Ah, the sun is shining, and like a swarm of locusts we all head out to the park, the beach, the fun fair – anywhere where was can soak up those all too rare and precious sun rays!  We get that giddy in the heat and sun that we forget our factor 30 and before you know it we’ve acquired that classy lobster red glow.  Ouch!

Sunburn is one of those things best avoided.  Cancer Research UK provide some sobering statistics on the irreparable damage that UV exposure can cause to the skin - but inevitably there will be occasions when no matter how well intentioned we have been with the sun protection, we get caught out and light or heavy sunburn strikes.

So once the damage is done how can we naturally alleviate the pain and help the body to heal?

The Herbal Remedies that are most highly recommended are those that promote the healing of the skin and help to stimulate the renewal of blood capillaries which are often damaged by over exposure to the sun.

Aloe Vera is one of the most effective sunburn Home Remedies .  You can buy lotions that contain aloe vera but equally effective is to use the gel from the fleshy leaf of an aloe vera plant and apply directly to the skin.  There are sterols within the plant that have anti-inflammatory properties and zinc that stimulates tissue regeneration.

Comfrey is anti-aging, allergenic, anti-inflammatory and encourages the skin to heal.  Use comfrey juice or an infusion made from the leaves and apply to the skin.  

Another soothing remedy is to take a luke warm bath containing a cup of apple cider vinegar or baking soda.  Both these home remedies act by cooling down the skin.  Alternatively try a cold compress with St John’s wort or calendula.

There is an array of essential oils that are wonderful tonics for sun frazzled skin.  Chamomile, eucalyptus, buckthorn, rose hip and lavender are all useful for cooling inflamed skin.  Try either directly on the affected area or add a few drops to a luke warm bath.

If you don’t have any oils to hand then raid the fridge!  Potato, cucumber, tomato and lettuce leaves all have a soothing effect on the skin.  Also make sure you eat plenty foods that contain beta carotene, vitamin C and E and zinc.

And in future…slap on the sun cream!