Herbal Sunburn Soothing Ice Cubes

Our family has spent a lot of time at the beach since moving close to it several years ago. Although I support moderate sun exposure, getting sunburned is ideally not one of those things. These days, I hardly ever burn, but when I do, I try to relieve the area with natural remedies. These sunburn ice cubes contain skin-soothing ingredients that promote faster healing and immediate relief from sunburns!

Being Irish, I grew up applying sunscreen liberally and suffering from severe sunburns. However, since making dietary changes and taking certain supplements, my ability to withstand the sun has greatly improved. However, that does not mean I bake for hours on end!

When I have had enough, I will find some shade or cover up my skin. I seldom apply any of my homemade sunscreen. A healthy, moderate amount of sun exposure is necessary to obtain adequate vitamin D, which has several advantages of its own. I do not mind getting some sun, but I take precautions to avoid getting burned. But sometimes, even with the best of intentions, sunburns still occur.

Soothing Ice Cubes for Sunburn

Over the years, I have developed a number of unique cooling sprays and home cures for sunburn relief. But, they can only be kept in the refrigerator for a short while before going bad. I still have to mix them every time I need them, even though they are easy to make. Fresh aloe vera is one of my favorite go-to sunburn remedies because it is simple and quick.

In case you do not possess an aloe vera plant, these calming cubes are an excellent substitute.

I want to be clear about why I chose herbal ice cubes before going into detail about what each ingredient does. Although ice feels nice on warm, sunburned skin, many medical professionals advise against using it. However, cool showers and compresses are advised.

According to theory, ice has vasoconstrictor properties that lower blood flow to the affected area and hasten the healing process. That problem is resolved by adding herbs that promote healing and vasodilate, or increase blood flow. It also offers relief from heat.

Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera gel is the primary ingredient in these herbal ice cubes. It is a common ingredient in many sunburn remedies and is available at all drugstores and big box stores. However, I am not referring to the vivid green stuff loaded with harsh preservatives.

Taking aloe vera straight from the plant is my preferred method. Here are the specifics on gathering your own aloe vera harvest. If you are lacking an aloe plant, you can purchase aloe vera gel that has been naturally preserved.

Magnesium and salicylic acid found in aloe vera combine to reduce pain. Aloin, which has some modest UV radiation protection qualities, is also present. Aloe vera soothes inflammation, feels cooling on the skin, and leaves damaged skin feeling slippery and smooth.

Comfortable

This amazing plant is known as “bone knit” because of how quickly it can mend broken bones. Additionally, it helps heal damaged skin and aching joints. Comfrey aids in the formation of healthy skin cells and promotes tissue repair. Additionally, this herb reduces inflammation and aids in the healing of damaged skin. It functions as a demulcent to help create a barrier of protection over tissues, much like marshmallow root.

Kalendula

I use calendula in tea, stretch mark salve, and baby care products. It’s a gentle herb that’s great for all kinds of skin complaints. It soothes inflammation and helps with cuts, burns, rashes, sunburns, and cuts. Calendula also helps cleanse and move lymphatic fluid and improves blood circulation.

Lavender

Similar to calendula, lavender is a gentle all-around helpful skin-soothing herb. You’ll find it in this exfoliating oatmeal skin scrub and this refreshing lavender peach iced tea. While I often use the essential oil, lavender herb is also a staple in my medicine cabinet.

Lavender helps disinfect wounds and cuts and acts as an analgesic to soothe pain. It’s frequently used for burns to help skin heal faster and soothe itchiness. Lavender also stimulates circulation to the skin to promote faster healing and better blood flow.

Marshmallow

Slippery marshmallow is another skin soothing herb in this recipe. It coats and cools irritated skin as it moistens. Marshmallow roots, leaves, and flowers are all used to calm inflammation. If you have some marshmallow growing in your yard you can use the leaves and flowers for this recipe. Otherwise the roots are also a great option.

Peppermint

The last ingredient in these sunburn soothing ice cubes is peppermint. It’s also the key ingredient in my DIY cooling spray. Peppermint is rich in menthol and has the unique ability to feel warming and cooling at the same time. Mint is a vasodilator and stimulates circulation which can cause a warming feeling. If the mint is used along with cool or cold ingredients though, then it feels cooling on the skin.

I love using mint to help take the warmth out of a painful sunburn!

You don’t have to use every single herb in this recipe, but I would recommend at least using the aloe vera, mint, and one of the other soothing herbs. Just be sure your total herbs add up to ? cup. They all work together to help soothe and calm sunburn damage.