14 Home Remedies for Arthritis and Joint Pain

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We take the freedom of movement for granted, until it becomes limited. The cause of this for many people comes in the form of arthritis, or the inflammation of one or more of your joints.

There are two main kinds, osteo and rheumatoid, both of which affect the joint in different ways.

Osteo arthritis is when the cartilage between bones wears down, until bone grates on bone.

Rheumatoid is little less straightforward, being caused by an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation of the synovial membrane (a soft tissue that protects joints in the body) and that can lead to bone loss.

Whichever you experience, there are home remedies for arthritis to manage the pain and ease the symptoms naturally.

Try These 14 Home Remedies for Arthritis

1. Turmeric & Ginger Tea

Turmeric and ginger are both anti-inflammatories, and will help with oseto and rheumatoid arthritis.

Turmeric in particular has gotten a lot of attention lately. Its active ingredient is something called curcumin, which is a powerful antioxidant. In addition, it lowers the levels of 2 enzymes responsible for causing inflammation (which is what we’re often fighting with arthritis.)

You can take these in a capsule form or make a nice spicy tea to enjoy daily.

You will need…

-2 cups of water
-1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
-1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
-Honey to taste

Directions

Bring 2 cups of water to a boil, and had ½ teaspoon each ground ginger and ground turmeric. Reduce to a simmer and let it be for 10-15 minutes. Strain, add honey to taste, and enjoy twice daily. This yields 2 servings.

2. Epsom salt soak

Epsom salt contains magnesium sulfate which sounds kind of scary, but it’s really quite a wonderful substance.

A naturally occurring mineral, magnesium sulfate has been used to get relief from pain for years, namely because of its high levels of magnesium (more on magnesium below.)

You will need…

-1/2 cup of Epsom salt
-A large bowl
-Warm water

Directions

Fill a large bowl with warm water and add ½ cup of Epsom salt. Stir it around, and then submerge your sore joints in the liquid.

If you are experiencing pain in a less convenient place to soak, such as your knees, try taking a bath with Epsom salts. Run a tub full of warm water and add 2 cups of Epsom salt. Soak for 15 minutes (at least.)

3. Get more magnesium (seriously.)

Magnesium is something our bodies need, but we can’t make it ourselves. It is used in over 300 different biomechanical responses in our body. It relaxes all our muscles and nerve endings, relieving stiffness and pain.

It is even part of what makes our heart beat. Not only does it relax muscles and ease pain (this goes for arthritis pain too, of course) it helps bones to mineralize.

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition conducted one of many studies on magnesium that showed people who had a diet high in magnesium/took supplements had higher bone density, and overall stronger bones.

There are several ways to get more magnesium and utilize it for arthritis in particular.

Supplements: Magnesium capsules are a good thing to add to your day-to-day life, but they work best when used in conjunction with an improved diet.

Diet: Really this is the clincher-as great as supplements are, they can’t do everything. Eat foods that are high in magnesium, which include dark leafy greens (like spinach), nuts, and legumes (beans.)

Oil: There is magnesium oil that can be applied topically and absorbed through the skin. Try rubbing it on sore joints to relieve pain.

4. Lubricate With Extra Virgin Olive Oil

The very consistency of olive oil makes it seem like something that would lubricate your joints and ease arthritis pain, and it turns out, it actually does.

A main compound in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) called oleocanthal inhibits inflammatory enzymes COX-1 and COX-2, just like Advil or aspirin does. A study showed that 1 ½ tablespoons is equal to 200-mg of ibuprofen.

However, not every oil is created equal. Heat destroys oleocanthal, so it is necessary to use extra virgin olive oil or “cold-pressed.” The ripeness of the olives at the time they were pressed also determines the level of oleocanthal-generally the stronger tasting the oil, the higher the level there is present.

It can be taken internally to reap the benefits, but being high in calories consider replacing any fats, such as butter, with it in cooking instead.

You will need…

-2-3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil

Directions

Rub a bit of olive oil onto your sore joints twice a day, massaging in to each one gently. You can also take 2-3 tablespoons daily, but be sure to give up some other form of fat due to the high calorie count in the oil (rest easy, these are good calories.)

5. Dandelion Leaves

Incredibly high in vitamins A and C, dandelion leaves can help repair damaged tissue and help the liver clear toxins out of the blood. Studies, although limited, have also shown anti-inflammatory properties due to the linoleic and linoleic acid in them.

