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Natural Sunburn Relief, Including 5 Home Remedies

AHA Publisher — Fri, 24 Jun 2022 07:00:50 +0000

Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DNM, CN – Summertime: trips to the beach, family cookouts, warm nights and … sunburn? Unfortunately, even if you’ve slathered on sunblock religiously, those UV rays can sneak through and leave you with a painful, itchy red burn. While I believe some sensible sun exposure is essential for your health to prevent vitamin D deficiency, too much of a good thing can lead to damaging sunburn or sun poisoning that could increase your risk of skin cancer and premature wrinkles. If after a long summer day, you’ve spent too much time outdoors under the hot sun, thankfully there are many natural sunburn remedies that actually work. How do you make a sunburn go away fast? If you’re wondering how to treat sunburn fast, you don’t have to go further than your kitchen cabinets with natural sunburn treatments like black tea and oatmeal. Are you fan of essential oils and keep them around your home? If the answer is “yes” then that’s great news since essentials oils are another great form of natural sunburn treatment. What Is a Sunburn? So what is a sunburn, anyway? A standard sunburn definition: inflammation of the skin caused by overexposure to ultraviolet radiation especially from sunlight. How long does a sunburn last? Typically, it lasts several days. A sunburn occurs when the sun or another ultraviolet light source hits your unexposed body and exceeds what your skin can handle. This prompts your skin to release melanin, its protective pigment. Here are a few interesting facts: A fair-skinned person can get a sunburn in less than 15 during intense midday sun. It could take hours for a dark-skinned person to get burned in that same type of sun exposure. Interestingly, the sunburn process starts setting in before it’s even visible to the naked eye; the first effects may not show up for several hours. Blisters related to sunburn could take hours to days to develop. It could take a full 24 hours for a sunburn’s full effects to surface. Causes If you spend too much time in the sun without clothing or sunscreen to protect your skin, it can cause your skin to burn or tan. What causes some people to burn while others are more likely to get a suntan? It depends upon the level of a pigment called melanin in the skin. People with fairer skin have less melanin while people with darker skin have more. When the rays of the sun cause damage to the skin, the skin manufacturers more melanin in an effort to protect it from further damage. This causes skin tone to change color. For lighter skinned individuals, the skin is more likely to turn red. Do sunburns turn into a tan? Sometimes a sunburn will naturally turn into a tan if peeling can be avoided. However, you should never allow a sunburn for the sake of hopefully getting a tan eventually because you are damaging your skin! Symptoms Sunburn symptoms include: Skin pinkness or redness Skin that feels warm or hot to the touch Pain and tenderness Sunburn itch Swelling Small fluid-filled blisters, which may break Headache, fever, nausea and fatigue (if you have severe sunburn) A sunburn rash or “sun rash” (hives and blisters on top of a sunburn), sunburn chills or fever, and nausea are all signs of sun poisoning. Diagnosis For your doctor or dermatologist to diagnosis a sunburn, he or she will likely examine your body, ask about your symptoms and history of sun exposure. Conventional Treatment What is the best treatment for sunburn? According to the American Academy of Dermatology, many dermatologists will recommend conventional sunburn treatment that looks something like the following: Take cool baths or showers often to decrease pain. When drying off, leave a small amount of water on the skin and then apply a moisturizer to help trap water in your skin and increase skin hydration. (This is a great natural sunburn remedy, too!) Aloe vera and soy are helpful ingredients to look for in a conventional sunburn cream. If you’re dealing with something worse than a mild sunburn or you’re experiencing discomfort, over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream is another conventional sunburn treatment. Using conventional pain relievers such as aspirin or ibuprofen to decrease sunburn swelling, redness and discomfort. Drink extra water to prevent dehydration. (Also, makes the list of natural sunburn treatments for sure!) If your skin blisters, this means that you have a second degree sunburn. Leave the blisters alone (in other words, do not pop or pick at them!) because they are helping your