Learn How to Get Rid of Bruises Naturally
Bruises are caused by injury to the soft tissue of skin and muscle. They come in many different shapes, sizes and colors. A bruise can be dark purple to olive green and yellow. Luckily, there are many natural remedies that can expedite the healing process and reduce discoloration of the skin.
Arnica
Arnica is a pain-relieving, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory herb, making it one of the best natural remedies for bruises. It is used as a topical treatment to reduce the appearance of bruises. Gels, creams and ointments containing arnica can be purchased at natural health stores. However, you can also make your own treatments at home using the herb.
To make an arnica compress for bruises, steep 2 teaspoons of dried flowers in 1 cup of hot water for 15 minutes. Strain and cool to room temperature. Arnica tincture can be used in place of the dried herbs by adding 1 dropper full of the liquid to 1 cup water. Immerse a clean, cotton cloth in the solution and apply to the bruised area for 30 minutes up to three times per day.
WARNING: Do not apply arnica in any form to broken skin or open wounds.
Calendula
Calendula is a cooling, antiseptic, astringent, and anti-inflammatory herb. These properties combined with the ability to inhibit bleeding make up one of nature’s greatest natural remedies for bruises. This herb is a traditional remedy for wounds of all kinds.
Apply calendula to the bruised area in the form of a compress, gel, salve or cream. Make a compress by steeping 2 teaspoons of dried calendula flowers in 1 cup hot water for 10 minutes. Strain and cool to room temperature. Wet a clean, cotton cloth in the liquid and apply to the injury up to three times per day.
Comfrey
Comfrey is an anti-inflammatory that contains allantoin, a substance which helps repair damaged cells by “knitting” them back together. It is another of the most powerful natural remedies for treating bruises, strains and sprains.
Make a poultice of comfrey by wrapping wet comfrey leaves in a clean, cotton cloth and apply to bruises. Make a comfrey compress by steeping ¼ cup of dried roots or leaves in 2 cups hot water for 20 minutes. Strain and cool to room temperature. Immerse a clean, cotton cloth in the solution and apply to the bruised area for 1 hour up to four times per day.
Tea
Black and green teas both contain tannins, astringent compounds which help reduce bruises by shrinking swollen tissue and narrowing blood vessels. Tea, though surprisingly effective, is one of the least well-known natural remedies for bruises.
Moisten a tea bag with water and place on the bruise for 15-30 minutes to reduce discoloration and swelling. This is especially effective against black eyes. Keep a few tea bags in your fist aid kit for emergencies.
Cold Application
A cold application immediately after an injury is one of the easiest and most effective natural remedies for bruises. It can help prevent swelling and significant bruising. Cold temperatures encourage the narrowing of blood vessels, reducing blood flow and minimizing swelling.
Cover the skin with a thin, cotton cloth. Apply a bag of frozen vegetables or an ice pack. Elevate the injury and keep it cold for at least 15 minutes. Repeat this treatment 3-4 times per day for the first day of the injury.
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