Linoleic is an essential fatty acid required by the body to produce prostaglandin-which basically regulates immune responses and suppresses inflammation.

Because of its involvement with immune responses, dandelion shows great potential when it comes to treating rheumatoid arthritis in particular. You can enjoy dandelion leaves in nice salad, or brew tea with them.

You will need…

-3 teaspoons of fresh dandelion leaves, or 1 teaspoon of dried
-1 cup of boiling water
-A handful of fresh leaves (if making a salad)
-A dash of extra virgin olive oil (if making a salad)

Directions

For fresh dandelion tea, steep 3 teaspoons of fresh leaves or 1 teaspoon dried in 1 cup of boiling water. Strain and drink twice daily.

Dandelion tea is very bitter…you have been warned! You can add honey to sweeten it up if you’d like.

To make a salad, simply toss the greens in with another recipe, or eat them plain with a bit of extra virgin olive oil. Older leaves can be gently sautéed to soften them up a bit.

6. Blackstrap Molasses Drink

High in valuable minerals such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium, blackstrap molasses has been one of the most cherished home remedies for arthritis for a number of years.

Blackstrap molasses is what remains after the 3rd boiling of sugar syrup, and is nothing like the nutrient lacking refined sugars used today.

As a dietary supplement (easily consumed as a drink) blackstrap can help relieve symptoms of arthritis and joint pain, thanks to its vital constituents that regulate nerve and muscle function, and strengthen bones.

You will need…

-1 tablespoon of blackstrap molasses
-1 cup of warm water

Directions

Heat 1 cup of fresh water until warm, but not hot. Stir in a tablespoon of blackstrap molasses and drink once daily. Do note that it can sometimes have a laxative effect.

7. White Willow Tea (the original aspirin)

Before there was aspirin, and I mean way before aspirin, there was white willow bark. The Greek physician Hippocrates wrote about it all the way back in 5th century BC.

It wasn’t until 18-something or other (1829, I believe) that it was found that white willow was so effective because it contained an active ingredient called salicin.

Salicin is converted in the body into salicylic acid-similar to acetyl salicylic acid, the active ingredient in aspirin. But because the naturally occurring salicin is converted after it passed through the stomach, it resulted in less irritation/side effects.

While it can be taken in a capsule form, I usually opt for the tea version of just about everything.

You will need…

-2 teaspoons of powdered or chipped white willow bark
-1 cup of water
-Honey or lemon to taste

Directions

Bring 1 cup (8 oz.) of water to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Add 2 teaspoons of powdered or chipped white willow bark and let it infuse for 10-15 minutes.

Remove from heat and let it steep for 30 more minutes. Drink twice daily-it’s bitter, so honey and lemon are usually welcome here.

8. Exercise

When it’s painful and difficult just to move, the last thing you feel like doing is getting up and exercising. As unpleasant as it may sound though, exercise is vital for those who suffer from any form of stiffness, joint pain, or arthritis.

Exercise will help control weight (an excess of which puts more strain on your joints) strengthens the muscles that support the joint, even when the cartilage is thinning, and lubricates the joints, allowing them to move more freely.

When we are inactive the synovial fluid in the joints is the consistency of a thick gel, but once we get moving and warming up, the liquid becomes more viscous and can do a better job of lubricating our joints and keeping them going smoothly.

Just imagine if you were to be sedentary every day, pretty soon you’d be so stiff it’d be just about impossible to move. But if you get up and move around every day, you’ll get stronger and will loosen up as well.

Try…

-Going for a brisk walk-start with 15 minutes and work your way up into a solid daily routine.
-Doing joint-targeted exercises-certain stretches and exercises specifically target joints to help rid them of stiffness and pain.
-Getting a dog-doing so backs up the first point, because you’ll have no choice but to walk!

9. Peppermint Eucalyptus Oil Blend

Peppermint and eucalyptus don’t change the course of the arthritis itself, but they do have analgesic, or pain-relieving, properties. The cooling sensation that they produce can temporarily override your discomfort, and create a soothing sensation that can ease the pain of arthritis.

