Everyone has experienced the discomfort and even pain of a sunburn at some point in their lives. Nature provides a host of easy relief that even medical science can't seem to surpass.
The first step in treating a sunburn should always be to submerge the burned area in cool water for at least ten minutes to take out the heat and stop the burning effect.
Aloe Vera, the Top Treatment for Sunburn
Nearly every list of things to do for sunburn – both holistic and medical – recommend Aloe Vera at the top of the list. According to the National Geographic Desk Reference to Nature's Medicine, by Steven Foster and Rebecca L. Johnson, aloe gel (the insides of the leaves) is "rich in chemical compounds that speed healing by arresting pain and inflammation, encouraging cellular repair, and stimulating the immune system." To use, simply take a fresh leaf and slice it open, and apply the inner gel to the burns, or failing that, purchase a good-quality aloe vera gel from a pharmacy or drugstore that hasn't had chemicals or dyes added.
Lavender Essential Oil
Almost as commonly cited for sunburn relief as aloe, is lavender essential oil. According to The Complete Book of Essential Oil & Aromatherapy, by Valerie Ann Worwood, "the most effective treatment for [sunburn] is the miraculous oil of lavender." Unlike many essential oils, it can be applied neat (without being diluted) to the skin; it can also be added to a cool bath or diluted with water to moisten a cloth and be used as a compress. It is cooling and soothing, and promotes rapid healing. On severe burns, it may sting at first, but then will cool.
Other Essential Oils for Sunburn Relief
- Tea tree - also highly recommended to soothe and heal burns, and like lavender, it can be used either neat or diluted.
- Eucalyptus - highly cooling and can be used in a compress.
- Peppermint - cools considerably as well, but should not be used in excess as too much can sting; it is best used by putting a few drops in cool bath water.
- Chamomile - also very soothing and promotes healing, and according to Advanced Aromatherapy by Kurt Schnaubelt, PhD, "Moroccan chamomile is an obligatory component for any mixture used for burns or sunburns, or otherwise inflamed or damaged skin."
Other Herbs to Soothe and Heal Sunburn
- Tea - pleasantly cooling, and according to Mountain Rose Herbs, "tea has been shown to help reduce skin inflammation and redness, protect skin cells, and to assist with the adverse effects of UV radiation exposure. It naturally contains tannic acid, theobromine, and polyphenols – all of which are soothing and healing to sunburned skin." You can wet a teabag with cool water and apply directly, or make strong tea, cool, and use on a cloth as a compress.
- Calendula - according to The Herbal Drugstore, by Linda B. White, MD, and Steven Foster, "anti-inflammatory, astringent, antiseptic, and cooling, calendula promotes healing of mild burns." It is best used by making a tea then using as a compress with a soft cloth.
- Witch Hazel - very astringent, this highly astringent herb can help cool and reduce any swelling and inflammation. Be careful with worse sunburns where the skin is raw, as it can burn. Can be found in many pharmacies alongside rubbing alcohol.
- St. John's Wort - in addition to its well-known anti-depressant action, St. John's wort is anti-inflammatory, a mild analgesic to soothe pain, and promotes more rapid healing. A tea can be made from the flowers and used as a compress.
- Plantain - not to be confused with the large banana-type fruit, this small oval-leaved weed is common in many parts of the world. Simply crush a leaf lightly and apply to the skin to soothe the itching from minor burns, and insect bites as well.
- Echinacea - a tea made from either the root or leaves of this wonderful herb can help improve the rate of healing of sunburns and other minor wounds.
Baking Soda to Reduce Sunburn Itch
A bath with baking soda added to it can do amazing things to reduce the maddening itchiness associated with a sunburn beginning to heal. Add approximately one cup to a cool bath; for best effect, allow it to air-dry instead of toweling off, at least on the burned areas.
References:
National Geographic Desk Reference to Nature's Medicine, by Steven Foster and Rebecca L. Johnson (National Geographic Society, 2006)
The Complete Book of Essential Oil & Aromatherapy, by Valerie Ann Worwood (New World Library, 1991)
Advanced Aromatherapy by Kurt Schnaubelt, PhD (Healing Arts Press, 1998)
The Herbal Drugstore, by Linda B. White, MD, and Steven Foster (Rodale, 2003)
Genevieve Kiger - Genevieve is passionate about all manner of natural subjects; herbs, herbalism, aromatherapy, and general natural health and body care.
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