Sunburn While prevention is best, sunburn happens even to people who are cautious. If you’re having trouble sleeping because of the discomfort, consider taking an herbal sedative in addition to using the topical remedies outlined here. Be sure to seek medical attention if your sunburn is severe, with blisters, serious pain, or signs of infection. Comfrey Spray Makes about 1 cup This quick comfrey spray soothes the sting of a sunburn quickly, thanks to the anti-inflammatory benefits of the comfrey tincture and the witch hazel. When kept refrigerated, it will stay fresh for up to a year. 1 cup witch hazel 2 tablespoons comfrey tincture In a dark-colored glass bottle with a spray top, combine the witch hazel and comfrey tincture. Shake gently to blend completely. Apply 1 or 2 spritzes to each sunburned area, using more or less as needed. Allow the spray to dry before dressing, and wear soft, breathable clothing. Repeat three or four times per day until your sunburn heals. Hyssop-Infused Aloe Vera Gel Makes about ½ cup Hyssop and aloe vera gel can comfort your sunburn while promoting faster healing. If you don’t feel like making a hyssop decoction and you have hyssop 1. 2. 3. 4. tincture on hand, you can use 1 tablespoon of it in place of the infusion. This gel stays fresh for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. 2 tablespoons dried hyssop ½ cup water ¼ cup aloe vera gel In a saucepan, combine the hyssop and water. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer the mixture until it reduces by half, then remove it from the heat and allow it to cool completely. Dampen a piece of cheesecloth and drape it over the mouth of a funnel. Pour the mixture through the funnel into a glass bowl. Squeeze the liquid from the herbs, wringing the cheesecloth until no more liquid comes out. Add the aloe vera gel to the liquid and use a whisk to blend. Transfer the finished gel to a sterilized glass jar. Cap the jar tightly and store it in the refrigerator. With a cotton cosmetic pad or your fingertips, apply a thin layer to all affected areas three or four times per day. Precautions Do not use hyssop if you are pregnant or have epilepsy.
Comfrey Salve Makes about 1 cup Comfrey has a soothing effect on irritated, itchy skin. It also helps soften rough areas and prevent cracking. Since comfrey stimulates cell regeneration, it speeds the healing process and can help repair damage caused by eczema. This salve lasts up to a year when stored in a cool, dark place. 2 ounces dried comfrey 1 cup light olive oil 1 ounce beeswax 20 drops vitamin E oil In a slow cooker, combine the comfrey and olive oil. Select the lowest heat setting, cover the slow cooker, and allow the herbs to steep in the oil for 3 to 5 hours. Turn off the heat and allow the infused oil to cool. Bring an inch or so of water to a simmer in the base of a double boiler. Reduce the heat to low. Drape a piece of cheesecloth over the upper part of the double boiler. Pour in the infused oil, wringing the cheesecloth until no more oil comes out. Discard the cheesecloth and spent herbs. Add the beeswax to the infused oil and place the double boiler on the base. Gently warm over low heat. When the beeswax melts completely, remove the pan from the heat. Allow the blend to cool slightly, then use a whisk to stir in the vitamin E oil. Quickly pour the salve into clean, dry jars or tins and allow it to cool completely before capping. Apply a pea-size amount to areas of eczema, using a little more or less as needed. Repeat two or three times per day until the eczema fades
