Herbal Sunburn Soothing Ice Cubes

Since my family moved closer to the beach a few years ago, we find ourselves there a lot. While I am all for healthy sun exposure, sunburn is not part of it. I rarely burn now, but when I do I like to use natural remedies to soothe the area. These sunburn ice cubes use skin soothing ingredients that help sunburns heal faster and provide instant relief!

Being Irish I used to wear sunscreen (or get sunburnt) when I was younger. I have since changed my diet and use some supplements although I have seen a huge improvement in my sun tolerance. That doesn’t mean I bake for hours at a time!

When I reach my limit I will cover my skin or get a shade. I rarely use my homemade sunscreen. Moderate, healthy sun exposure is essential for getting enough vitamin D (which has a ton of benefits). Although I’m not afraid to get the sun, I’m careful to try not to burn. However, sometimes, despite the best intentions sunburns happen.

Sunburn Soothing Ice Cubes

I have come up with several different cooling sprays and natural remedies over the years for sunburn relief. They only last so long in the fridge though before they go bad. And while they are quick to make, I still have to mix them every time I need them. One of my favorite remedies for sunburn is fresh aloe vera because it’s quick and easy.

If you don’t have your own aloe vera plant, these cool cubes are the next best thing.

Before I dive into what each ingredient does I want to explain why I chose herbal ice cubes. Obviously, ice feels good on warm, sunburned skin, but many health experts recommend against it. Cool showers and compresses are recommended.

The idea is that the ice acts as a vasoconstrictor, reducing blood flow to the area and reducing healing time. Adding herbs that speed up healing and are vasodilating (increasing blood flow) helps to solve that problem. It also provides cooling relief.

Aloe Vera Gel

The first ingredient in these herbal ice cubes is aloe vera gel. It’s a staple in many sunburn remedies and you’ll find it in every drugstore and big box store. I’m not talking about the bright green stuff full of harsh preservatives.

My favorite way to get aloe vera is directly from the plant. You can find information on how to harvest your own aloe vera here. If you don’t have an aloe plant, you can buy aloe vera gel with natural preservatives.

Aloe vera contains salicylic acid and magnesium which work together to relieve pain. It also contains aloin, which has UV protection properties. Aloe feels soothing on the skin, soothes inflammation, and provides a smooth, silky feel to soothe damaged skin.

Comfrey

This amazing plant is named bone knit because of its amazing ability to heal broken bones quickly. Great for sore joints and damaged skin. Comfrey stimulates tissue repair and helps the body produce healthy skin cells. This plant also reduces inflammation and helps soothe and heal damaged skin. Like marshmallow root, it is a demulcent to help provide a protective barrier over the tissues.

Calendula

I use calendula in everything from baby care products to stretch mark salve to tea. A gentle remedy suitable for all types of skin complaints. It is anti-inflammatory and helps with cuts, burns, rashes, sunburns, and cuts. Calendula also helps cleanse and move lymphatic fluid and improve blood circulation.

Lavender

Similar to calendula, lavender is an all-around gentle herb that helps the skin. You’ll find it in this refreshing oatmeal skin scrub and this refreshing lavender peach iced tea. Although I often use essential oils, the lavender herb is also a staple in my medicine cabinet.

Lavender helps to disinfect wounds and cuts and acts as an analgesic to relieve pain. It is often used on burns to help the skin heal faster and relieve itching. Lavender also stimulates skin circulation to promote faster healing and better blood flow.

Marshmallow

Smoothie marshmallow is another skin soothing vegetable in this recipe. It lubricates and soothes irritated skin as it moisturizes. Marshmallow roots, leaves, and flowers are all used to relieve inflammation. If you have marshmallows growing in your yard you can use the leaves and flowers in this recipe. Otherwise roots are also a very good option.

Peppermint

The last ingredient in these cool sun-kissed ice cubes is peppermint. It’s also the main ingredient in my DIY cooling spray. Peppermint is rich in menthol and has a unique ability to feel warm and cool at the same time. Mint is a vasodilator and stimulates blood circulation which can create a feeling of warmth. If mint is used along with cool or cold ingredients, then it feels cooling on the skin.

I love using mint to help bring out the warmth from the scorching heat of the sun!

You don’t have to use all the herbs in this recipe, but I would recommend at least using aloe vera, mint, and one of the other soothing herbs. Make sure your total herbs are up to ? cup. They all work together to help alleviate and reduce sunburn damage.

What remedy can you use for sunburn? Leave a comment and let us know!