You will need…

-5-10 drops of Peppermint oil
-5-10 drops of Eucalyptus oil
-1-2 tablespoons of carrier oil (olive, almond, grape seed, etc.)
-A small dark glass bottle

Directions

Blend 5-10 drops of eucalyptus and peppermint oil together, and then mix into 1-2 tablespoons of carrier oil.

Carrier oil is needed to dilute the essential oil so that it does not irritate the skin, and can be olive oil, grapeseed oil, or something of the like (not oil.)

Store the oil blend in dark glass bottle away from direct sunlight, and rub into your joints when they ache.

10. Juniper Berry Tea

A 2009 research trial published in the “Journal of Ethnopharmacology” found that juniper berries do indeed help with arthritis pain thanks to a component called terpinen-4-ol.

Terpene suppresses a type of white blood cells called monocytes which, as a part of our immune system, respond to signals of inflammation.

In rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system attacks normal joint tissue for no reason, leading to inflammation, pain, and loss of function.

If taken daily, juniper may be able to reduce the uncomfortable inflammation thanks to its terpene content. Only prickly juniper and common juniper varieties were effective.

Note: Do NOT drink juniper berry tea while pregnant.

You will need…

-1 tablespoon of dried juniper berries
-1 cup of fresh water
-Honey (optional)

Directions

Bring 1 cup of fresh water to a boil, and place 1 tablespoon of dried juniper berries in a mug. Pour the boiling water over the berries and let them steep for 20 minutes before straining. Drink 1 cup twice daily, and add honey to taste if you like.

11. Golden Raisins & Gin

First off I am not recommending that you go and drink gin, but I thought this was one of the most interesting old home remedies for arthritis.

Gins flavor is derived from juniper berries (see #10 for a more in depth explanation of juniper berries) which contain anti-inflammatory properties.

Golden raisins (only golden can be used in this recipe) require sulfides in their processing to give them their characteristic color.

Sulfides are found in both glucosamine and chondroitin, which many people have found to be helpful home remedies for arthritis.

This remedy stretches back at least 20 years, and some people swear by it, while others have had limited success.

You will need…

-Around 1/2 cup of gin
-1 cup of golden raisins
-a shallow dish

Directions

The amounts will vary depending on how big of a batch you are making, but basically you just need raisins and enough gin to just cover them, and the above amounts are just to give a general guideline.

I am one of those people who, even if it is a loosely interpreted recipe, like to have some numbers to start with. Anyways, place 1 cup of golden raisins in a shallow dish, and pour in enough gin to just barely cover them.

Cover with a towel and store them away in a dark place until the gin has evaporated (around 2 weeks.) Eat 9 of the raisins daily, keeping in mind the results may take several weeks to show.

12. Bosweilla supplements

Also known as Frankincense, Bosweilla is a flowering plant native to Africa and Asia. The gum resin or extract of the plant works as an anti-inflammatory and pain-killer.

It works against inflammation by ‘disabling’ white blood cells that would cause swelling, and also helps shrink tissue that has already become inflamed and painful.

I am afraid I don’t have a tea recipe for this one, as it is generally taken in a tablet supplement form, much like a vitamin. It is sold at many health stores and online, and is fairly reasonably priced compared to what some other supplements cost.

13. Pectin & Grape Juice

Pectin is a water soluble carbohydrate substance found in the cell walls of plants, where it helps keep cell walls together, and gives fruit firmness as it ripens.

It is extracted from fruit to use as a setting in jams and jellies, and has become popular as a home remedy for arthritis when combined with grape juice.

It has been tentatively hypothesized that it helps return the synovial tissue to a more elastic and lubricated state, which results in pain-free movement.

Despite the fact that more studies are needed on pectin and connective tissue many people have found, for whatever reason, great relief from their arthritis with it.

The grape juice is the liquid of choice due to the fact that it can help with inflammation.

You will need…

-1 tablespoon of liquid pectin
-8 oz. of grape juice

Directions

Mix 1 tablespoon of liquid pectin with 8 oz. of grape juice and drink 1-2 times daily. It will take a week or two for the effects to show.

14. Cayenne ‘Capsaicin’ Ointment

A common OTC pain reliever for joint pain contains capsaicin, a component in hot peppers that inhibits something called Substance P.

Substance P is involved in transmitting pain signals to our brain, and when the capsaicin interferes with it, it minimizes the alert to the discomfort, and therefore the discomfort itself.

