The Hour

Summer has its own complaints for us sensitive skinned Scots. Ailments such as sunburn, prickly heat and swollen ankles can put a dampener on fun in the sunshine. However, there is no need to spend a fortune at the chemist with remedies readily available in the garden or kitchen cupboard.

Herbalist Anna Hill said: “There are remedies that I’ve picked from the garden or just pulled out of the kitchen, and we can use these rather than spending money in the chemist.”

Sunburn is one of the most common afflictions during the summer time and even the somewhat lacking Scottish sun can damage the skin. There are alternatives to expensive aftersun care but it is always better to wear sunblock as a preventative measure.

Aloe Vera is a useful plant to have around the house as it produces a cooling gel that sooths sunburn and any other minor burns. It has to be grown inside as it is a tropical plant and cannot survive outside in this country. It is readily available from garden centres and supermarkets.  

Anna said: “Yogurt can be used to sooth sunburn too. Put a bit of yogurt on a damp tea towel and apply straight to the sunburn, don’t let the yogurt dry onto the skin.

Another common skin irritation in the summer is prickly heat, this occurs when the sweat ducts become blocked. The skin then becomes red and enflamed causing discomfort and itching. The best way to prevent this is to try and keep the skin cool by taking a cold bath or shower. Anna would also recommend drinking a natural infusion of nettles and chickweed.

She said: “Nettle is a natural antihistamine and chickweed is very good for itching too, make a tea from them and hot water.”

During the hot weather sweat rashes can occur very easily, they are caused by excess moisture building up on the skin. This can lead to irritation and perhaps even a fungal infection. These rashes can be avoided by keeping the skin cool and wearing materials that wick away the sweat, like cotton. They are less likely to occur if you keep the skin dry.  

Anna said: “Use a natural talcum powder such as corn flower, or if a fungal infection appears you can use ordinary vinegar or tea tree essential oil to clear it up.”

As the body heats up, the blood flows to the extremities to try and cool itself down. In the legs this, added to the natural effect of gravity, can cause hot and swollen ankles. Improving the circulation can help prevent swollen ankles. Anna would also recommend trying to keep the legs and feet cool, and elevate them to reduce the blood flow.

She said: “You can spray things like witch hazel or rose water onto the feet to try and cool them down.”