Natural Home Remedies For Summer
Sun is the giver of light, warmth and life but it is also the giver of sunburn, ultraviolet (UV) damage, wrinkles, sun spots, heat rash and heatstroke. The demand for sun protection products is rising as people realize the damage the sun can cause. What most people don’t realize is that Benzoin and Paraben, ingredients in most mainstream creams, cosmetics and sunscreens, are carcinogenic (cancer causing).
When activated by UV light they produce free radicals which initiate a reaction that can increase skin damage and skin cancer – ironically, just what we are trying to avoid. Mainstream sunscreens (which wash off in the water) are also damaging 60 percent of the world’s coral reefs. There are many natural alternative skin care products available at natural health stores that contain natural sun protection factor (SPF) such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are not absorbed into the skin but work as effective sun blocks from UVA and UVB rays. Oral antioxidant supplements such as vitamin A, beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E and lycopene protect the skin from sun damage by scavenging free radicals. Food sources for antioxidants are: carrots, squashes, grapes, strawberries, blueberries, nuts, seeds, peaches, dark green leafy vegetables, green tea and Rooibos tea.
Sunburn:Soak in a cool bath with oatmeal; use green tea as a compress which protects the skin from UV radiation and inflammation; use a compress of peppermint oil in lukewarm water; in more painful areas use a cut potato or cucumber which contain compounds that cool the burn and reduce swelling; apply vinegar soaked paper towels and leave on the skin until dry; apply 100% pure Aloe Vera gel; St. John’s Wort oil has antiseptic and painkilling properties helping skin heal, however, if you are taking the herb internally, you should avoid the sun since it makes the skin more sensitive to damaging rays; use vinegar in a bath for itchy sunburned skin; mix baking soda with vinegar to make a thick paste and coat sunburned areas during sleep. For severe sunburns, sprinkle bed sheets with cornstarch to minimize painful chafing. |
Prevention is best:Prevention is best: Always use a natural sunscreen with (SPF) of 15 or higher, at least 30 minutes before sun exposure. Limit sun exposure between 10 am and 3 pm since the sun’s rays are at their strongest. If you burn easily or have had skin cancer in the past, take no chances, cover up completely in the sun wearing long pants, long sleeves, a widebrimmed hat and sunglasses. Another tip is to buy special sun clothes that are light weight yet block UV rays. Insects:Mainstream mosquito repellents contain DEET which is a neurotoxin (causes nerve damage) and should be avoided. Natural insect repellents contain citronella which repels insects with no side effects. If you do get stung here are some options to reduce the itch and heal the bite: rub an ice cube on the bite; apply vinegar, witch hazel, calamine lotion or a used tea bag and then have an oatmeal and Epsom salt bath. Spray the area you are sitting with Listerine, it repels mosquitoes. Have fun this summer and please keep these natural solutions in mind to prevent sun damage. Dr. Terrie Van Alstyne, N.D., Naturopathic Doctor |