It has been one of the more effective topical treatments for arthritis, and you can make your own at home with humble cayenne.

Keep in mind, however, that it is only a temporary fix and should be used sparingly if possible.

To prepare Original Capsaicin Cream Recipe for treating arthritis

You will need…

-3 tablespoons of cayenne powder
-1 cup of grapeseed oil (or any other oil like almond, olive, jojoba)
-1/2 cup of grated beeswax
-A double boiler
-A glass jar with a tightly fitting lid

Directions

Mix together 3 tablespoons of cayenne powder with 1 cup of your oil of choice and heat in a double boiler for 5-10 minutes over medium heat. Stir in a 1/2 cup of grated beeswax and continue to stir until it has melted completely and everything is blended together.

Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 10 minutes, and then whisk together. Chill for another 10-15 and then whip again before putting it in a glass jar with a tightly fitting lid and storing in the refrigerator. It will keep for 1 ½ weeks-apply daily as needed for pain.

Our body is an incredible structure that takes a great amount of strain and stress every single day-it’s really no wonder our joints, the things that allows us movement, begin to feel the burden.

For other home remedies for arthritis, watch this Video HERE and this 2^nd ONE HERE.

In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, the complexity of the body provides a mystery that we may or may not ever solve. Whichever form of arthritis or joint pain you happen to suffer from, a deeper understanding of what is causing it can help you determine the best way to treat it.

Nature also does a surprisingly good job at healing-we wouldn’t have made it very far otherwise-and you may find great success in naturally treating your condition and regaining the freedom of movement.

By Claire Goodall (a bee-obsessed natural-convert from Minnesota) who is a holistic health lover. She is the author of Everyday Roots Book.

It's a Book that she creates to help you replace the toxic products and medications in your home with healthier, all-natural alternatives.

It contains 215+ effective home remedies and covers everything you will need to protect your family and save money every month.

For more details about her book, take a look at the Everyday Roots Book.

5 Home Remedies for Itchy, Puffy, Dry Eyes

Click HERE to Discover the 215+ Home Remedies, NaturalBeauty Recipes & DIY Household Products

Allergies, lack of sleep, dry air, your co-workers overwhelming perfume…lots of things can cause itchy, puffy, dry eyes.

And while we’re led to believe that eye drops must be purchased for our own good, it is entirely possible to make your own simple eye drops for times when you find your eyes itchy and irritated.

The most important thing is that everything you use is clean and sterile to prevent any infection causing microbes from causing problems.

I love this solution to keep on hand, as it instantly soothes itchiness, flushes away dirt and debris, and relieves uncomfortable dryness. This is, basically, a saline solution.

However, it is important to use purified water, and sodium chloride tablets (these are just “pure” salt tablets, as opposed to table salt, which has iodine and anti-caking agents) to keep it sterile and non-irritating. The tablets can be found in any pharmacy or ordered online.

You will need:

-1 cup of purified or filtered water
-2 sodium chloride tablets (2 grams)
-An eye dropper
-A mason jar

Directions

Boil the mason jar and it’s lid and dip the glass part of the eye dropper into the boiling water to rid them of any contaminants. Fill the mason jar with 1 cup of purified water, and then add in the sodium chloride tablets. Shake well.

Apply 2-3 drops in each eye as needed for relief from irritation. It goes without saying but…discontinue use and contact an eye doctor if you experience any discomfort.

Here are 4 other Home Remedies for Itchy, Puffy, Dry eyes

1. Get Less Sodium

Ingesting too much sodium is a common cause of water retention, even if you don’t have a pre-existing condition that would make you prone to it (such as kidney disease.)

Because of the imbalance of salt and water, water gets drawn out of your cells and puffs up your tissues. The resulting bloating can affect even your eyes, filling out the tissues around the eye cavity, and causing puffy eyes. Less salt = less puffiness

If you’re worried about how you’ll possibly flavor your food, don’t panic. Steady research has shown that the less salt you eat, the less you want. Your taste buds will adjust to the lower levels over time.

A month or so after you’ve made the change, sample your food with the amount you used to eat, and you’ll probably be disgusted!

You will need…

-Self-control and perseverance 

2. Chamomile Tea Bags

Chamomile is effective for reducing puffiness caused by allergies. While it can help with inflammation in general, when it comes to your eyes, it’s really the properties that soothe itchy and irritated skin that make the difference with any swelling.

