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Herbal Remedies for Sunburn
GREEN TEA (Camellia sinensis), pour it over your sunburn. Green tea is extremely skin-friendly and may even be cancer protective. "Preliminary studies suggest that certain green tea polyphenols may help prevent skin cancer if they are applied directly to the skin," says Steven Bratman, M.D., an integrative physician and author of The Natural Pharmacist (Prima, 2000). "In addition, there is some evidence that green tea constituents might help protect the skin from sun damage and sunburn," he adds. In a recent study, six volunteers received applications of green tea extract on their skin prior to being exposed to UV radiation, which would normally produce redness. Those who received the highest concentration of green tea extract (10%) were almost completely protected from burning. Even a low-dose solution (2.5%) provided significant protection. Drinking green tea by the cup is also a good idea. It contains a powerful antioxidant known as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Researchers at Rutgers University, Piscataway, N.J., tested green tea both topically and orally on mice. They concluded that drinking green tea for two weeks before and during UV exposure diminished both sunburn and skin cancers. The stronger the tea and the more the mice drank, the less severe their sunburns. How does it work? Unlike sunscreens, green tea doesn't block UV light. Instead, it protects exposed skin cells from damage. It should not be used as a substitute for a sunblock, however.
ALOE VERA (Aloe barbadensis) gel for all kinds of burns. It relieves discomfort, speeds healing and restores moisture to the skin. A recent study found that aloe vera gel appears to increase microcirculation to burned skin, thereby increasing blood flow and healing. And Korean researchers discovered that aloe vera gel contains tiny immunomodulators that help protect skin cells against UVB radiation (the kind of rays that cause sunburn). In addition, people who used a highly concentrated aloe vera soap over time while receiving radiation treatments for cancer experienced less skin reactions. Apparently, the sooner you get aloe gel on the affected skin, the better.
CALENDULA-BASED CREAMS and LOTIONS (Calendula officinalis) can also help quell sun-inflamed skin. Also known as pot marigold, calendula contains an impressive array of compounds called triterpenes, which block the inflammatory response that causes redness and pain.
CHAMOMILE (Chamomilla recutita) also qualifies as a skin charmer.
OATS (Avena sativa) hold moisture and have a high silica content, making them an ideal skin soother. An oatmeal bath soothes dry, itchy or irritated skin. Oats are available in powdered colloidal oatmeal preparations that you can add directly to bath water. Oatmeal baths are perfect for children with mild sunburn.
Dosage: Make according to package instructions and apply to the skin with a cotton cloth compress. Or you can look for products containing green tea extract.
Dosage: If you have an aloe plant, slit a leaf lengthwise and apply the gel directly to the skin. If not, use a preparation that has a 100% concentration of pure aloe vera gel with no added mineral oil or alcohol and keep it refrigerated (it stays good for about 1 year). Apply aloe after showering and several times daily.
Dosage: Follow label instructions.
Dosage: Make your own "chamo" bath by adding 6 cups of chamomile tea or 6 drops of chamomile oil to a lukewarm tub of water. Soak yourself for a minimum of 30 minutes. Lavender oil (Lavandula officinalis) can be substituted for chamomile if you want the addition of a calming fragrance. In fact, to treat sunburned skin you can mix 2 to 3 drops of lavender oil into a carrier oil (like olive) and apply as needed. To help relieve that taut and dry feeling to your post-sun skin, look for products that contain one or more of these essential oils: neroli, rose, geranium, cucumber or sandalwood.
Dosage: Oatmeal bath products are available in health food stores. Use according to instructions.
