Oh sunshine! It’s an amazing light that is essential to all life… so essential that God provided the sun as a continual source to supply the energy necessary to sustain all life on Earth. This beautiful
ball of energy heats our bodies, cheers our minds and warms our hearts. Everyone loves the sunshine!
Our bodies must have the UVB radiation found in sunlight to make this essential, health-promoting vitamin. When exposed to sunlight, our skin begins to protect itself from overexposure by producing melanin, a chemical that darkens skin. Heightened melanin and vitamin D allow increased exposure to the sun without burning.
In moderation, sunlight can offer many health benefits including:
- improved sleep
- increased mental performance
- heightened metabolism
- relief from arthritic pains
- boosted energy levels
- relief from tension
- increased immunity
- disease prevention
Many people believe that any exposure to sunlight is harmful, but it is actually an overexposure to direct sunlight that should be avoided. When asking how much sunlight is needed for optimal health benefits, studies have shown that approximately 30 minutes a day, three times a week, in direct sunlight is adequate for most Caucasians. The darker your skin, the more sun exposure you need to obtain an adequate amount of vitamin D. (Learn more about the Sunshine Vitamin and its benefits here.)
The Right Amount of Sun Exposure
However, if you burn easily, have very fair skin or live in areas where the sun is particularly intense, you will want to expose yourself to the sun gradually. If your skin becomes red, you may have spent too much time in the sun. Start with as little as 5 minutes per day (for those who are fair-skinned) and gradually increase exposure to 30 minutes or more per day. If you stay out in the sun for longer periods of time, be sure to wear a hat and clothes that will protect the areas of your body that are most likely to burn. You also want to be especially careful with little ones outside as their skin is more susceptible to burning. Remember, sunlight is best in moderation.
In our household, we occasionally end up with a sunburn as a result of being overzealous, staying outside in direct sunlight too long. It’s the way of things when your life revolves around the farm and fields, or the backyard garden that needs tending. Sunburns are painful and sensitive to touch and heat — and for good reason. It’s the body’s way of defending itself against too much sunshine. But, oh, how they can hurt!
When this happens, my family turns to Boericke & Tafel Califlora Calendula Gel (HP036). It cools, soothes and brings such relief to red, burned skin. Along with this, we have used lavender essential oil (Aura Cacia, EO010), which works well also. Our ultimate goal, however, should be to ease into the sunlight so as to avoid any sunburns from the beginning.
But sunlight and all the benefits and concerns that come with it is what makes summer, well, summer. We look forward to spring, but we leap outdoors in summer. It is a refreshing blessing.
I would love to share with you one of our family's favorite ways to utilize the sunshine! Throughout the summer months, we enjoy making Sun Tea. It’s so yummy and nutritious, and the children think it’s just the neatest way to make tea.
How to Make Sun Tea
♦ Fill a gallon jar at least half-full with fresh comfrey leaves and fresh mint leaves. (The more the better.)
♦ Pour boiling water over this and set jar outside in a sunny spot from morning until evening.
♦ Strain tea and add honey to taste. Note: You may substitute any sweetener, such as stevia.
♦ Now mix 2/3 tea and 1/3 pineapple juice together.
♦ Chill and serve.
You may also leave out the pineapple juice and just enjoy the nice tea flavor or you can use this as a base and make a punch with your favorite spritzers. The possibilities are endless.
I hope you all enjoy your summer months and make many happy and special memories with your families and friends.
With kindest thoughts you,
Kimberly