Sun Sense: Tanning Potions & After-Sun Relief - Part 4

Greetings! While the southern states remain hot, if not scorching, we in the northeast are either in the midst of floods or at least more damp than we'd like to be. Lots of mushrooms and mold in the garden, but everything is definitely green! I'll take green and lush anyday over dead, brown, and on fire! My prayers are with all of you (and the wild animals) suffering from drought. May it end soon!

Today will be the last in the "Sun Sense" series as the summer is ending, but at least the recipe I'm going to share with you can be used year-round for other healing purposes. I like to create formulas that can multi-task . . . more bang for your buck that way, too!

Aloe After-Sun Relief Spray

This blend, with hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties, soothes and rejuvenates skin damaged by sunburn and windburn. It doubles as an anti-itch, mild antiseptic healing spray for those suffering from all manner of skin irritations such as bug bites, cuts and scrapes, poison plant rashes, generic dermatitis, and dry eczema. Good stuff and gentle enough to use on small children, too!

Ingredients:
1 cup aloe vera juice (not gel) - available in better health food stores
40 drops lavender essential oil
10 drops rosemary (chemotype verbenon) essential oil

Method:
Place all ingredients into a storage container such as a plastic or dark glass spray or spritzer bottle and shake well to blend. Please keep refrigerated and use within 6 months.

Application Tips:
Spray onto skin as often as necessary to soothe environmental damage resulting from sun, wind, or other skin irritations.

Sunburn Relief Suggestions

* Add 2 cups of apple cider vinegar to cool bath water and soak for 10 to 20 minutes.

* Apply cold aloe vera gel or juice directly to sunburn as often as needed to ease pain and rehydrate damaged tissue.

* Apply cold, strong, regular black pekoe tea directly to sunburn with soaked cotton pads or dark wash cloths (it will stain light fabric). Repeat as needed.

* Spray chilled lavender or chamomile or calendula hydrosol (flower water) directly onto sunburned areas to help relieve inflammation.


Next time, I'm going to begin talking about how to obtain deep-down nourishment for your body and skin. I'll be discussing whole foods plus food-derived and herbal supplements that can revive your energy levels, transform your skin into the beautiful, radient smoothness that it was meant to be, and boost your immune system over time. Stay tuned. May you be well, happy, and whole.

Note: This article was written by Stephanie Tourles and adapted from her book, "Organic Body Care Recipes", Storey Publishing 2007. The information is true and complete to the best of the author's knowledge. All recommendations are made without guarantee on the part of the author. She disclaims any liability in connection with the use of this information. It is for educational purposes only.