Question #1- What do I do for a sunburn?
The first thing you need to do is cool the body so that the dermal layers of skin do not continue to burn deeper. Keep in mind that sun is good for us, overexposure can be harmful and painful.
1. Take a luke warm bath. You do not want it cold or it can shock the body. A great neutralizer for the skin is baking soda, or himalayan salt. I would put one or both in the water as well. You also want to be drinking lots of room temperature water. Again, if you drink it cold, your stomach has to warm it up before it can use it. But, cold water is better than no water!
2. Apple Cider Vinegar (Organic Bragg's is the best) You want to see some sedimentary looking floaty stuff at the bottom to indicate that the ACV is good stuff. This is called the "mother", and just like your mother is important to you, this is important to good ACV! Put this in your bath, or swab the burned areas with it and let dry. ACV is a natural coolant and balances PH. It is also highly antibacterial and good food for the skin. It helps rehydrate and nourish.
3. Mix 100 drops of pure lavender essential oil with 2 oz. of good quality aloe vera gel. My favorite is Aloe Life. Shake it up well and roll it in your hands to warm it a bit so the oils disperse in the aloe. Apply to burned areas, often. This is key. The skin will continue to burn unless cooled. I would apply this every hour or so for the first 6 hours.
4. For rehydration of lost minerals, fresh young coconut water is the best.Click here: How to use young coconuts for your vibrant health! Second to that is bottled coconut water. This is full of electrolytes and minerals and replenishes depleted mineral stores better than anything I have ever used. You can usually get these at grocery stores, Asian markets or raw food cafes. I would also suggest the Inflease tincture from HerballyGrounded to work on the body from the inside out.
5.For continual healing Angel Oil from Herbally Grounded is fantastic. You can purchase this or make your own. Calendula oil is also amazing and is super easy to make. (see recipes below)
Angel Oil
1 part Lobelia Herb
2 parts Extra Virgin Olive Oil
10 ml. Lavender Essential Oil
In a clean glass mason jar that has been cleaned with hydrogen peroxide, add lobelia and cover with the olive oil. Cap tightly and keep on counter. Shake every day for
1-2 weeks. Strain through washed (no softener) unbleached, cotton muslin, squeezing out as much oil as you can, which will leave a powdery looking dried herb that can be discarded. (I like to put it on my plants or add to compost) Put in clean bottle with squirt top. Add Lavender EO to it and shake well.
Calendula Oil
1 part Calendula
2 parts Extra Virgin Oilve Oil
Same process as above. Essential oils can also be added. I like Roman Chamomile and Lavender for sunburns. IF you have Helichrysum or Imortelle Essential oil it is an amazing skin healer.
All of this can safely be used on people of all ages.
PS... using a natural good quality sunscreen is of course foremost! :)