Chamomile also works wonders when it comes to tired or strained eyes. Resting the tea bags directly over your eyes can help reduce discomfort and the appearance of irritation/swelling, and you have two options when it comes to what you use.

I like to bulk order my own tea bags and fill them with herbs-in this case, of course, I’d fill them with dried chamomile- so I know exactly what I am putting on my skin.

However, you can use store bought as well if you’re looking for something more convenient, just be sure there isn’t a bunch of other herbs added!

You will need…

-2 chamomile tea bags
-Approximately ½ cup of fresh water
-A place to lie down

Directions

Boil the water and then soak the tea bags for about 5 minutes. After removing the bags let them cool off, and then squeeze out any excess liquid. Lie down and place them over your eyes for at least 10 minutes twice a day.

3. Cold-Compress

A cold compress can temporarily diminish the appearance of the puffiness. The cold constricts blood vessels, which slows down the flow of fluid into the tissues and reduces the puffiness.

You can obviously just pop some ice into a bag, or make a compress (link to post) that can be used for both heat and cold, but I really enjoy gel packs for some occasions. And while I really truly do not like corn syrup, it makes for a dandy DIY cold gel pack.

You will need…

-A small plastic zip lock bag
-Corn syrup
-Food or natural coloring (optional)

Directions

It’s pretty straightforward. Simply fill up the bag with corn syrup and add a little bit of coloring if you want to make it fun-like the classic blue color of store bought cold packs. Pop it in the freezer and use when necessary.

Because of the high sugar content, the syrup will not freeze solid, but it does get close. I let it sit out for 5-10 minutes to soften up first.

*If you don’t have time for resting a compress on your eyes, splash your face with cold water in the morning.*

4. Do The Elevator

If you tend to wake up with bags under your eyes that diminish as the day goes on, elevating yourself while you sleep may help reduce the appearance first thing in the morning.

It depends on the individual, but fluid can pool and build up around the eyes when you’re lying flat and sleeping. Propping yourself up or even just sleeping on your back can help keep everything in circulation, which diminishes the puffiness first thing in the morning. As a plus, propping yourself up can help with snoring as well.

You will need…

-An extra pillow OR wood blocks to rest under your bed legs

Directions

Use an extra pillow to elevate your head or, if you’re worried this may make you wake up with sore muscles, place small blocks of wood beneath the legs at the top of the bed to raise it slightly.

Just a reminder-make sure it’s extra steady if you do the latter. It’s not fun to wake up in the middle of the night if your bed slides off and thumps down.

You can also watch this Video HERE and HERE TOO to learn about other home remedies for itchy, puffy, dry eyes.

By Claire Goodall (a bee-obsessed natural-convert from Minnesota) who is a holistic health lover. She is the author of Everyday Roots Book.

It's a Book that she creates to help you replace the toxic products and medications in your home with healthier, all-natural alternatives.

It contains 215+ effective home remedies and covers everything you will need to protect your family and save money every month.

For more details about her book, take a look at the Everyday Roots Book.

17 Naturally Soothing Sunburn Treatments

Click HERE to Discover the 215+ Home Remedies, NaturalBeauty Recipes & DIY Household Products

Sunburn is the bane of summertime, thwarting tans and forcing people to cover up. It can happen at any time of the year though, because it is the exposer to the ultra-violet rays of the sun that cause it.

When you’re getting bombarded with UV light, your exposed skin ups its production of melanin. Melanin is the dark pigment in the top layer of your skin (the epidermis) that gives it its color, and also determines how tan you can get.

Upping the production of melanin is the bodies’ way of protecting the deeper layers of the skin, and the tan acts as a shield against UV light.

However, the amount of melanin produced to protect you is determined by genetics (so people with fair skin produce less melanin and are more likely to burn) and all in all you end up with a natural shield equal to around SPF 4.

The best thing to do is prevent sunburn, but even when you do try to protect yourself, you may end up burned anyways.

To avoid peeling and get rid of the redness and stinging, here are 17 tips and home remedies for sunburn that are simple, fast, and effective.

17 Sunburn Treatments You Can Try

1. Potato paste

If you’ve found yourself with searing hot red skin, root up a few potatoes. Potatoes have been known as a pain reliever throughout the years, working particularly well on minor skin irritations and soothing scratches, bites, and burns, as well as possibly reducing inflammation.

