Summer is a time of year when people spend more time outdoors. Being outside for a long time results in sun exposure. Overexposure to the sun can not only cause the skin to burn but also lead to aging of the skin, loss of skin elasticity, and skin cancer. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) considers a sunburn to be a trapping of heat combined with dampness.
It is recommended to use sunscreen with an SPF factor of at least 50 and to wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and a wide-brimmed hat. After overexposure to the sun, it’s better to have fresh vegetables and fruits like cucumber, Napa cabbage, kiwi, apple, orange, watermelon, green tea, and chrysanthemum tea to clear heat, remove toxicity, and dispel dampness. Avoid greasy, spicy, and deep-fried foods. Alcohol and coffee dehydrate the body and should also be avoided during the recovery process.
Here is a simple herbal soup that helps to reduce the symptoms of sunburn: 100g of mung beans (绿豆), 100g of YiYiRen (薏苡仁), 50g of BaiMaoGen (白茅根), and 30g of dried chrysanthemum (菊花). Add these ingredients to 2.5L of water, boil, cook for one hour, and drink the tea.
Article provided by Wenqian Zhang 张雯倩, L.Ac., Acupuncturist at Chinese Hospital East West Health Services.