2 Herbal Remedies to Treat Sunburn

Some sun can actually be beneficial, supplying us with vitamin D, which, in turn, enables our bodies to better process calcium to build strong bones. Too much sun, however, can cause a great deal of harm, including painful sunburns. If you find that you have spent too much time in the sun resulting in a sunburn, there are some herbal remedies that can ease the pain and promote healing. Following are two that can easily be made at home.

Calendula Bath
Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is a self-seeding annual herb frequently grown for medicinal and cosmetic purposes. [For more about information concerning this plant, see my article Herb Profile: Calendula.] Sometimes called "pot marigold," calendula should not be confused with the traditional marigold. Calendula is a member of the daisy family and even has daisy-like blooms. It has been used for centuries to treat various ailments, including burns and sunburns.

To make your own calendula bath, cut about a 10-inch square of muslin. (You can also look for muslin bags with drawstrings at your local arts and crafts store.) In the middle of the cloth, place ¼-cup of dried calendula flowers and ¼-cup of rice bran. (Rice bran helps to revitalize the skin.) Pull the four corners together and tie with a string. Toss the bag into your bathtub as it is filling with water. You can also use the bag as a washcloth and as a compress to use on particularly sore areas.

Feverfew and Green Tea Body Spray
Feverfew is not just for headaches. [For more information, see my article on Feverfew.] It can also reduce the redness caused by sunburn. Green tea contains lots of polyphenols, which help to protect the skin from the harmful effects of the sun and can also ease the inflammation caused by overexposure.

To make a cooling spray, pour ½-cup of boiling water over 2 teaspoons dried feverfew and 4 teaspoons green tea. Allow the herbs to steep for about 15 minutes. Strain and refrigerate until cool. After the mixture has cooled, pour into a spray bottle and add ¼-cup rosewater and 10 drops of essential oil of lavender, both of which have soothing and cooling properties. (Lavender also contains tannins that help to relieve the pain of sunburn.) Shake well before using and lightly mist the skin. This preparation will keep for up to 10 days.

Of course, the best thing you can do for your skin is not to overexpose it to the damaging rays of the sun. Nevertheless, if you do find that you have spent too much time outside and have gotten quite a sunburn, these herbal remedies will quickly and effectively alleviate the pain and begin to heal your damaged skin. As with all herbal remedies, check a small patch of skin for any allergic reactions before using. If you have any other questions or concerns, check with your primary health care provider and/or a certified herbalist.

References:
Barbara Booth, ed. The Complete Illustrated Book of Herbs. Pleasantville, NY: The Reader's Digest Association, Inc., 2009.

Clair Kowalchik and William H. Hylton, eds. Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs. Emmaus, PA: Rodale Press, 1998.