Some people feel that the juice of the potato works the best, while others feel just slices are sufficient. Try both sunburn treatments tips, and see which one is the best remedy for your sunburn.

You will need…

-2 potatoes
-A grater, blender, or knife
-Cotton balls, cotton pads, facial tissue, or gauze

Directions

Wash and scrub your potatoes thoroughly, and then either grate them over a bowl or cut them up and put them in a blender. There is no need to remove the peels.

If you’re using a blender, give them a whirl until they’ve become quite liquid. If they seem too dry, you can add a small amount of water.

Pour out the mixture, soak cotton balls thoroughly in it, and apply to sunburn.

An easier perhaps more effective method would be to soak gauze and lay it over the burn.

If you’re using a grater, grate the potatoes over a bowl and apply the pulp, trying to get as much juice as possible.

You can also try simply slicing the potatoes, and lying the slices directly on your burn.

2. Cool milk compress

A cool milk compress is one of the quickest, simplest and low-cost sunburn treatments. It doesn’t get much easier than just heading to the refrigerator for relief-and easy is good when treating anything.

The initial coolness of the milk will ease the heat, while it also creates a layer of protein to protect your skin, help it heal, and further soothe discomfort.

You will need…

-Gauze or a clean, soft, washcloth
-Chilled milk

Directions

Pour a bowl of milk high enough so that you can thoroughly soak your compress in it. When the gauze or washcloth is saturated, let the excess liquid drain off.

Drape across your burn, pressing gently so that it stays in place, and leave it on for as long as needed. If the milk in the bowl becomes room temperature chill it before re-dunking your compress.

3. Cornstarch/baking soda for fighting burns

Cornstarch, with its cool, silky texture, is a good way to naturally soothe your sunburn. Like milk, it is one of those things that you probably have lying around your house regardless of whether or not you planned on sizzling out in the sun.

If you don’t have cornstarch, try some baking soda for quick relief. Both  sunburn treatments can diminish the pain and lessen the blazing red appearance of the burn.

You will need…

-Cornstarch or baking soda
-Cool water

Directions

How much cornstarch or baking soda you need will vary depending on how big of an area you want to cover.

Whichever one you are using add cool water-not cold- little by little until it has reached a paste-like consistency.

Smear the paste gently over your burn and leave on until the heat or pain has let up some. Rinse off completely.

4. Drink up

Sunburn is a burn. It sounds like stating the obvious, but we often don’t think about the fact that we really, truly, seared our skin. As with any other thing that burns your skin is dried out, and your body is probably dehydrated too.

Keep a tall glass or bottle of ice cold water on hand at all times to make sure you’re keeping yourself full of H20, which is necessary to heal your damaged skin.

5. Cool off with mint & tea

Mint naturally cools and soothes whatever it touches, and sunburns are no exception. The tannic acid and theobromine found in green tea also helps relieve pain and heal damaged skin when applied topically.

You will need…

-1 quart of boiling water
-5 green tea bags
-3 cups of fresh mint leaves
-Cotton pads or a clean soft cloth

Directions

Bring 1 quart of water to a boil. Remove the strings and tags from the 5 tea bags and add them, as well as 3 cups of fresh mint leaves, to a pan.

Pour the boiling water over the mint leaves and tea bags and cover with a lid, letting is sit for approximately an hour so you can get all the good stuff out of it. Strain and then chill.

When the mixture has chilled thoroughly, use cotton pads or a clean soft cloth soaked in the liquid and apply directly to the burn. You can also pour it over the burn if you wish.

If you find yourself without green tea you can substitute black tea, which also contains tannins.

6. Indulge in some aloe

Aloe vera gel is many peoples go-to when they have sunburn. It’s cool, soothing, and seems to suck the sting and redness right out of your sunburn.

Because aloe is useful for a number of other ailments (such as acne or heartburn) it’s handy to have a plant growing in your house. They’re easy to maintain, free from any additives, and you won’t have to keep running out to buy more from the store all the time once it’s big enough.

If you would really rather prefer not having the plant, getting some good quality aloe vera gel from the store is the next best thing-it’s also more practical for treating larger areas.

You will need…

-An aloe plant with thick, juicy, leaves
-Enough store bought gel to cover your burn

If using the plant, slit several big leaves down the middle, not cutting all the way through. Spread them flat, and lay on your burn. You can also squeeze the gel out.

