When you overexpose your skin to the sun, sunburn can result. Sunburn occurs when the length of sun exposure outpaces your skin's levels of melanin, the dark pigment in your epidermis that protects against the sun's rays, according to the Mayo Clinic. After you suspect your skin has been burned, take a cool shower or bath to halt the heating process, according to Marcy Street, MD, an East Lansing, Michigan dermatologist. Herbal treatments can be consumed and applied to speed healing, but consult a physician before using herbs for medicinal purposes.
Aloe
The aloe vera plant has been used for thousands of years to heal a variety of conditions, including sunburn. Aloe is one of the most frequently used herbs in the United States. Aloe gel is made from the central part of the aloe leaf is the usual form of the herb used for sunburns. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, patients with sunburns treated with aloe vera heal on average almost nine days sooner than those who are not treated. An active compound in aloe, glycoprotein, alleviates the pain and inflammation present in sunburn, while its polysaccharides boost skin repair and growth. These substances may also stimulate the immune system. Aloe should never be applied to an open wound.
Green Tea
The contents of green tea, antioxidants, quercetin and vitamin C, are effective compounds that speed healing of sunburn. Kat James, author of The Truth About Beauty: Transform Your Looks from the Inside Out," suggests applying a lotion that contains green tea to sunburned skin. "Green tea and fights free radical damage from the sun," she says. Your eyes can be sunburned along with the rest of your body if they are not protected. If they were burned they would feel gritty and painful. Steep two green tea bags in hot water, cool and place them on each of your eyes for sunburn relief.
Chamomile
Chamomile is a member of the daisy family and grows natively in Europe and Asia. Chamomile has been used for centuries as a medicinal plant. The tea was believed to make an excellent wash for skin irritations such as sunburn. Prepare a bath remedy by boiling 1 lb chamomile flowers with 5 qts water and steep covered for 10 minutes. Strain and add infusion to bath water. Make a topical oil by steeping 1 oz flowers in olive oil for 24 hours and strain, according to Holistic Online.
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