Herbs to Heal Sun Damage

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Herbs to Heal Sun Damage

Recipe By: Herbs For Health - May/Jun, 1998

 

Aloe (Aloe vera): Aloe, a common ingredient in su-care products, does

help protect and soothe the skin from the inflammation that

accompanies a sunburn, but it isn't a sunscreen. Apply aloe gel after

showering, then reapply it a few more times each day until sunburn

pain subsides.

 

Tea (Camellia sinensis): Slather yourself with a strong cold tea.

Some researchers say the tannic acid and theobromine in tea help cool

sunburn, and compounds called catechins help prevent and repair skin

damage caused by ultraviolet rays. Both green and black teas are also

antioxidants, which means that they fight free radicals produced int

he skin by exposure to UV raditaion.

 

Calendula (Calendula officinalis): Research shows that calendula

closes wounds, reduces inflammation, and stimulates the growth of new

skin cells. Many health-food stores sell skin creams and sunscreens

containing calendula.

 

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus): This salad-topper also soothes burns;

place slices directly on your skin. Cucumber contains at least two

compounds that are antidemic, or that reduce swelling -- ascorbic

acid (vitamin C) and caffeic acid. These compounds also make

cucumbers good for reducing eye swelling (lie down, place a thick

slice on each eye, and rest for awhile).

 

Echinacea (Echinacea spp.): Several compounds in the coneflower

-- including caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, and cichoric acid --

have been shown in studies to diminish the destruction of collagen,

the protein that keeps skin elastic. Many commerical lotions and

ointments contain echinacea, but you can also apply echinacea tea

directly to your skin.

 

Plantain (Plantago spp.): Plantain contains allantoin, a proven

healer of skin cells. You could mash up the plant's leaves and apply

them to your skin, but for an easier way to benefit from this plant

use the " Sunburn Soak " .

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Sunburn Soak Recipe By: Herbs For Health May/Jun, 1998

 

1/4 cup dried calendula

1/4 cup dried plantain

1/4 cup dried raspberry leaf

1/4 cup green tea

1/2 cup witch hazel

1 drop lavender essential oil (up to 2 drops)

1 quart boiling water

1/2 cup baking soda

1/2 cup aloe vera gel or juice

2 tablespoons honey

 

Place the herbs in a large pot and cover with boiling water. Let

steep for 20 to 30 minutes. Strain and discard the herbs, then set

the liquid aside. Fill a bathtub with tepid water. Add the herbal

liquid to the bath, along with the remaining ingredients. Soak for 20

minutes or longer. Gently pat yourself dry. Repeat as necessary.

 

NOTES: This soothing combination will help take the sting out of your

sunburn and speed healing. Look for bulk herbs in your local health

food store, and keep these on hand throughout the sunburn season.

 

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St.-John's-wort (Hypericum perforatum): Some herbalists recommend an

infused St.-John's-wort oil to treat mild burns that are well on

their way to healing, including those caused by radiation treatments,

to keep the skin supple.

 

Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana): Witch Hazel performs fairly well

and distilled extracts are used in European formulas for dermatitis,

freckles, and sunburn. Wtich hazel is easy to find, inexpensive, and

simple to use, just soak a cotton ball with the liquid and swab your

skin.