With summer in full swing, sunburns and bug bites are an all too common occurrence. Here are some options for natural and easy-to-use home remedies that will help alleviate any discomfort and accelerate the healing process. But don’t hesitate to be seen by a medical professional if an injury is more severe or doesn’t seem to be healing properly. 

Burns
Topical Burn/Sunburn Spray – This “spray” will go through a spray nozzle if prepared as such, or can be placed in a regular tincture bottle and applied via a cotton ball.  When no such formula is available, the topical use of honey or egg whites is both pain relieving and healing.

Aloe vera gel – ½ oz
Lavender essential oil – 10 drops

Hypericum tincture (optional) – ½ oz

Place the above in a 2 oz spray bottle and spray/apply to burned skin every 30 minutes.

Kitchen Remedies for Burns
Egg whites – Since they are usually stored in the refrigerator, egg whites are cold and soothing for burns, plus the sterile proteins and other compounds help promote healing. **If you have a true allergy to eggs, do not use this option.
Honey – Honey applied topically is a natural bandage, promotes healing, and smothers any aerobic opportunistic bacteria.  
Onion Juice – Onions are rich in quercitin and other immune modulating compounds.  Place sliced onion directly against the skin or mince and place the pulp against the skin.

Bites
Poultices – Mix a small amount of bentonite clay or activated charcoal powder with a few drops of water to form a paste and spread over affected area, cover with a dry bandage. Once poultice has dried, simply wipe off with a dry towel or napkin. This will help to draw out any toxins or microbes within the bite/lesion, and can be repeated 3-4 times daily if needed. Calendula powder can also be combined to the mix for an added soothing effect, or applied separately in a cream or salve.    

Spray to Alleviate Itching of the Skin – This simple all-purpose spray can help relieve itching due to hives, mosquito bites, dermatitis, and healing wounds and burns.

Mentha (peppermint) essential oil      5 ml
Water                                                  25 ml

Place in a 1-ounce bottle and spray on affected area as needed. 

Abrasions
Calendula Succus – Calendula is a first-aid kit staple. Calendula enhances circulation and connective tissue regeneration in the dermis (deeper layers of the skin). A succus has lower alcohol content than a tincture and is made from fresh juice. Calendula succus is unlikely to sting very much when topically applied. Use a dropperful of succus on a sterile gauze pad and apply topically, repeating each hour until the wound has scabbed over.