Now is a a great time of year to get outside, soak in the sun, and breathe in some healthy, fresh air. But with all of that exposed skin, it also means you’re more vulnerable to sunburns, heat rashes, skinned knees, insect bites, and other assaults to the body’s largest organ.

The following herbal remedies can help to relieve the discomfort of cuts, scrapes, or other skin irritations. Many of these remedies can be found right in your pantry!

18 Herbal Remedies To Help Heal Summer Skin 

Aloe Vera

Gel from the aloe vera plant has long been used to treat burns, scrapes, and other skin irritations. Its potent anti-inflammatory properties dilate blood vessels, speeding up the healing process. Prevents infection and scarring.

Agrimony

An infusion of this flowering herb can be used to stop bleeding from cuts and scrapes. It is also useful for reducing inflammation from pimples, rashes, and other skin irritations.

Calendula

This member of the daisy family is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antibacterial for cuts and scrapes. It also helps to stimulate new tissue growth.

Cayenne Powder

A dusting of this common kitchen spice can stop minor bleeding in a pinch – literally!  It appears that cayenne pepper equalizes the blood pressure to keep the pressure from the hemorrhage area, allowing the wound to clot naturally.

Chamomile

Use chamomile essential oil to relieve rashes, burns, cuts, abscesses, and boils. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties work wonders.

Chickweed

Make a poultice of this common weed to cool and soothe minor burns, skin irritations, and rashes. Acts to relieve dryness and itching. It’s also edible and full of vitamin C!

Cinnamon

This common kitchen spice can reduce pain and disinfect wounds as it has antimicrobial properties.

Clove

Another everyday household spice that reduces pain and disinfects wounds. Another tip: cloves and clove oil have been used for centuries to treat toothaches!

Comfrey

Salves and ointments from this flowering herb soothe burns, ulcerations, abrasions, lacerations, insect bites, and many other forms of skin irritation. Look for them 

Geranium

Apply oil from this popular garden flower to stop heavy bleeding.

Goldenseal

Powder from this flowering herb has powerful antimicrobial and antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties. It can also be sprinkled directly onto cuts or wounds to stop bleeding.

Gotu Kola

An extract of this herb can speeds healing of cuts by increasing collagen production in the skin.

Honey

Applying this natural sweetener to minor cuts and scrapes can help speed healing. It is also an effective antibacterial treatment.

Lavender

Use the essential oil from this pleasant-smelling herb to relieve rashes, burns, cuts, abscesses, and boils. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties speeds healing and relieves pain.

Rosemary

Make a skin wash from the diluted essential oil of this fragrant evergreen to clean out cuts and scrapes.

St. John’s Wort

Known primarily as a depression cure, flowering herb also possesses anti-inflammatory properties.

Tea Tree Oil

This popular essential oil has strong antimicrobial with antiseptic properties and also reduces inflammation on rashes, burns, cuts, abscesses, and boils.

Witch Hazel

Makes a great all-purpose remedy for scrapes, cuts, abrasions, burns, itches, and other forms of skin inflammation, especially bug bites!

The above article is not a substitute for medical advice. We recommend only using the highest quality herbs and essential oils —a reputable source is Penn Herb Company.

Jaime McLeod is a longtime journalist who has written for a wide variety of newspapers, magazines, and websites, including MTV.com. She enjoys the outdoors, growing and eating organic food, and is interested in all aspects of natural wellness.

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