July 2008 - Natural Sunburn Remedies

When you think of the month of July, what comes to mind besides high temperatures? Fireworks, cutting hay, fishing, picking fresh tomatoes, swimming, barbecues, and camping may be some items on your list, too. One element common to these activities is that they all take place outdoors. And that can mean pain from sunburn. A friend called to say he sustained sunburn and treated it using (his words, honestly!) Noxzema Cleansing Face Cream and Preparation H. So here are a few inexpensive, proven remedies for mild cases of sunburn - the key word here is "mild." Seek professional help when dealing with severe burns, especially in the very young and seniors.

Diluted organic apple cider vinegar will ease a mild sunburn. Mix 50/50 with tepid water, pour into a clean spray bottle and gently spray. Or soak a cloth and apply, repeating several times until improvement is felt.

Black tea (such as Lipton, Red Rose, etc.) contains tannins, which nicely soothe the heat and pain of sunburn. Pour hot water over a couple of teabags, cover and let cool to skin temperature. Saturate a soft cloth with the tea, wring lightly, and cover afflicted area for a few minutes. Reapply until heat is gone.

Aloe vera, a plant containing juicy mucilage in its leaves, heals the hurt not only of sunburn, but all sorts of burns. Keep an aloe plant handy in the kitchen - you'll be surprised how helpful it is. Pick a leaf off the plant and split or slice it open. Squeeze or scoop out the gel and gently apply to burn. Let dry and leave on as long as possible before washing or showering. Surprise! The pain is gone.

Comfrey (Symphytum vulgare) is the premiere healing plant for many afflictions, but a whiz at getting rid of sunburn heat and pain. Pick several leaves, toss in the blender with a cup or two of water, whir until blended. Strain liquid, dip soft cloth or toweling into liquid, and apply to sunburn. Presto! Twenty seconds later, not only the pain but the heat is also gone. Reapply at least one more time before rinsing: Comfrey actually regenerates new cell growth, so it repairs the damage as it soothes. Everyone should have a comfrey plant in their landscape, no matter how large or small the yard.

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