature. Calendula can also be beneficial for neurologic or nerve pains.
Cantharis is the first remedy I think about for any burns (and burning pains, too). Cantharis pains are sharp and stitching and the direction of the pain is inward.
Echinacea according to Robin Murphy, has antiseptic qualities.
Urtica urens are for stinging pains and redness. (Urtica urens is one of the top choice remedies for bee stings, too.)
Keep on cooking, but mind the oven racks!
Julia Coyte, CHom
Classically Practical homeopath
#wellnessawaits
* I have no affiliation with this company, I just like their products.
Fascinating article, thank you for posting it! I have taken for granted in the preparation of this remedy but never it's power to heal! And now with more appreciation of what Hahnemann and all the others did to give us this medicine, I will always give thanks when I use it.
I completely concur and would add Causticum to that list. I used to own a bakery/cafe and used Causticum for many, many burns. What other form of medicine can you have instantaneous results? None! Thank you for these tips.