Mustard Tip for Burns & Sunburn
An old-fashioned kitchen remedy that draws heat from early-stage burns and sunburn using nothing but cold yellow mustard.
This is one of those remedies that sounds almost too simple to be real, but it has been used across generations and many people swear by it. Cold yellow mustard — straight from the refrigerator — applied to a mild burn or sunburned skin draws out the heat and eases the pain in a way that is difficult to explain but genuinely effective for many people.
Mustard contains compounds including allyl isothiocyanate and selenium that may contribute to its reputed burn-soothing effects, but the simplest explanation may be partly the cold temperature itself, which constricts blood vessels and reduces the sensation of heat and pain. Whatever the mechanism, this is a low-risk home remedy with a long track record.
Use this remedy for mild, early-stage burns and sunburn — not for severe burns, blistering, or broken skin, which require medical evaluation. Rinse or shower off after a few minutes; the smell of mustard fades quickly once rinsed. Some people find it more effective than aloe for the initial heat of a fresh sunburn.
Ingredients
- Cold yellow mustard (straight from the refrigerator)
How to Use
- 1Retrieve yellow mustard directly from the refrigerator — it should be cold.
- 2Apply gently to the sunburned or mildly burned area.
- 3Let sit for a few minutes while the cold draws out the heat.
- 4Rinse off in the shower or with cool water.
- 5Follow with aloe vera gel or a gentle moisturizer if desired.
- 6Use caution: avoid broken skin, blistering burns, or severe burns — these require medical attention.