HOME REMEDIES FOR BRUISES

We get slapped when we enter this world, and we keep getting smacked around it seems every time we play sports, try to walk in high heels, or move across a room with furniture. We are all the time stumbling into every object that wants to cross our path. Our bodies never get used to it and we bruise.

Bruises are caused when a minor skin injury occurs. The first look at the bruise shows a reddish color which may change to blue or purple in a short amount of time. Then it changes to green or yellow. It takes a few days to heal. That's when the mark starts disappearing.

A bruise is also called a contusion or an ecchymosis. It is an injury to biological tissue in which the capillaries are damaged, allowing blood to seep into the surrounding tissue. It is frequently caused by blunt impact. Bruises induce pain, but are not normally dangerous. Sometimes they can be serious such as when they lead to a hematoma or are associated with serious injuries such as fractures or internal bleeding.

The likelihood of bruising, and the severity of it, increases as one ages because older human skin is thinner and less elastic.

Home Remedies for Bruises:

Apply ice or a package of frozen vegetables within 24 hours of the injury, sooner rather than later. The cold constricts the blood vessels. Consequently, less blood spills into the tissues around the injury. By reducing the inflammation and pain it becomes less likely that you will develop a bad discoloration.

The best way to use ice is to wrap it in a towel and apply it for 15 minutes. Then allow the skin to warm up naturally for 10 minutes. Then go back to using ice. This can be repeated four or five times on the first day.

If the bruise is on a limb, elevate it after first wrapping it in an elastic bandage to help blood drain from that area. The blood will be affected by gravity as you elevate the foot, leg or arm . This helps heal the bruise faster.

On day two switch to a heating pad to dilate blood vessels and help circulation.

Heated pieces of the herb comfrey, crushed, placed directly on the bruise helps it heal faster. Or make a poultice by placing the comfrey leaves in hot water then spreading them on a warm, moist washcloth. Place the poultice on the bruise. Warning: Poisonous if swallowed. Also, don't put on open wounds.

Apply apple cider vinegar and cold water on the bruise.

Steep the herb mullein flowers into olive oil and apply it on the bruise.

Break a raw egg and apply to the bruise.

Leaves of the arnica plant may be used in an ointment which can be applied to the bruise.

The herb St. John's wort is supposed to work wonders for bruises. Its anti-bacterial and astringent properties are helpful. Add a few drops of prepared or homemade tincture of St. John's wort to an organic oil or cream and apply to bruised area.

A good herbal infusion to use can be made of arnica, yarrow and chamomile. Together they contain antiseptic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Cabbage contains anti-inflammatory properties which help the healing.

Parsley with its many vitamins also benefits the healing of the bruise. Apply crushed parsley on the bruised area and the discoloration is supposed to disappear.

The astringent, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic witch hazel helps the blood circulate and helps the healing.

Suggested by one website's reader: Place spoon in freezer 10 - 15 minutes. Place it on bruise. "The body will draw the blood away from the surface of the skin the same way it does when you go outside on a cold winter's day."

Slice a raw onion and place over bruise. Do not apply to broken skin.

Take vitamin K or alfalfa tablets which are necessary for proper clotting which helps heal you faster.

Coenzyme Q-10 is essential for the construction of cells as well as the reconstruction of damaged cells.

Vitamin D, calcium and magnesium are all necessary for blood cell formation.

Vitamin E is necessary for healthy skin and helps to improve circulation.

Vitamin C prevents future bruising and heals the internal hemorrhage as well as the outer skin problem.

Another home remedy is cayenne pepper mixed with melted Vaseline in the ratio 1:5. Apply once a day.