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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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Homemade Vapor Rub

AHA Publisher — Tue, 01 Feb 2022 08:00:23 +0000

Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DNM, CN – Vapor rubs are typically used on the chest, back and throat to help with symptoms of a common cold or minor aches and pains of the muscles and joints. Of course, you can purchase vapor rubs in stores, but these products can contain toxic ingredients that are harmful to your health. For example, camphor is the most common ingredient and recognized by its woodsy smell, but while camphor oil can confer some benefits, too much can be problematic. Manufacturers warn that it should not be applied in or near the nostrils and not used on children under 2 years of age. According to Dr. Bruce Rubin from Wake Forest University School of Medicine, an over-the-counter vapor rub “may make people with congestion feel more comfortable, but it does nothing to increase airflow or actually relieve the congestion.” In fact, research performed on ferrets found that an over-the-counter vapor rub increased mucus and decreased mucus clearance. This means that these topical treatments may not only ignore the source of the problem, but they may actually make symptoms worse. So why do people feel better after using these creams? It’s menthol. The strong menthol odor tricks the brain into feeling like your nasal passages are unclogged. In high doses, menthol side effects may include drowsiness, abdominal pain, convulsions, nausea, vomiting, vertigo, ataxia and coma. For some people, it may cause allergic reactions and symptoms such as headache, flushing or contact dermatitis. How to Make A Homemade Chest Rub Luckily, this homemade vapor rub recipe really works and is completely natural! You can feel confident in what you are putting on your body. You only need five simple ingredients: olive oil, coconut oil, grated beeswax, cedarwood essential oil and eucalyptus essential oil, along with a container to store the mixture in. The essential oils deliver a soothing feeling while giving off an aroma that helps to open up the respiratory system and help improve the ease of breathing. In fact, the cedarwood and eucalyptus essential oils pack this rub with a number of benefits. Cedarwood essential oil possesses an antispasmodic ability and may help to relieve a cough. It also contains a very soothing scent that helps people with sleep issues. Eucalyptus essential oil functions as an expectorant, helping to cleanse the body of toxins, making it great for relieving symptoms of the cold and flu. It has also proven helpful with sinus and respiratory problems. For anyone over the age of 3, you can also substitute peppermint essential oil for cedarwood, as peppermint oil is used for muscle pain relief, sinus care, fever reducing, headache help, nausea relief and so much more. But don’t use peppermint oil for anyone under the age of 3, as it can increase the risk for seizures. Try this homemade vapor chest rub today. Simply pour the olive oil, coconut oil and beeswax into a glass jar. To save containers, choose a jar you can store your homemade vapor rub in later. Fill a saucepan with two inches of water and place over low heat. Then, set the jar in the saucepan and wait for the oils to melt. Stir to combine. Once you mix all of the ingredients together, allow to cool and add in the essential oils. Use a wooden spoon to combine. You can store on the shelf. Ideally, use the product within six months for maximum effectiveness. Apply to chest before bed. Not recommended for babies. Homemade Vapor Chest Rub This homemade chest rub recipe really works and is completely natural! You can feel confident in what you are putting on your body. You only need five simple ingredients. INGREDIENTS ¼ cup olive oil ½ cup coconut oil ¼ cup grated beeswax 20 drops cedarwood essential oil 20 drops eucalyptus essential oil glass jar INSTRUCTIONS Pour the olive oil, coconut oil and beeswax into a jar. Place a saucepan with 2 inches of water over low heat. Place jar in saucepan and allow oils and beeswax to melt. Stir with wooden spoon to combine. Once combined, allow to cool and add in essential oils. Stir to combine. Pour mixture into metal tins or storage containers and allow to set. NOTES For children over the age of 3, you can substitute peppermint oil for cedarwood oil. To read the original article click here.

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12 Flu Natural Remedies, Including Best Foods

AHA Publisher — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 08:00:10 +0000

Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DMN, CNS – Each season, the flu affects about 8 percent of the United States population, on average. And the numbers may be even higher for asymptomatic people. Children are most likely to become sick from the flu, or influenza, but people with a depressed immune system or nutrient deficiencies may also be more prone to catching the virus. Stress, lack of sleep and exposure to toxins can worsen flu symptoms. Fortunately, there are flu natural remedies that can help boost your immune system to fight off the flu or relieve symptoms. What Is the Flu? The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. These viruses spread through the air from person to person. Signs and symptoms of flu may include: Fever Cough Runny nose Muscle or body aches Sore throat Headaches Fatigue Vomiting Diarrhea The CDC reports that although anyone can get the flu young children are affected by the virus most often. Pregnant women and adults 65 years old and older are at greater risk of developing serious flu-related complications because of their suppressed immune systems. Flu vs. the Common Cold The flu and the common cold are both respiratory illnesses with similar symptoms, but they are caused by different viruses. Sometimes, it can be difficult to tell the difference between the flu and a cold, but usually influenza symptoms are much more intense. With a cold, it’s common to experience mild cold symptoms, like a runny nose and congestion. The flu is more likely to cause body aches, fever and headache, and it may cause serious health problems, like bacterial infections, pneumonia and even hospitalization. 12 Natural Remedies So, how do you get rid of the flu naturally? Home remedies for the flu include vitamins C and D, herbal supplements, essential oils, probiotics and eating healthy. Try these flu natural remedies to help relieve your symptoms: 1. Vitamin C (1,000 mg 3–4x daily) Vitamin C helps with immune function and boosts white blood cells. Research shows that vitamin C has shortened the duration of colds and can decrease the number of colds in physically active people. Take 1,000 milligrams of vitamin C daily to ward off a cold or the flu and up to 4,000 milligrams daily when you are experiencing symptoms. For the most dietary vitamin C, eat whole fruits and vegetables. 2. Vitamin D3 (2,000 IU daily) Vitamin D is produced in the body by sunlight and regulates the expression of over 2,000 genes, including those of the immune system. Unfortunately, up to 90 percent of people are deficient in vitamin D. Recent research suggeststhat low vitamin D levels are linked to higher rates of cold, flu and respiratory infections. Many physicians believe that current recommended daily amounts of vitamin D are far too low, and that 2,000 units rather than 200–400 units per day is a better choice. You can also order home testing kits to test your vitamin D levels. 3. Echinacea (1,000 mg 2–3x daily) This herb can help your body fight off infections, but it is best to take it at the first sign of illness. An extract of echinacea was tested in a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial in 2013. Researchers found that the echinacea effectively treated respiratory tract infections in the short- and long-term, and didn’t cause the same resistance as a popular flu medication, oseltamivir, often causes when treating this illness. A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study conducted in 2000 indicates that drinking five to six cups of echinacea tea per day as soon as upper respiratory symptoms developed, and reducing the number to one cup of tea over a 5-day period, was effective for relieving cold and flu symptoms. Echinacea acts as an anti-inflammatory, which can help reduce bronchial symptoms of cold and flu. It directly attacks yeast and other kinds of fungus. Different preparations have different concentrations of echinacea. Some common preparations and dosages include: Tablets containing 6.78 milligrams of echinacea extract, two tablets three times a day 900 milligrams of echinacea root tincture daily Five to six cups of echinacea tea on the first day of symptoms, and then 1 cup a day thereafter 4. Elderberry (10 mL daily) It is believed that this herb can deactivate the flu virus and naturally boost immunity. The flowers and berries of elderberry are said to boost the immunity, treat flu and relieve sinus pain. Elderberry does seem to attack flu viruses and reduce bronchial inflammation. A preliminary study found that when 15 milliliters of elderberry syrup was taken four times daily for a five-day period, it relieved symptoms of influenza an average of four days earlier than those taking a placebo. 5. Oregano Oil (500 mg 2x daily) Oregano oil has a powerful antiviral effect. I like to use oregano oil to fight viral infections and although there aren’t studies evaluating the efficacy of oregano on influenza specifically, there is research that indicates the powerful antiviral properties of the essential oil. 6. Zinc (50–100 mg daily) Zinc has shown to support immune function because of its antiviral effects. It works best when taken at the first sign of illness. Zinc may lessen the symptoms of the cold virus, but excessive amounts aren’t good for you. Zinc pills and sprays do not seem to be effective. Take 50–100 milligrams of zinc daily to ward off or treat cold and flu symptoms. 7. Brewer’s Yeast This popular supplement contains B vitamins, chromium and protein. Research in Science Direct describes that it’s used for cold, flu and other respiratory tract infections. In fish, brewer’s yeast stimulates immunity by positively influence the microbiome, which may also improve digestive function. Research conducted at the University of Michigan Medical Center found that a yeast supplement was able to reduce cold and flu symptom severity, and lead to significantly shorter duration of symptoms in patients. 8. Essential Oils for Flu Rubbing peppermint and frankincense essential oil into the neck and bottoms of the feet can naturally support the body’s natural defenses, as indicated in studies. I also like to use clove oil to protect my body against infection and speed recovery from the flu. Research confirms that clove oil has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. 