skin heal and guarding against infection. How long does it take for a sunburn to heal? According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), “Unlike a thermal burn, sunburn is not immediately apparent. Symptoms usually start about four hours after sun exposure, worsen in 24–36 hours, and resolve in 3–5 days.” According to the Mayo Clinic, treating sunburn with even the best sunburn relief does not heal your skin, but it can help to improve pain, swelling and discomfort. Natural Remedies How do you make a sunburn go away fast? If your sunburn is not severe, using home remedies for sunburn promptly and consistently can really help to improve a burn fast. 1. Pantry and Fridge Staples (Used Topically) If you’re trying to figure out how to heal sunburn naturally, you may be surprised to find out that many items in your kitchen can help when used topically! Here are some common food items that can help relieve sunburns: Oatmeal is proven to relieve itchy dry skin and reduce inflammation as burns heal. Enjoy its healing effects by blending dry oats in a blender or food processor until its finely ground and smooth. Add a cup of oatmeal to warm bath water (not hot!) and spend some quality time soaking. Milk can also help to reduce skin pain and heat. You can either create a cold compress by dunking a washcloth in chilled milk and applying it directly to burnt areas or by adding about a cup of cold milk to a cool bath and soaking. Make sure its whole milk so you can benefit from the helpful natural fat content. Black tea isn’t just delicious to drink, it’s also great at reducing sunburn’s redness and quickening the recovery process. In a pitcher, soak a few bags of black tea. You want to do this until the water is super black. Then use a washcloth to apply it to the affected areas and don’t rinse. The tannic acid in the tea, which gives it the dark color, eases the heat and provides much-needed relief. Yogurt contains probiotics and lactic acid, which make it an excellent choice for reducing redness and soothing the skin. Choose a full-fat, plain yogurt and apply it gently on the sunburnt areas. Let it sit for about 10 minutes and then wash off in the shower. Cornstarch can reduce the painful chafing that occurs when your inflamed skin sticks to the bed sheets at night. While using it means you’ll be doing laundry the next day, sprinkling cornstarch over the sheets will reduce friction and create a barrier between your skin and the sheets, allowing for more comfortable sleep during sticky nights if your sunburn is exceptionally painful. 2. Aloe Vera and Coconut Oil When you’re in the midst of your natural sunburn treatment, your body is desperate for moisture. Applying moisturizers like pure coconut oil and aloe vera gel can really help to improve a burn. Aloe vera is so helpful that it’s a common conventional recommendation as well. It’s even sometimes called the “burn plant” because it’s such an effective natural remedy for a bad burn. You can buy a bottle of pure aloe vera or you can use a leaf of an aloe vera plant by splitting it open and applying the sap to your skin. Hint: Store a bottle of aloe or an aloe vera leaf in the refrigerator for an extra blast of soothing coolness upon application. 3. Hydrating Foods There are a lot of natural topical remedies for sunburns, but if you want to know how to get rid of sunburn fast, you don’t want to forget some internal help as well. It’s a great idea to “moisturize” from the inside out by eating foods with high water content. Snack on fruits like oranges and watermelons, which are high in vitamin C and promote healing. In fact, watermelons are about 92 percent water. Also drink plenty of water and electrolyte-rich drinks like coconut water. While healing from sunburn, avoid alcohol and sugary foods, which can increase inflammation and slow down the relief process. 4. Apple Cider Vinegar Did you know that you can use apple cider vinegar for sunburn? You might not smell great, but you’ll likely feel a whole lot better when you include apple cider vinegar (ACV) in your sunburn-fighting routine. Apple cider vinegar uses cover many health areas, but ACV will also soothe burnt skin. Add a cup to a cool bath along with ¼ cup of coconut oil and a few drops of lavender essential oil for a healing soak. No time for a bath? You can also make a 1:1 solution of vinegar and water in a spray bottle or dip a washcloth into the solution and dab on the affected areas. 