Summer is here, and with it comes the joy of long days spent outdoors, soaking up the sun. However, despite our best efforts to protect ourselves, sunburns can still happen. When they do, it’s comforting to know that nature provides some powerful remedies to soothe and heal our sunburns. Two such herbs, St. John’s Wort and Calendula, offer excellent natural solutions for sunburn relief.
The Power of St. John’s Wort
St. John’s Wort has been used for medicinal purposes for over 2,000 years. Known for its vibrant yellow flowers, this herb is not only a mood enhancer but also a potent healer for skin ailments, including sunburn.
How It Helps
St. John’s Wort oil is particularly effective for treating burns. The flowers are soaked in olive oil, and as the mixture sits in the sun, the oil turns red, indicating its readiness for use. This oil can be applied directly to sunburned skin, where it helps to reduce inflammation, pain, and redness. Its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties also aid in preventing infection and promoting faster healing.
How to Use
To make St. John’s Wort oil at home, pick the flowers on a sunny day and place them loosely in a glass jar. Cover the flowers with olive oil and seal the jar tightly. Leave it in the sun for a few weeks until the oil turns red. Strain the oil and store it in a dark bottle. Apply the oil gently to the affected areas of your skin to experience its soothing effects.
The Soothing Effects of Calendula
Calendula, also known as pot marigold, is another remarkable herb known for its healing properties. With its bright yellow to orange flowers, Calendula is a common sight in gardens and has been used traditionally for different skin conditions.
How It Helps
Calendula is renowned for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and healing properties. Calendula ointment is particularly beneficial for sunburns. It soothes the skin, reduces pain and swelling, and promotes faster healing of damaged tissue. The herb’s ability to hydrate and repair the skin makes it an excellent choice for treating sunburns.
How to Use
You can prepare Calendula ointment by finely chopping fresh Calendula flowers, leaves, and stems, and mixing them with melted lard or a suitable vegetable oil. Allow the mixture to sit for a day, then warm it up again, strain it, and store it in clean jars. Apply this ointment to sunburned areas to relieve pain and accelerate healing.
Combining Nature’s Remedies
For an even more effective treatment, consider combining St. John’s Wort and Calendula. Both herbs complement each other, providing a comprehensive approach to healing sunburned skin. Start by gently applying St. John’s Wort oil to reduce inflammation and pain, followed by Calendula ointment to hydrate and repair the skin. This combination harnesses the best of both herbs, offering a powerful natural remedy for sunburn relief.
Tips for Preventing Sunburn
While these natural remedies are highly effective, prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to help prevent sunburns:
- Use Sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 before going outdoors. Reapply every two hours, or more frequently if swimming or sweating.
- Seek Shade: Try to stay in the shade, especially during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
- Wear Protective Clothing: Cover your skin with lightweight, long-sleeved shirts, hats, and sunglasses.
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