By Leen Randell

Updated: Nov 13, 2024

10 Best Herbal Teas For Sunburn

Herbal teas for sunburn are a natural remedy that helps to alleviate the discomfort and pain associated with sunburned skin.

These teas are made from various herbs and plants that have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which can help to reduce redness, itching, and swelling. The best herbal teas for sunburn include Calendula officinalis, Hypericum perforatum, Aloe barbadensis, Rosmarinus officinalis, Aloe vera, Symphytum officinale, Echinacea purpurea, Ginkgo biloba, Arnica montana, and Hamamelis virginiana.

If left untreated, sunburn can lead to blistering, scarring, and even long-term damage to the skin, causing discomfort, pain, and potentially, emotional distress.

1. Calendula officinalis

Calendula officinalis teas helps with sunburn because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

The soothing compounds found in Calendula, such as triterpenoids and flavonoids, help to reduce redness and swelling associated with sunburn. Additionally, the tea's astringent properties can help to tighten the skin and promote the healing process.

By consuming Calendula tea, individuals can aid their body's natural recovery from sun damage, reducing discomfort and promoting a faster return to normal skin tone and health.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Calendula officinalis teas that help with sunburn.

• Carotenoids: These pigments help protect the skin from damage caused by UV radiation, reducing inflammation and promoting healing of sunburned skin.
• Phenolic acids: These compounds have antioxidant properties that neutralize free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in sunburned skin, which helps to soothe and calm the skin.
• Sesquiterpenes: These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce redness, swelling, and pain associated with sunburn, promoting a faster recovery of the skin.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of Calendula officinalis used to make teas for sunburn.

• Flowers: They are the primary part used due to their high concentration of calendulin, a compound that provides anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
• Leaves: They are used in tea form to provide a similar soothing effect to the flowers, with a milder potency.
• Stems: They are sometimes used to make teas, although less commonly than flowers or leaves, as they contain some of the plant's anti-inflammatory compounds.

2. Hypericum perforatum

Hypericum perforatum teas helps with sunburn because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

The tea, also known as St. John's Wort, contains hyperforin and hypericin, which have been shown to soothe and calm irritated skin. These compounds can reduce redness, swelling, and pain associated with sunburn, while also promoting skin healing and regeneration.

Additionally, the tea's cooling and moisturizing effects can help to hydrate the skin, reducing the risk of further irritation and promoting a faster recovery.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Hypericum perforatum teas that help with sunburn.

• Hyperforin: It helps to reduce inflammation and pain associated with sunburn by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory compounds.
• Quercetin: It acts as a potent antioxidant, scavenging free radicals that cause oxidative stress and damage to skin cells, thereby reducing sunburn symptoms.
• Kaempferol: It possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to soothe sunburned skin, reduce redness and swelling, and promote skin repair.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of Hypericum perforatum used to make teas for sunburn.

• Leaves: Rich in flavonoids and tannins, which help soothe and calm sunburned skin.
• Flowers: Containing hyperforin and other compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties, aiding in sunburn relief.
• Stems: Containing flavonoids and other compounds that may help reduce inflammation and promote healing of sunburned skin.

3. Aloe barbadensis

Aloe barbadensis teas helps with sunburn because of its anti-inflammatory properties, which soothe and calm the skin.

The gel extracted from the aloe plant contains vitamins A, C, and E, as well as beta-carotene, which help to reduce redness and swelling. Additionally, the cooling effect of aloe helps to lower the temperature of the skin, providing quick relief from the pain and discomfort associated with sunburn.

This natural remedy also promotes skin healing, reducing the risk of infection and promoting a smoother, healthier complexion.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Aloe barbadensis teas that help with sunburn.

• Anthraquinones: Help to soothe and calm sunburned skin, reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
• Glucomannans: Provide anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, helping to reduce redness and pain associated with sunburn.
• Polysaccharides: Help to hydrate and protect sunburned skin, promoting the repair of damaged skin tissues.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of Aloe barbadensis used to make teas for sunburn.

• Leaves: They contain high amounts of aloe vera gel, which is used to soothe and calm sunburned skin.
• Seeds: The oil extracted from the seeds is used to treat sunburn due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Fruits: The pulp of the fruit is used to create a tea that helps to reduce inflammation and promote skin healing.

