Natural Treatments for Bruises

I've always heard that if you get a lot of bruises, you're not taking enough vitamin C, or you may just have fair skin that shows the bruises more. As it turns out, vitamin C and bioflavonoids are very important in maintaining the capillary health that prevents easy bruising. But what can you do to relieve pain and swelling and heal it, once you have a bruise?

Also known as an ecchymosis, a bruise is caused by the release of blood from capillaries into the sub-dermal (under the skin) tissues. A typical bruise starts out bluish-black and eventually fades as it is absorbed by the bloodstream. It can be caused by injury, an allergic reaction, or serious diseases such as leukemia and hemophilia. Therefore it is vital that you check with your physician if you suspect that your bruises are caused by something other than physical trauma.

There are many home remedies for bruises available, including Arnica cream, a homeopathic remedy that stimulates healing (this should not be used on broken skin, however). Liquid witch hazel, which most people already have in their medicine chest, disperses blood and encourages healing. Sage leaves added to apple cider vinegar, simmered together and placed on a cloth, will also do the trick. You can also use a plain cold vinegar compress to relieve the swelling. Bruised and heated caraway seeds combined with soft, hot bread and applied to the bruise are effective, as are the more exotic mullein oil, or a Shepherd's Purse or Solomon's Seal root poultice.

What's the difference between a compress and a poultice? According to "Webster's New World Dictionary", a compress is a pad of folded, wet or medicated cloth, while a poultice is a hot, soft, moist mass applied to the body.

What are some other bruise home remedies? Crushed agrimony roots and leaves can be used as a compress or internally. Comfrey is very useful as a compress. But NEVER take comfrey internally because it can be poisonous. Daisy, also known as bruisewort, will help if you use the bruised leave and flowers and add them to wheat germ oil. Another treatment is crushed yarrow applied directly on bruises.

Besides Arnica cream, homeopathic remedies include Hamamelis, Ruta. grav., Hypericum and tincture of Calendula. Bach Rescue Remedy, which comes in a tincture and can induce calm in times of anxiety when taken internally, can also be applied directly to a bruise to heal it.

As mentioned above, a vitamin C supplement is important as a bruise preventative, as well as citrus, green peppers, broccoli, cherries and apricots, which all contain vitamin C and bioflavonoids that help improve capillary health and act as anti-inflammatories. Zinc is also a capillary strengthener. And don't forget to add parsley to your meals to prevent easy bruising.

You should be able to find any of the home remedies mentioned above at your local supermarket, pharmacy or health food store. It's easy to treat common bruises, but if you have really serious or chronic bruising, please consult your doctor.