Natural First Aid for a Black Eye

A black eye is a common injury that can be easily treated at home. Read on to discover basic natural first aid for a black eye.

Natural First Aid for a Black Eye - Ice Compress

The first thing you need to do when you have a black eye is to apply an ice pack or compress. This will help stop the swelling and numb some of the pain associated with bruising. Fill a plastic bag with ice and wrap in a clean dish cloth, then place on the black eye. This technique is natural first aid that anyone can accomplish.

Natural First Aid for a Black Eye - Cold Compress

For a black eye with significant swelling and pain, place a cold compress over the black eye. Leave it in place for at least thirty minutes and remove. If the black eye is still painful after this time period, replace the cold compress. Continue this procedure with the compress as long as needed. This natural first aid technique will help with the swelling tremendously.

Natural First Aid for a Black Eye - Plantain or Potato Compress

Make a poultice from plantain leaves or grated potato, raw of course, and place it over the black eye for a quick and easy natural first aid remedy. The plantain or potato will reduce swelling and irritation of the black eye. Plantain can be found growing wild during the spring, summer and fall months. However, potatoes are always handy and they work wonders for a black eye when used in this way.

Natural First Aid for a Black Eye - Homeopathy Remedies

If you keep natural first aid products on hand such as homeopathic remedies, the following guidelines should help you decide which are best used in the event of a black eye.

If you have a black eye that is relieved by the cold and hurts when it's warm, take four capsules of Ledum. Dissolve them under your tongue for maximum benefit.

If you have a black eye accompanied by excessive pain, take four capsules of Hypericum. Dissolve them under your tongue for maximum benefit.

If you have a black eye with injury to the soft tissue above or below the eye, take four capsules of Arnica, dissolved under the tongue as advised above.

Natural First Aid for a Black Eye - Follow-Up Care

Natural first aid can almost always alleviate symptoms of a black eye, however, follow-up care may be required.

Take one dropper full of eyebright tincture twice daily for up to six weeks after the black eye was received. This will help strengthen the eye and prevent further irritation and swelling. You may also wish to wear sunglasses or other protective eye covering while the black eye is healing.

Natural First Aid for a Black Eye - Warnings

If the eye itself is bleeding or if you are unable to see out of the eye once the swelling has gone down, you should seek professional medical attention immediately. You should also go to a physician if vision is blurry or otherwise disturbed once the swelling is gone.