4. Rosmarinus officinalis

Rosmarinus officinalis teas helps with sunburn because it contains anti-inflammatory compounds that reduce redness and swelling.

The antioxidants in rosemary tea work to neutralize free radicals caused by UV radiation, thereby protecting the skin from further damage. Additionally, rosemary tea's cooling and soothing properties can help to calm and comfort sunburned skin, reducing discomfort and promoting a faster recovery.

This natural remedy can aid in the healing process and provide relief from the pain associated with sunburn.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Rosmarinus officinalis teas that help with sunburn.

• Rosmarinic acid: This phenolic compound helps to reduce inflammation and prevent further damage to the skin after sunburn, promoting faster healing.
• Carnosic acid: This terpene has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to protect the skin from oxidative stress caused by UV radiation and reduce the severity of sunburn symptoms.
• Catechins: These flavonoids have antioxidant properties that help to neutralize free radicals produced by UV radiation, which in turn reduces the severity of sunburn and promotes skin repair.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of Rosmarinus officinalis used to make teas for sunburn.

• Leaves: Used to make teas due to their high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help soothe and calm sunburned skin.
• Flowers: Used to make teas as they contain essential oils that provide anti-inflammatory and cooling effects to reduce redness and discomfort associated with sunburn.
• Stems: Used to make teas for their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce infection and promote healing in sunburned skin.

5. Aloe vera

Aloe vera teas helps with sunburn because it contains anti-inflammatory properties that soothe and calm the skin, reducing redness and discomfort.

The gel extracted from the aloe vera plant has been used for centuries to treat burns, and when made into a tea, its benefits are amplified.

The antioxidants present in aloe vera tea help to repair damaged skin cells, promoting faster healing and reducing the risk of infection, making it an effective remedy for sunburn relief.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Aloe vera teas that help with sunburn.

• Aloe-emodin: This anthraquinone derivative has anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce redness and swelling associated with sunburn.
• Aloin: This anthraquinone has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help soothe and protect the skin from further damage caused by sunburn.
• Cinnamatic acid: This phenolic compound has antioxidant properties, which help neutralize free radicals caused by UV radiation, thus reducing the severity of sunburn.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of Aloe vera used to make teas for sunburn.

• Leaves: They are rich in gel and juice, which can provide soothing relief for sunburned skin.
• Stems: They contain a high concentration of aloin, a compound that has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
• Roots: They contain a range of bioactive compounds, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, that can aid in the healing process of sunburned skin.

6. Symphytum officinale

Symphytum officinale teas helps with sunburn because it contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

These properties help to soothe and calm the skin, reducing redness and discomfort associated with sunburn. The tea's ability to promote skin cell regeneration and repair also aids in the healing process, allowing the skin to recover faster and minimizing the risk of further damage.

This natural remedy offers a gentle and effective way to alleviate sunburn symptoms.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Symphytum officinale teas that help with sunburn.

• Allantoin: This constituent helps with sunburn by promoting wound healing, reducing inflammation, and soothing skin irritation.
• Isoleucine: This amino acid helps with sunburn by protecting the skin from damage, reducing inflammation, and promoting collagen synthesis for faster skin repair.
• Flavonoids: These compounds help with sunburn by exhibiting antioxidant properties, reducing inflammation, and protecting the skin from further damage caused by UV radiation.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of Symphytum officinale used to make teas for sunburn.

• Leaves: The leaves are the most commonly used part for sunburn tea due to their high mucilage content, which helps soothe and protect the skin.
• Stems: The stems are also used to make sunburn tea, as they contain similar mucilage properties to the leaves, providing relief from sunburn and skin irritation.
• Roots: The roots of Symphytum officinale are sometimes used to make tea, as they are rich in saponins and other compounds that can help calm and heal sunburned skin.

7. Echinacea purpurea

Echinacea purpurea teas helps with sunburn because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

The tea contains compounds like alkylamides and caffeic acid, which help to reduce redness and swelling associated with sunburn. It also has a soothing effect on the skin, promoting healing and alleviating discomfort.

Additionally, Echinacea's ability to boost the immune system can aid in the body's natural recovery process from sun damage, making it a popular natural remedy for sunburn relief.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Echinacea purpurea teas that help with sunburn.

