Bruise, medically known as a contusion, is a mark caused by discoloration of the skin that does not blanch, or turn pale or white when pressed upon. It appears when an injury, such an impact or blow, causes vessels to break open and leak blood cells under the skin. The bruise is often swollen and painful. You can get muscle, bone and skin bruises.
An individual may start to bruise more easily than before for various reasons, still bruising does not necessarily indicate some serious health issue.
How to speed up bruise recovery?
The main thing to avoid bruises is to consume fresh vegetables and foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids regularly. But, if you are already bruised some natural remedies can help you go get rid of it faster. Here are the most effective treatments:
- Cold compress
You can apply a cold compress to the affected area in order to reduce pain and swelling. The sooner you put the compress after the harm, the better.
- Aloe Vera
The fresh aloe Vera gel can help you speed up healing of bruises and other skin irritation.
- Cabbage Leaves
If you have bruises on the face, you can take some large leaves of white cabbage and dip them into boiled, hot water. After that, put to the bruise (but make sure not to burn your face, leave them to cool down a little bit so you can stand the temperature on your face).
- Onion
Put some raw onion, directly on the affected area.
- Apple Cider Vinegar
Put a cold or hot poultice of this amazingly beneficial vinegar to the bruises. You will notice the positive difference right after the second application.
- Calendula
Just boil 1 ounce of dried calendula leaves or flowers (alternatively you can use ¼ teaspoon of fresh Calendula juice) with 1,2 ounce of lard to make a salve. When the mixture is cooled, put it on your bruise. This remedy is also good for treating pulled muscles, boils, sores, and sprains.
- John’s Wort
Put 12-16 drops of this oil into a ½ cup of water and apply it on the affected area.
- Garden Thyme
Place some green plant parts into a water and boil them for 3-4 minutes. Then, cover the pot and leave it for additional 2 minutes. In the end, strain the mixture and add it to your bath water, and soak in it as you usually do.
- Vitamin K
Vitamin K will help you reduce the pain and swelling. Apply it topically a few times per day.
- Fenugreek Seeds
Simply put a ½ ounce of fenugreek seeds into a small cloth bag and then, boil them in a cup of water for 4-5 minutes. In the end, remove the bag and put some of the “tea water” on the affected area. You should make it as hot as you can actually stand (be careful do not scald your skin).
- Lavender Essential Oil
Mix 2-3 drops of lavender oil and some carrier oil (olive, coconut, or almond oil) and put it directly to your bruise. Smear a little bit. The bruise will go away fast.
Note: If it is hurting or burning when applying the oil mixture, that means you added too much lavender essential oil. In this case, wash off with warm water immediately. So, do not use more than 3 drops of this oil.
- Arnica Essential Oil
Arnica roots and flowers have been used from ancient times as an herbal medicine. This plant has great anti-inflammatory properties. It helps stimulate the flow of the white blood cells that process congested blood to disperse trapped fluid from the muscles, bruised tissue and joints.
The arnica oil is recommended just for topical applications and in diluted form, because pure arnica essential oil is really potent and can cause serious side effects.
- Butter
Butter especially works when you feel that a bruise is coming on your injured skin. The fat from butter can help the skin cells to heal the bruise faster. Simply take one little piece of butter and smear it all over the affected area. Hopefully, the bruise will come up in small intensity or even no bruise at all.
- Toothpaste and Warm Water
Take some toothpaste and smear it over your bruise. Wait for 15-20 minutes and wash off with very warm water (as warm as your skin can take). Repeat this until the bruise has gone completely.
Conclusion:
Bruises are one of the most common sports injuries right after strains, and even though not considered a severe injury, it can cause little discomfort and form a nasty looking discoloration on your skin. If you are one of those people you need to eat more fresh vegetables and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, especially fish. Home remedies can help you reduce the pain and swelling. If your bruise is not fading after 9-15 days of natural treatment, or you experience very painful bruises on some parts of your body contact your doctor immediately.
Moreover, if your bruises are a result of any kind of violence and/or you are in danger please CALL 911 or contact The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) for anonymous, confidential help and support.