5. Essential Oils They’re not just for helping your home smell nice or easing stress and anxiety, there are also essential oils for sunburn. I recommend two common favorites: Peppermint oil is a natural analgesic, or painkiller. It also helps soothe burnt areas by providing a cooling sensation. Bonus: because peppermint oil is also effective at alleviating headaches, it can help with the after-sun headache some people suffer from. Lavender oil is another essential oil go-to for sunburns. It can help to reduce the sting of burns and decrease redness. With its antioxidant, pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, it’s the perfect choice to speed up healing, allowing your body to recover faster. Are you wondering how to treat a sunburn with essential oils? This home remedy for sunburn incorporates both lavender and peppermint essential oils, along with aloe vera juice and coconut oil for sunburn relief. How to Prevent It’s possible to get a burn from the sun even when it’s cloudy or cool outside. It’s also important to note that UV light is stronger at high altitudes and the sun’s rays are easily reflected onto the skin when you’re near sand, water or snow. Key tips for avoiding a burn from sun exposure: Aim to be in the shade if you’re going to spend extensive time outdoors, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun’s rays are at their strongest. Apply a natural sunscreen to all exposed skin (and make sure your sunscreen isn’t expired). Put on additional sunscreen every 40 to 80 minutes, or sooner if it has washed off from swimming or sweating. Wear clothing and hats to protect skin. Wear sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays. Stay hydrated with non-alcoholic fluids, especially water. Nutrients found in specific foods are also known to help prevent sunburns, often in a time-dependent manner: Vitamin C and E: Vitamin C can be found in citrus fruits, peppers, guava and broccoli while many nuts like almonds and sunflower seeds are great sources of vitamin E. Beta-carotene: Foods like carrots, pumpkin and sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene. Lycopene: Delicious summer time foods like tomatoes and watermelon are high in lycopene. Fish oil: The sunburn response may be reduced by dietary fish oil rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Final Thoughts According to the CDC, you should seek medical attention for a bad sunburn with sunburn blisters that cover over 15 percent of your body, you have a high fever, experience dehydration and/or you feel extreme pain for longer than 48 hours. Of course, it’s always best to avoid sunburns in the first place. However, I don’t advocate completely barring yourself from the sun. Usually a few minutes is all someone needs to get sufficient vitamin...

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Relieve Your Anxiety With Oils of This MEDICINAL Flower

AHA Publisher — Tue, 21 Dec 2021 08:00:48 +0000

Michelle Marks via NaturalHealth365 – Lavender flowers and their oil are famous for their use in aromatherapy and massage sessions. While there are not many studies on lavender flowers or their oil, most studies show a positive correlation between the use of lavender and anxiety relief in patients. In contrast, Western medicine tends to use benzodiazepine drugs to “treat” patients with generalized and persistent anxiety that is also accompanied by nervousness. Unfortunately, these drugs cause can fatigue and have the potential to be abused – hence the demand for natural and safe alternatives like lavender is on the rise. Study Reveals That Inhaling Lavender Oil Can Help to REDUCE Your Blood Pressure and Heart Rate A 2012 study that investigated the effects of lavender oil on the brain’s activity – including nerve and mood response in humans – revealed the positive effects of lavender. The participants of the study were grouped into two, one group inhaled lavender oil, while the other used a ‘base oil.’ The results of this study are of significance because researchers measured parameters such as blood pressure, heart rate, and skin temperature to arrive at a conclusion. Subjects that inhaled lavender oil showed a marked drop in their blood pressure Subjects that inhaled lavender oil showed a marked drop in their blood pressure, heart rate, and skin temperature indicating a decrease in autonomic arousal. In terms of mood responses, those who inhaled lavender oil showed increased activity of theta (4-8 Hz) and alpha (8- 13 Hz) of the brain’s electric signals. In addition, these subjects reported being more active, relaxed, and fresher than the subjects that inhaled base oil – clearly indicating that lavender not only relaxed the subjects but also improved their mental alertness. How Does Lavender Aromatherapy Lower Anxiety? Both in vitro and in vivo studies indicate many possible mechanisms by which lavender decreases