Homemade Aloe & Honey Burn Salve
Even minor burns can cause discomfort. Luckily, you can make your own homemade burn salve (with honey and aloe vera. Both honey and aloe vera are known for their soothing properties. They has been used for centuries to treat minor skin aliments. Making a DIY burn cream or salve is really very easy to do. They should be a part of every home emergency kit.
A wonderful gift from bees, there are many ways to use honey that go far beyond eating it. When combines with the soothing properties of aloe vera – you have the perfect combination for your burn salve.
Why Make Your Own Honey Burn Salve?
Making your own healing burn salves can be a great home project. Sure, you can find plenty of products at the local health food store but there is something special about making it yourself.
Thankfully, the process of making DIY burn cream is quick and easy. And, you have many ways to customize the recipe to include your favorite ingredients.
Best of all, if you make your own – you know the ingredient list with no doubts. The same can be said for products like this homemade beeswax lotion recipe.
Today, many of us have developed a deeper appreciation for homeopathic treatments and using honey in salves and creams is common.
Ingredients
Before you begin, gather ingredients, tools needed and your containers of choice. This simple recipe requires only 4 ingredients and they are common in many salves. Plus some containers to hold the finished product.
You may find yourself trying other recipes with the leftover ingredients.
- raw honey
- coconut oil
- aloe vera gel
- beeswax
Honey
Raw honey is the best type to use for creating homemade salves and creams. Unlike pasteurized honey, raw honey still maintains all the natural goodness, enzymes and minerals. However, any honey will work.
It is a traditional topical treatment for minor burns and other wounds – said to have a soothing effect. And, the antibacterial properties of honey helps prevent infection.
You can use special medical grade honey or the special “manuka honey” if desired. However, most people use what they have on hand.
Some studies suggest that honey may help reduce scarring, so that’s another good reason to include it in your burn care.
If honey is stored properly, it never spoils. Every home should have a jar of honey.
Coconut Oil
Popular in many health and beauty regimes, Coconut oil has skin healing properties and contains anti-fungal and antibacterial fatty acids. You can often find it in your local grocery store.
Aloe Vera Gel
This gel comes from the aloe plant. The jelly like substance found inside the leaves can be rubbed directly on a burn. It promotes circulation and inhibits the growth of bacteria.
You can make your own aloe vera gel using the juice from an aloe plant. However, it spoils quickly and is very messy so most folks purchase the commercial variety ready to use.
Beeswax
A miraculous natural wax made by honey bees. Beeswax is very easy to melt and can be mixed with a variety of oils, butters and other waxes to create natural products.
Beeswax can be melted in the microwave but the safest way is to use a small double boiler. You can buy wax in blocks or pellets.
How to Make Honey Burn Salve
Here are the basic steps to make homemade burn salve with honey and aloe. (Full instructions below).
Once all ingredients are assembled, it’s time to begin. Always take proper safety precautions to prevent burns or other accidents.
It doesn’t get much easier than this – melt and mix together. Some of the ingredients become hot when melted. Don’t get burned making your burn cream – ;).
1. Begin by safely melting the beeswax for your recipe. Using a double boiler set up is the safest way.
2. Once the beeswax is melted, add the other ingredients and stir until melted and combined. Remove the pot from the heat source. Now is the time to add the Vitamin E oil (optional) if you wish.
3. Pour your mixture into the containers you have chosen. They should have a wide top so you can reach the finished burn salve. You will also need a lid.
4. Once the product has cooled, add the lid and a label.
Expert Tips
After your product has cooled, the honey may separate from the oil/wax mixture. That’s okay – just be sure to stir it well before each use.
I prefer to keep my salve in the refrigerator. It should last for several months. Stir well before each use to mix the honey into the wax/oil.
It can be kept on the counter when you are using is daily but I keep mine in the refrigerator between times.
How to Use
For minor burns, even sunburn, apply a small amount of salve to the affected area. It will be a bit messy, this is because of the moisturizing properties of the salve.
Cover the burn with clean gauze and wrap gently in place. You can apply several times a day.
For any serious burns, seek medical attention immediately. This wonderful salve is not a miracle cure. Some wounds require the attention of a doctor for proper medical advise.
More Ideas
Another easy salve to make using beeswax is calendula salve using infused calendula oil. The recipe is simple and calendula is anti-inflammatory, hydrating, and promotes wound healing.
What about those little yellow flowers in your yard? Sure the honey bees use dandelions in early Spring but you can use them too. Try this dandelion salve recipe for aches and pains.
Finally, another easy to make product is homemade plantain salve. It is very soothing for minor skin irritations-though most folks have no idea they have this “weed” in the yard.
Disclaimer: I am not a medical expert. Any homemade burn salve should only be used on minor wounds that are not serious or infected. Always, consult a medical professional when seeking treatment for injuries.
FAQs
Any type of honey works well for a DIY burn salve. Choose raw honey when possible and if you want the possible extra healing properties of Manuka honey – that is okay too.
It’s generally recommended to apply the burn salve to the affected area two to three times a day, or as needed for relief.
Honey and aloe vera are generally safe for topical use but some people may be allergic to either ingredient. Perform a patch test on a small area of skin before applying the salve more extensively. Use only on minor burns – seek professional help for serious wounds.
Finally
All of us should keep a well stocked pantry with a few essentials on hand. You never know when you will need something and not be able to get to a store.
If you enjoy making your own natural remedies, consider making a container of honey burn salve to keep in your “just in case” pantry. It is always good to have some on hand.
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Homemade Honey Burn Salve Recipe
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Read my Disclosure.Supplies
- 1/4 cup raw honey (161 g)
- 1/4 cup coconut oil (41 g)
- 1/2 tsp aloe vera gel (8 g)
- 2 teaspoons beeswax (6 g)
- 2-3 drops vitamin E oil (optional)
Instructions
- Safely melt the beeswax in a suitable container. Using a double boiler is the safest method. Add the beeswax to your double boiler. Gently melt the beeswax until it is completely liquified. Once the beeswax is melted add the coconut oil. It will melt quickly – don’t let it burn!
- Remove the beeswax and oils from heat and add the Aloe Vera Gel. Stir very well until completed mixed. If the beeswax starts to harden, return to heat briefly.
- Once the aloe vera gel is well mixed into the recipe. Slowly add in the honey. I also add a few drops of Vitamin E oil, but that is completely optional.
- Pour your honey burn salve mixture into your choice of containers. Fill almost to the top with a little space left over. Let cool for a hour or more.
