How to Use Chamomile to Treat Sunburns

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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While it's best known as a calming sleep aid, chamomile is also used to treat different inflammations, including sunburns. Chamomile compresses or skin treatments can reduce pain, heal wounds and calm your nerves.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Ice
Washcloth or rag
Liquid chamomile extract
Liquid lavender extract
Fresh rosemary
Chamomile flowers
Muslin or cheesecloth
Powdered milk
Oatmeal
Chamomile tea bags

Make a Quick Chamomile Compress

Step 1

Pour chilled water into a bowl. Add ice cubes to get it colder.
Step 2

Add a few drops of liquid chamomile extract and stir well.
Step 3

Add a couple of drops of liquid lavender extract, along with a tiny amount of fresh rosemary.
Step 4

Submerge a rag or washcloth in the mixture.
Step 5

Wring your washcloth until it's damp and cool, but not dripping water.
Step 6

Dab the most washcloth onto your sunburns. Continue to dip your washcloth in the bowl of water to replenish the cool, soothing chamomile water.
Step 7

Repeat the process throughout the day as needed to relieve discomfort and itching.
Step 8

Use the treatment just before going to bed. It can be difficult to fall asleep when suffering from painful sunburns. Chamomile is great for relaxing before bedtime.

Take a Cool Chamomile Bath

Step 1

Fill a bathtub with cool water. The key to relieving sunburn pain is to draw the heat out of your skin.
Step 2

Mix several chamomile flowers with powdered milk or ground oatmeal. Since you won't be consuming this mixture, it's not important that you use exact measurements.
Step 3

Wrap the mixture tightly in a piece of muslin or cheesecloth. This will contain the herbal mixture while still allowing it to seep into your bathwater.
Step 4

Tie the muslin or cheesecloth, forming a tight bundle.
Step 5

Take your chamomile pouch with you as you climb into the bathtub. The cool water will relieve the pain of your sunburn while the nourishing chamomile treats the blisters. For an extra soothing experience, try lighting some chamomile candles.

Use Chamomile Tea Bags to Treat Sunburns

Step 1

Submerge chamomile tea bags in water. Add a few drops of lavender oil extract for extra healing power.
Step 2

Wring the tea bags to remove excess water.
Step 3

Leave the chamomile tea bags in your refrigerator. Allow them to cool for 30 minutes.
Step 4

Dab the chilled chamomile tea bags against your sunburns for several minutes at a time.