anxiety. Lavender oil improves the expression of GABA-A receptors in cells in test tube studies and has also been shown to inhibit glutamate binding in the brain. Glutamate is a powerful excitatory neurotransmitter, which when present in high levels interferes with sleep patterns and induces anxiety in patients. Furthermore, lavender also contains a high amount of linalyl acetate – which exerts a relaxing effect, key to decreasing anxiety. A study was done to assess the mood, alertness, and brain response of 40 adults receiving three minutes of aromatherapy using a relaxing odor (lavender) and stimulating odor (rosemary). The group that got lavender therapy was less depressed, more relaxed, and performed better in math computations with more accuracy after therapy. The rosemary group showed increased alertness while the accuracy of math was not the same. The researchers of the study concluded that lavender does play a significant role in improving anxiety – especially via relaxation and inhibiting symptoms of depression in patients. How Should I Choose Lavender Oil? The bioactive constituents of lavender are linalool, linalyl acetate, 1,8-cineole B-ocimene, terpinen-4-ol, and camphor. However, the relative level of each of these constituents varies depending on the type of species. Be sure the lavender oil you choose has linalool at a higher concentration. Ideally, a good quality product is distilled and processed immediately after harvesting. After production, the resultant oil should be stored in a tightly closed, darkened glass container and in a cool and dark place avoiding chemical degradation. Lavender oil has no potential for drug abuse or sedating side effects and appears to be an effective and well-tolerated alternative to benzodiazepine drugs to improve anxious thoughts. However, lavender should be used cautiously or avoided in patients with known allergy to lavender. Clearly, if you’re experiencing mental or emotional stress – lavender may help. Inhaling a few drops of this medicinal oil may provide the relief you’ve been looking for. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov NIH.gov NIH.gov NIH.gov To read the original article click here.

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Herbal RELIEF: Lower Blood Pressure with These 3 Ancient Remedies, Science Confirms

AHA Publisher — Tue, 15 Dec 2020 08:00:15 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – High blood pressure, a major trigger for heart attacks, heart failure and stroke, affects a stunning 45 percent of the adult population in the United States. Unfortunately, high blood pressure medications such as beta blockers and ACE inhibitors come with a long list of possible side effects, including dizziness, fatigue and weight gain. In fact, some have even been linked with an elevated risk of stomach, pancreatic and liver cancer. Many people turn to botanical remedies – such as fennel seeds, lavender oil and German chamomile – to help lower blood pressure. In a published scientific study, researchers examined the molecular “nuts and bolts” behind the blood pressure-lowering properties of these herbs – with impressive results. Let’s take a closer look at the surprising findings. Study Confirms Effects of Traditional Herbal High Blood Pressure Remedies – With a New Twist Also known as hypertension, high blood pressure is considered present when readings rise above 130 mm/hG in the top measurement and 80 in the bottom. By the way, the condition has been with humanity a very long time. In fact, records show that high blood pressure – which used to be known as “hard pulse disease” – was being diagnosed and treated as early as 2600 BC! A variety of herbs used in folk medicine, Ayurvedic healing systems and traditional Chinese medicine have been shown in both human and animal studies to lower blood pressure. Recently, a team of scientists at University of California, Irvine, set out to evaluate some of them. In a study newly published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the researchers found that certain herbs can activate a specific potassium channel in blood vessels. This channel, known as KCNQ5, has the effect of relaxing the blood vessels, thereby lowering blood pressure. In addition, the team was able to identify an alkaloid, aloperine, as the active artery-relaxing molecule. The team also examined the channel-activating ability of other herbs – such as spearmint, tarragon and wheatgrass – with no known effects on blood pressure. Sure enough, they found that these had no effect on the potassium channel. Yet, the traditional hypotensive herbs, which are used across a spectrum of diverse cultures and geographic