Sunburn

American Bittersweet

Celastrus scandens

Habitat: Eastern deciduous forest & tallgrass prairie

Season: Early summer-fall

Active Chemical Ingredient: Beta-carotene (C₄₀H₅₆) protects cells against damage.

Uses: The bark of the plant is used to treat burns and scrapes.

Preparation: An ointment made from the bark and applied to the affected area will help heal burns and minor skin afflictions. The fruit is toxic.

How does neutralization of free radicals by beta-carotene work? (n.d.). Retrieved September 6, 2015, from http://chemistry.stackexchange.com/questions/13866/how-does-neutralization-of-free-radicals-by-beta-carotene-work

Pineapple Weed

Matricaria discoidea

Habitat: Eastern deciduous forest & tall grass prairie

Season: May-September

Active Chemical Ingredient: Myrcene (C₁₀H₁₆) 

Uses: Pineapple weed can be used to relieve itching of insect bites such as flea or tick. It can also soothe sunburns.

Preparation: Rub leaves on skin to repel insects or relieve itching. Making a salve or ointment out of the pineapple weed will soothe a sunburn.

Myrcene. (n.d.). Retrieved September 9, 2015, from http://www.rdchemicals.com/molimg/big/8081.gif

Pineapple Weed(Matricaria matricaioides). (n.d.). Retrieved September 9, 2015, from http://www.wildmanstevebrill.com/Plants.Folder/Pineappleweed.html