If you’re using gel that’s already been extracted, apply however much you need to your sunburn. The plant is usually more practical when treating smaller areas, while the purchased aloe gel is easier to spread over a big burn. A combination of both works as well.

7. Season with vinegar

Vinegar has been part of family lore for literally hundreds of years. While there is no official research done on how it helps sunburns in particular, there are a vast amount of people out there who swear up and down that vinegar helps heal sunburn, or mildly burned tissue in general.

Pure unfiltered apple cider vinegar seems to work the best, and often times proponents of this method say is most effective after a cool or tepid shower.

You will need…

-1 cup roughly apple cider vinegar
-a spray bottle (optional)
-Cotton balls or something similar for application

Directions

Try this after taking a water only shower if possible. Fill a spray bottle with pure unfiltered apple cider vinegar, and spritz it onto your burn, or soak cotton balls and apply. Let it dry.

8. Wash it with witch hazel

Witch hazel is a staple when it comes to healing a number of ailments and maladies. Witch hazel is a plant, but only the leaves bark, and twigs, are used medicinally.

Witch hazels contain chemicals called “tannins” which, when applied to directly to the skin, can help reduce swelling, repair damaged skin, and ward off nasty bacteria.

You’ll most likely find witch hazel in a distilled liquid extract form, which simply distilled from the dried leaves, bark, and twigs of the plant. It may also be called witch hazel water.

You will need…

-3 tablespoons of witch hazel, approximately
-Cotton balls or a clean soft cloth

Directions

The amount of witch hazel you will need will depend on the area of the burn you want to cover. Pour the necessary amount into a bowl, and soak cotton balls or a clean cloth in the liquid.

Dab on just enough to cover the burn-it doesn’t need to be dripping off. Reapply as needed for pain.

9. Take a bath with the Quaker guy

I should specify that I mean add oatmeal to a bath, and the one with the nice looking fellow wearing a hat tends to be the one most people have. That being said, any plain rolled oats will do.

The polysaccharides in oatmeal will coat and heal your skin, while the water cools you down and keeps your skin hydrated and moist.

Make sure your bath is tepid, or slightly on the cooler side. Cold water will seal off pores and your body will want to trap heat. The burn is hot enough that tepid water will still soothe it.

You will need…

-Roughly 2 cups of rolled oats, uncooked
-a clean tube sock

Directions

Fill a clean cotton tube sock with uncooked oatmeal and tie off the top. Make sure the top is really cinched off; otherwise the oatmeal will leak out and float around.

Run a bath full of tepid water, only a little on the cool side if you feel even tepid is too warm. Toss in the sock and let it soak for a few minutes before getting in the tub.

Squeeze the out the sock to get all the healing goodness, and repeat every few minutes. The water will get cloudy, and your skin may feel somewhat slick-which is a good thing. Let yourself air dry, or pat dry gently with a clean soft towel when you’re finished.

Note: Don’t linger for hours, as a super long soak may dry out your skin more in the end.

10. DIY burn cream

Whipping up a cream to soothe your sunburn at home can be easy, provided you have the right ingredients. Not surprisingly, this cream contains water, witch hazel, aloe vera gel, mint leaves, and baking soda, all of which relieve sunburn for various reasons.

You can experiment by adding or subtracting other helpful ingredients to find out what works best for you.

You will need…

-1 tablespoon of witch hazel
-1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel
-2-4 teaspoons of baking soda or cornstarch
-1-2 cups of fresh mint leaves, or 1 teaspoon of peppermint oil
-2 tablespoons fresh, clean, water

Directions

Put 2 tablespoons of fresh water, 1 tablespoon of witch hazel, and 1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel, in a small mixing bowl. Stir together and then cover, letting the mixture blend and infuse for 2 hours. After 2 hours, add 2-4 teaspoons of baking soda or cornstarch, and 1-2 cups of roughly chopped fresh mint leaves.

If it seems too runny add more baking soda or cornstarch slowly, or if it’s too thick, add small amounts of water slowly until desired consistency is reached.

Transfer to a jar or similar container with a tight fitting lid, and store in a cool dark place for 24 hours to let the cream fully infuse. You can than apply as needed.

