When I have a wound or burn

My story

When I was 15, I tried out a friend’s skateboard. Quite comfortable in front of the house, I set off with confidence. I picked up speed on the first run, without thinking about how to slow down and stop. I ended up on the ground, in the gravel, with a few holes in my legs. At the time, I was new to aroma, and had used a disinfectant and healing cream from the pharmacy. It didn’t work, and I still have a nice scar on my instep. Since then, I’ve only had minor injuries from DIY or gardening, and superficial burns from the iron or oven. I’ve always treated them with lavender hydrosol, very quickly and without scarring.

My tip

For a burn, the first thing to do is to put it under cold water for a few minutes, to prevent the burn from spreading. Then, for a light burn, I apply lavender hydrosol, either as a spray or a compress. I repeat the application every quarter of an hour, until I no longer feel any pain. Over the next few days (usually one or two days are enough), I apply the hydrosol 3 or 4 times a day, until the burn has completely disappeared.
To clean a wound, I apply a compress soaked in lavender hydrosol to the wound. I then apply hydrolat with a washable cotton pad several times a day. If necessary, I cover the wound with an airy bandage to allow it to breathe.
You can also prepare a mixture to apply to the wound or burn with lavender, laurel, immortelle (helichrysum) and cistus hydrosols in equal proportions.

What does phytotherapy say?

As early as the Middle Ages, lavender was present in the gardens of monasteries and herbalists in Europe for its antiseptic and healing properties. Today, in phytotherapy, lavender is recognized for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic and sedative properties.
The composition of lavender hydrolate, which is relatively close to that of lavender essential oil despite having a very different scent, makes it very interesting for soothing and treating skin ailments. Its main constituents are anti-inflammatory, anti-infectious and analgesic. This makes it ideal for pain relief, disinfection and gentle healing.

Did you know?

For larger wounds, it may be preferable to use lavender essential oil instead of hydrolat, for faster healing You can then prepare a mixture of 10 ml aloe vera gel and 20 drops True lavender essential oil in a small bottle, and apply to the wound 3 or 4 times a day

I use hydrolats SAFELY

This tip involves no particular contraindication. Both lavender hydrosols and essential oils are well tolerated, even on wounds.

LAVANDULA ANGUSTIFOLIA Lavender

Native to the Mediterranean region, this 30-60 cm-high sub-shrub thrives on hillsides and mountains between 800 and 1,800 m. Whether wild or cultivated, “true”, “fine” or “officinal” lavender is an essential component
an essential part of our flora, but also a basic ingredient in perfumery, cosmetics and aromatherapy. Its purifying role was already known to the Romans, who added lavender to their baths and burned it in patients’ rooms to purify them. Its many uses (balancing
sedative, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, analgesic, healing, relaxing) and its innocuousness justify its presence in the family medicine cabinet.