Home Remedies for Sun Exposure
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Photo by Sadananda
According to Ayurveda, sunbathing is good for health. However, it is best to bathe in the morning before 10 a.m. to get the best benefit from the sun's rays. If you must go out in the sun later than this, it is traditional to apply some coconut oil to your skin. You can also make your own medicated sun oil. Use 4 tablespoons each of Sandalwood, Manjista, neem and Shatavari. Add 4 cups of water and cook the water down to a cup. Add a cup of coconut oil and slowly cook until all the water has evaporated.
Keep your head covered and be especially careful if you have a bald spot. If you get burned, cucumber is a great remedy. Blend the cucumber and apply the pulp to the burned area. The cool astringency of cucumber will heal all but the worst burns. Aloe Vera is another well known burn remedy that comes from Ayurvedic tradition. For sun-damaged skin, you can make a medicated ghee (vegans can use coconut oil). Use 4 tablespoons each of sandalwood, manjista, neem and turmeric. Add 4 cups of water and cook the water down to a cup. Add a cup of ghee and slowly cook until all the water has evaporated. This medicated ghee can be applied to sun-damaged skin. If the damage does not clear up, see a dermatologist.
The following home remedies are also great for mild sunstroke, also known as "a touch of sun".
Drink plenty of Rehydration Tea. Recipe: 1 quart of filtered or spring water, 1/4 cup Mint, 1/6 cup Gotu Kola/ Brahmi, 1/4 tsp salt, 1 small squeeze lime.
Take 2 tablespoons of Aloe Vera gel three times daily.
Apply sandalwood oil to the temples and navel.
If you have a headache, lie down in a room with the shades drawn and place a cool cloth on your forehead.
Prevention is better than cure. Wear a straw hat, drink plenty of room temperature water and cool mint tea. If you must do physical labor on hot days, try to start early and take a long lunch break.
Alakananda Ma M.B., B.S. (Lond.) is an Ayurvedic Doctor (NAMA) and graduate of a top London medical school. She is co-founder of Alandi Ayurveda Clinic and Alandi Ayurveda Gurukula in Boulder Colorado, as well as a spiritual mother, teacher, flower essence maker and storyteller. Alakananda is a well known and highly respected practitioner in the Ayurveda community both nationally and internationally.
Enliven your holistic health! Visit Alakananda Ma in Alandi Ashram’s ayurvedic clinic to support the overall rejuvenation of your body, mind, and spirit. In-person and virtual appointments available. Book now!
