Sunburn Causes, Medicinal Herbs And Herbal Preparations
Sunburn is a skin condition caused by excessive exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays, leading to redness, pain, and inflammation of the skin.
Herbal remedies have been used for centuries to treat sunburn, offering a natural and effective alternative to conventional treatments.
Herbs such as aloe vera, calendula, and chamomile are commonly used to soothe and calm the skin, reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
Herbal preparations like cooling gels, creams, and ointments infused with herbs like peppermint, tea tree, and lavender oil can also help to alleviate sunburn symptoms, while herbal teas like green tea and dandelion root tea can help to flush out toxins and promote skin renewal.
What causes sunburn?
The primary causes of sunburn are exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources, such as tanning beds, and the failure to use adequate protective measures, including sunscreen, clothing, and shade.
Secondary causes may include reflective surfaces, like water or sand, which can increase UV radiation exposure, as well as medications that increase sensitivity to sunlight.
Lifestyles that increase the chances of developing sunburn include spending extended periods outdoors, especially during peak sun hours, engaging in outdoor activities, such as beach sports or hiking, and working outdoors without proper protection.
Additionally, individuals who live in areas closer to the equator or have a history of frequent sun exposure are also at a higher risk of developing sunburn.
What herbs heal sunburn?
The medicinal herbs used to treat sunburn are Aloe vera, Calendula, and Plantain, which have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that help to reduce redness and swelling.
Aloe vera, in particular, contains bioactive compounds such as aloin and aloe-emodin, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions that help to promote wound healing and reduce pain.
Calendula, on the other hand, contains triterpenoids and carotenoids that have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help to protect the skin from infection and promote tissue repair.
Plantain, with its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, helps to soothe sunburned skin and reduce the risk of infection.
What preparations treat sunburn?
The herbal preparations used to treat sunburn are cooling and soothing infusions that can be consumed as teas or applied topically as compresses, poultices, or creams.
These preparations can be made by steeping leaves, flowers, or roots in hot water or oil to release their healing properties, which help to reduce inflammation and ease discomfort.
Aloe vera gel-like preparations are often used to provide immediate relief, while other preparations, such as creams or ointments, can be used to promote skin regeneration and prevent peeling.
Additionally, herbal decoctions can be used as bath soaks to help soothe and calm the skin, promoting a faster recovery from sunburn.
The articles in the following links discuss in detail the best herbal preparation used to treat sunburn.