Making some ahead of time and keeping it in the refrigerator ensures you always have a handy cream to heal any sunburn you get during the hot summer months.

11. Don’t get burned

This had to be listed at some point-the best way to treat a burn is to not get burned in the first place. Forget about getting a ridiculous tan a.s.a.p. and apply some sunscreen. You’ll darken your skin gradually, and in a much healthier way.

12. Use plain yogurt

Live cultured plain yogurt contains an abundance of probiotics and enzymes that help heal our skin. When you find yourself red and sunburned, it can help you recover faster. Make sure it’s truly plain yogurt, not vanilla, and that it has probiotics.

You will need…

-1/2 cup or so of plain live cultured yogurt

A half cup of plain yogurt should be sufficient to treat facial burns at least, but feel free to use more if you want to cover more area.

Wash your hands and apply cool yogurt directly to your burn, and let it sit for at least 5 minutes. When the pain has subsided, gently rinse it off with cool or tepid water.

13. Avoid suds

Do not soak your burn in soapy water, or take a bubble bath. Soap can dry out and irritate your already irritated skin.

If you want to soak or submerge it, do so in a cool or tepid bath. When you’re done, pat yourself gently dry with a clean soft towel (be sure not to rub.)

If your skin feels tight or dry afterwards, apply aloe vera gel or a similar moisturizer.

14. Double check your meds

Various antibiotics, creams, pills, and antifungal medication can make you ultra-sensitive to the sun. When I was treating my acne I would awe people with how I functioned in spite of my sizzling red my skin (if you count taking 30 minutes to pull on clothes functioning.) The medications I was on made me extremely sensitive to sunlight, and I burned after about 10 minutes outside.

Check with your doctor or read the side effects of your medications if you find yourself getting burned easier and on a more frequent basis than usual. It could be that you have to use a little extra protection if you’re compromised due to medicine.

15. Apply, reapply

To get the most out the SPF (sun protection factor) of your sunscreen, apply it 30 minutes before you even go outside. Don’t neglect sensitive areas like your ears, the back of your neck and shoulders, and the backs of your legs and arms.

If you’re sweating or swimming, reapply as needed. Don’t get too big for your britches when you’ve been cooking yourself on the beach all day and haven’t gotten burned.

A sunburn doesn’t truly set in until 24 hours after sun exposure, and chances are you’ll be feeling the consequences of not covering up later.

16. Watch the clock

While it would be impractical to advise people to stay indoors during the prime hours of the day, keep an eye on what time it is. The sun is the most powerful, and damaging, when around its highest point.

Between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm is when it’s at its strongest, so make sure you’re being wise about how you expose yourself.

17. Cool it, cucumber

Instant relief-that’s what a cucumber is to scorched skin. Not only is a cool cucumber soothing to the burn simply because it is cool, but its antioxidant and analgesic properties promote healing and further relief from discomfort. You can apply it in a couple of ways, but however you do it, the swelling, redness, and pain should diminish soon.

You will need…

-1 or 2 fresh cucumbers, chilled
-A blender or a knife

Directions

If you’re going for mainly quick pain relief, slice up a chilled cucumber and lay the slices on your burned skin. Flip the slices when the first side heats up, like how you flip a pillow to get the cool side up.

For a longer lasting effect, chill 1 or 2 cucumbers and toss them in a blender to create a paste. Feel free to add in some aloe vera gel or cornstarch if you want it a little thicker.

Also watch this Video HERE to learn about other sunburn treatments

Sunburn is the perfect case of “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” That being said you’ll still get burned from time to time, no matter how diligent you are.

Sunburn is also a great example of an ailment you can treat at home, without needing a bunch of special creams. On top of that, home remedies for minor sunburns are generally easy to whip up, and usually cost little to nothing.

Also, forget racing to get a tan, the long term effects just aren’t worth it. Be patient; protect yourself from harmful rays, and rest assured knowing that when you get older you’ll radiate a healthy glow that can’t be beat, no matter what color your skin is.

By Claire Goodall (a bee-obsessed natural-convert from Minnesota) who is a holistic health lover. She is the author of Everyday Roots Book.

It's a Book that she creates to help you replace the toxic products and medications in your home with healthier, all-natural alternatives.

It contains 215+ effective home remedies and covers everything you will need to protect your family and save money every month.

For more details about her book, take a look at the Everyday Roots Book.