5 Herbs That Will Soothe Your Summer Sunburn

Today: Elizabeth Milllard, author of Backyard Pharmacy: Growing Medicinal Plants in Your Own Yard, tells us the five herbs to stock up on for when you've spent too much time in the sun.

You slathered on sunblock, diligently re-applied after the pool or lake, and then maybe added a loose layer of clothing as protection, along with a hat. You thought, this is it: This is the year for coffee ice cream instead of strawberry ice pops.

But let's face it—sunburns happen, and even with the best of intentions and efforts, there's always going to be that accidental nap on the beach, or the weird burn from propping your elbow along the open car window. Fortunately, soothing relief is nearer than you might realize. Here are five key herbs to keep in the kitchen for sunburn relief (and how to use them in a salve or tonic):

Basil
Although generally considered a culinary herb, basil has a rich history of medicinal uses. The herb can soothe the type of sunburn that's still in the ouch-ouch phase of development (re: when you're red as a lobster).

Calendula
One of the most widely-used medicinal herbs throughout history, calendula is a charmer. Not only does the plant sport cheery, yellow-and-orange blossoms, but it's a great addition to natural skin treatments.

Oregano
Hippocrates himself was fond of oregano, and people in Greece still use it as a medicinal treatment for sore throats. Similar to basil, this herb is best for the moment you start to feel tender. It makes a great addition to an anti-sunburn kit.

Rosemary
Another culinary favorite, rosemary can add some antioxidants to the skin and it sure can't hurt to add more oomph into your sunburn remedy.

With basil, calendula, oregano, and/or rosemary, you'll want to make a salve. Here's how to do it: 

• First, create an infused oil by adding dried or fresh plant parts into a glass jar and filling it with olive oil.
• Then, place the jar in a warm, sunny window a few weeks before your beach day (the sunlight helps to break down the plant parts).
• Shake the jar at least once a day and then, when you're ready to use it, strain the mixture and bottle it in a new container.
• Use the oil directly on your skin or make the infused oil into the base for a salve by combining it with coconut oil or an unscented moisturizer. 

Valerian
If a sunburn is annoying enough to interfere with your sleep, you may want to go with the ultimate chill-out herb, valerian. Historically used as an herbal sedative, you can use valerian to either make a tea from the dried roots or opt for a "tonic wine" by combining about two ounces of the dried root with a cup of dry white wine, steeped together for at least a few days.

More: Everything you need for the perfect beach day.

Whatever you do, don’t skip the sunblock—but don’t skip the sun, either. If you redden up, add on some more sunscreen, supplement your routine with one of these herbal remedies, and you'll be ready to get back into the summertime swing.

Photos by James Ransom

What do you do to combat the summer sun? Tell us in the comments below!

This originally ran in July 2015.