• Iridoid glycosides: These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce redness and swelling associated with sunburn.
• Flavonoids: As antioxidants, flavonoids can neutralize free radicals produced by UV radiation, thus protecting the skin from damage and promoting healing.
• Alkaloids: Some studies suggest that alkaloids in Echinacea purpurea may help in reducing pain and discomfort caused by sunburn by inhibiting the production of pain-causing chemicals in the body.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of Echinacea purpurea used to make teas for sunburn.

• Flowers: Used for teas due to their anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe and calm sunburned skin.
• Leaves: Utilized for teas because of their cooling and astringent effects that can provide relief from sunburn discomfort.
• Roots: Employed in teas for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can aid in reducing redness and swelling associated with sunburn.

8. Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo biloba teas helps with sunburn because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

The extract from the Ginkgo biloba leaves contains flavonoids and terpenoids, which help to reduce redness and swelling associated with sunburn. It also has a protective effect on the skin, preventing further damage from UV rays. The antioxidants in Ginkgo biloba tea help to neutralize free radicals, promoting the healing process and reducing the discomfort and pain associated with sunburn.

This makes Ginkgo biloba tea a potential natural remedy for sunburn relief.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Ginkgo biloba teas that help with sunburn.

• Flavonoids: These compounds help reduce inflammation and protect the skin from damage caused by UV radiation, which can contribute to sunburn relief.
• Terpenoids: These constituents have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help soothe and calm sunburned skin, reducing redness and discomfort.
• Bilobalide: This triterpene has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help protect the skin from further damage and promote healing in sunburned areas.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of Ginkgo biloba used to make teas for sunburn.

• Leaves: Their extract is used to make teas that help with sunburn relief due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Buds: They are used in teas to help soothe sunburned skin and reduce inflammation, promoting faster healing.
• Leaves: Ginkgo biloba leaves are also used in teas to help protect the skin from further damage and promote skin regeneration after a sunburn.

9. Arnica montana

Arnica montana teas helps with sunburn because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

The plant's active compounds, such as sesquiterpene lactones, help to soothe and calm the skin, reducing redness and swelling associated with sunburn. The antioxidants in Arnica tea also protect the skin from further damage caused by UV radiation, promoting healthy skin regeneration and repair.

This natural remedy has been used for centuries to alleviate sunburn symptoms, providing relief and comfort to those affected.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Arnica montana teas that help with sunburn.

• Tremetol: It has anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce redness, swelling, and pain associated with sunburn.
• Helenalin: It is a sesquiterpene lactone that has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which help soothe and protect the skin from further damage caused by sunburn.
• Arnalic acid: It has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, which help reduce pain, prevent infection, and promote wound healing in sunburned skin.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of Arnica montana used to make teas for sunburn.

• Flowers: They are commonly used due to their high concentration of arnica compounds, which provide anti-inflammatory and soothing effects.
• Leaves: Leaves are another commonly used part, as they contain similar arnica compounds to the flowers, but in lower concentrations, which can still provide relief from sunburn.
• Roots: Roots are sometimes used, although less frequently than flowers and leaves, as they contain a higher concentration of arnica compounds, but their use may be less convenient due to their harder structure.

10. Hamamelis virginiana

Hamamelis virginiana teas helps with sunburn because of its powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

The tea's active compounds, such as hamamelitannin and astringent tannins, help reduce redness, swelling, and pain associated with sunburn. It also promotes skin cell regeneration and collagen production, accelerating the healing process. Additionally, the tea's soothing and cooling effects calm the skin, providing relief from discomfort and itchiness, making it a natural and effective remedy for sunburn relief.

Its natural properties also help to soothe the skin.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Hamamelis virginiana teas that help with sunburn.

• Hamamelitannin: It helps reduce inflammation and prevent cell damage caused by UV radiation, thereby alleviating sunburn symptoms.
• Gallic acid: It possesses potent antioxidant properties, which help neutralize free radicals formed due to sun exposure, thereby reducing sunburn severity and promoting healing.
• Flavonoids: They have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which help protect the skin from further damage and promote wound healing after sunburn.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of Hamamelis virginiana used to make teas for sunburn.

• Leaves: Their leaves are commonly used to make teas for sunburn due to their astringent and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Roots: The roots of Hamamelis virginiana are also used to make teas for sunburn, as they contain compounds that help soothe and calm the skin.
• Buds: The buds of the plant, rich in flavonoids and other beneficial compounds, are used to make teas that can help reduce inflammation and promote healing of sunburned skin.