9. Chiropractic Care for Flu Prevention During the 1918 flu epidemic, flu patients that received chiropractic care survived much more readily than those that didn’t. This is because chiropractic care focuses on the health of your nervous system, which can help to boost your immunity. A 2011 study showed some promise for chiropractic adjustments and their potential to help boost immunity. 10. Probiotics Restoring the beneficial bacteria in your gut can help boost your immune system considerably. A lab study conducted in 2017 showed that a particular strain of probiotics, Bacillus bacteria, demonstrated anti-influenza activity, with complete inhibition of the influenza virus. A 2017 systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluated the effects of probiotics and prebiotics on the immune response to the influenza vaccination. The results indicate that participants who took probiotics and prebiotics showed significant improvements in the H1N1 and H3N2 strain protection rates. This suggests that taking probiotics may elevate your immunity. 11. Get Fresh Air Indoor winter environments can be a source of concentrated toxins and germs. The dry air we inhale as we heat our homes during the winter makes airways more reactive and sensitive to viruses. An added bonus to time spent outdoors in the winter is the extra bit of sunlight you receive. 12. Get Enough Rest Studies highlight that sleep and immunity and linked. Sleep affects the body’s defense system and enhancing sleep while fighting an infection can promote your natural defense mechanisms and improve infection outcome. Plus, a stimulation of the immune system triggers a natural inflammatory response, which can induce an increase in sleep duration and intensity. Basically, your body needs the extra sleep to do its work. 13. Stay Hydrated Reports actually show that respiratory infections may not directly lead to dehydration, contrary to popular belief. However, even mild dehydration can cause fatigue, headaches and weakness. Sometimes when we are sick and congested, we are less likely to ingest enough fluids. Fluid helps your body to flush bacteria and viruses from your system. Drink approximately half your body weight in ounces daily of either spring water or reverse osmosis filtered water. Warm water can also be soothing to your throat. Herbal teas, like green and black teas, are potent immune system boosters and antioxidants. Try to drink at least eight ounces every two hours. 14. Top Foods for Flu Recovery Also, these are the best foods to consume while you recover from the flu. Light, easy-to-digest foods: Include soups with bone broth, cooked vegetables or herbal teas to help with digestion. Don’t force yourself to eat. Water: Adequate hydration is the key to flushing out the virus from your system. Hot water with lemon, honey, and cinnamon: Honey and cinnamon helps prevent mucus buildup and keeps you hydrated. Ginger: Make a ginger tea and add raw honey. Garlic and onions: Both of these vegetable help boost immune function. Conventional Treatment Conventional flu treatment includes antiviral drugs and vaccines. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends injectable influenza vaccines for everyone over 6 months and older. Vaccine injections are available as an inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV) and a recombinant influenza vaccine (RIV). There are a few things you should know about the flu vaccine ahead of time. For one thing, it doesn’t work right away, but takes about two weeks before it is effective. This is why the CDC recommends getting the vaccine in the fall, before the flu season is at its worst. Another thing you need to know is that you can still get the flu even though you’ve been vaccinated. The virus that’s used to make the vaccine does not always “match” the virus that is circulating the community. The effectiveness of the flu vaccine varies from year to year because flu viruses are constantly changing, which is called antigenic drift, and experts do their best to pick the viruses to include in the vaccine many months before flu season begins. It’s not possible to be 100 percent sure which flu viruses will be most prominent in any given season, so the protection of a flu vaccine is not guaranteed. Reports indicate that the 2019-2020 flu vaccine was 45 percent effective against overall seasonal influenza A and B viruses. There are also side effects from getting the flu shot, such as soreness or swelling at the site of the injection, body aches and fever. The CDC recently made some additions to the 2007 guidelines on nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) to protect oneself and others against the flu. Some of the recommendations for personal NPIs include: Staying home when you’re sick. Staying home if you’ve been exposed to a sick family or household member. Covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue. Washing your hands or using hand sanitizer. Covering your nose or mouth with a mask or cloth if you are sick and have to be around others at a community gathering of people. Implementing these behaviors can help stop the spread of flu. Risks and Side Effects If you or a loved one experience complications from the flu, such as pneumonia, or have a high fever that won’t go down, contact your healthcare provider right away. If you catch the flu and you have a chronic condition, such as asthma, or you are pregnant, see your doctor. Also keep in mind that some symptoms of flu and Covid-19 are similar, which makes it hard to tell the difference between the two viruses. For this reason, it’s a good idea to call your healthcare provider and tell him or her about your symptoms over the phone. You will then be advised about what to do next. Most people recover from the flu within a few days to less than 2 weeks. If you’re still experiencing symptoms after 2 weeks, contact your healthcare provider. There is the risk of developing complications or a co-infection from the virus...

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