areas, all shared the identical ability to open the KCNQ5 channel – a finding that the scientists called “striking.” They praised lavender, fennel seed extract and German chamomile as particularly effective in opening the channel. According to study leader Geoff Abbott, Ph.D., a professor of physiology and biophysics in the School of Medicine at University of California, Irvine, the findings of the study could enable the potential development of new therapeutic drugs. Fennel Seeds: Potent Powers in a Tiny Package Used in recipes for their piquant, licorice-like flavor, fennel seeds (Foeniculum vulgare) are also valued in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine as a remedy for coughs, digestive problems and liver disease. Strongly anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and antioxidant, fennel seeds are currently being investigated for their potential anticancer effects. In addition to displaying the potassium channel-activating powers investigated in the study, fennel seeds are rich in the minerals potassium, calcium and magnesium – which naturally regulate blood pressure. They also contain dietary nitrates, which also lower blood pressure and protect the heart – as well as the beneficial flavonoids quercetin, rosmarinic acid, apigenin and anethole. Natural healers typically advise amounts of 400 mg of fennel seed extract a day. However, consult your own integrative doctor before adding fennel seeds or fennel extracts to your health routine. Lavender: More Than Just a Pretty Scent This purple-flowered, fragrant member of the mint family is a trusted herbal remedy for anxiety, which can cause sudden spikes in blood pressure. Science confirms lavender’s calming effects, with solid studies backing lavender essential oil’s anxiety-reducing and mood-lifting properties. Incidentally, the new study was not the first to investigate lavender’s blood pressure-lowering effects. A study published in the Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research showed that lavender essential oil lowered blood pressure and heart rate in patients who had undergone open-heart surgery. To use lavender essential oil, dilute 3 drops in 9 drops of olive or coconut oil and apply to the back of the neck. You can also inhale the fragrance of lavender oil through an aromatherapy diffuser. However, lavender essential oil is not to be taken internally. Lavender, which is botanically known as Lavandula angustifolia, is also available in capsule form. Natural healers typically advise amounts of 80 milligrams a day. Again, naturally, it’s best to check with your integrative physician before supplementing with lavender. German Chamomile: Time-Honored, Calming Remedy Supported by Science German chamomile, scientifically known as Matricaria chamomilla, has long been used by natural healers to treat a variety of ills, including indigestion, nausea, and skin rashes. The active principle in this time-honored herb is a powerful antioxidant known as chamazulene. Like fennel, German chamomile also contains the flavonoids apigenin and quercetin. Research has shown that German chamomile has mild sedative effects. This means that – like lavender – it can help to ease the anxiety that can cause sudden spikes in blood pressure. German chamomile is available in capsules and may also be brewed into a tea. You can also use chamomile essential oil, either through an aromatherapy diffuser or applied to the skin after dilution with a carrier oil. And, like many essential oils, chamomile oil should not be taken orally. One important note: don’t use chamomile in any form, if you are allergic to any members of the aster family – which includes ragweed and chrysanthemums. Typical chamomile amounts can range from 300 mg to 1,000 mg a day. And, you guessed it: before trying chamomile … get the “thumbs-up” from your own doctor. Of course, it’s always good to say the obvious: never eliminate or reduce prescribed blood pressure medications unless advised to do so by your own healthcare provider. Other steps you can take to manage blood pressure naturally include getting sufficient physical exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a nutritious (organic) diet, and avoiding processed (denatured) salt. As the latest study shows, these three trusted herbal remedies all activate sophisticated molecular mechanisms to help lower blood pressure – and science continues to confirm ancient wisdom. Sources for this article include: ScienceDaily.com, MedicalNewsToday.com, Healthline.com, EverydayHealth.com, Healthline.com, CDC.gov To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

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