Even the most cautious of us can get caught out in the sun and suffer from a nasty sunburn. Although it’s rarely a serious condition, it’s painful and uncomfortable, especially with the summer heatwave we’ve been experiencing here in Walla Walla, WA! Luckily, arnica is here to help. Did you know that same properties that heal bruises also mean you should be using arnica for healing sunburns faster as well?
Arnica is a beautiful yellow flower that grows in the Rocky Mountains and many other mountainous locations around the world. It has amazing healing properties and can be used to treat burns as well as bruises and sprains.
The herb itself comes from the flowers of the plant and it is these flowers that are used to make creams and ointments for skin-related conditions. Arnica has been used for centuries for the treatment of wounds, sprains, and bruising. It has recently been used more frequently for other medical conditions such as joint pain, muscle aches, and headaches. Arnica is also commonly used to help speed up healing time following a medical procedure or injury.
Arnica is a natural anti-inflammatory and can help reduce swelling and pain following a burn or other skin-related condition. It can also help other parts of the body that are experiencing pain or aches.
Knowing all this, it’s amazing no one has suggested using arnica for healing sunburns—at least not until recently. The following article covers everything you need to know about using arnica for sunburns…
Signs You’re Sunburned
When you first get burned, your skin appears red, and feels hot and swollen. As soon as possible after getting burned, you should use an arnica lotion or cream to soothe your skin and speed up healing time.
How to Use Arnica for Sunburns
As the skin is already very sensitive after a sunburn, it is important to use arnica carefully and correctly to ensure that you don’t make the situation worse. When using arnica to help heal your sunburn, it is important to follow these instructions:
- Clean your skin – Before applying arnica to your skin, it is important to clean the affected area. This will remove any bacteria that could be on the skin and could lead to infection.
- Apply to the affected area – As arnica is an ointment, it should be applied to the affected area by either massaging it in or rubbing it in with your fingers.
- Apply arnica at least once a day – The sooner you apply arnica to the affected area after getting burned, the faster your sunburn will heal.
- Continue to use the arnica for at least three days. Use longer if the burn was severe as this helps sooth and moisturize the deeper layers of the skin.
Which Is the Best Arnica Product?
There are many arnica products on the market that can be used to treat sunburns and other skin-related conditions. Which one is the best? We suggest you choose a lotion as it contains arnica oil, glycerin and water. The arnica oil carries the healing ingredients from the arnica plant. Glycerin and water help keep your skin soft and moist.
We don’t recommend arnica gels for healing sunburns because they often contain alcohol, which is drying to the skin. One of your greatest needs when you get a sunburn is skin hydration. Many gels fight that goal.
Side Effects of Using Arnica for Sunburns
Arnica can cause certain side effects when applied incorrectly or used for too long. These include allergic reactions. Arnica is an anti-inflammatory and usually reduces swelling. So if you don’t experience improvement or your sunburn symptoms seem to be worsening rather than getting better, stop using arnica.
Another potential side effect from overuse is blood thinning, nausea, and a rapid heart rate. So don’t use arnica for healing your sunburn if you have broken skin. This could allow your body to absorb too much arnica. [Source]
Conclusion
The sun is great for your mood and energy levels, but it can also cause painful burns if you don’t take care. The best way to avoid this is to apply a good sunscreen whenever you are going to be in the sun for an extended period of time.
But what do you do if you burn anyway? Arnica is a wonderful herb that can help you heal faster and with fewer side effects. Because arnica speeds up the healing process, you’ll be back on your feet and out in the sun in no time.
Check out our arnica lotions now.
