How to Care for a Bruise Naturally

Bruises appear when you bump a part of your body hard enough to cause bleeding under the skin. If you get bruises for no reason, talk to your doctor to rule out a more serious illness.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Arnica Gels
• Arnica Ointments
• Cold Compresses
• Ice Packs
• Ice packs

1. Elevate the bruised area if possible, and try not to move it much. The faster the blood is able to clot, the sooner your bruise will disappear.

2. Apply cold packs or ice for 30 minutes at a time for a day or two following the injury to reduce any swelling that accompanies your bruise.

3. Use arnica cream or lotion on the bruise to speed healing. Arnica is an herb that can be applied topically to stimulate white blood cells, which resolve congested blood.

4. Talk to your health care provider about taking a homeopathic arnica preparation orally.

5. Avoid taking aspirin because it thins blood and will delay healing.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have persistent pain or a headache, see a doctor. It may indicate a more serious injury.
• If you have any questions or concerns, contact a physician or other health care professional before engaging in any activity related to health and diet. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

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[rkayne]

on 11/3/2006 All great tips, but add Bromelain, the key ingredient of Pineapple. You can eat a lot of Pineapple, or take Bromelain as a supplement. Really good for the deep bruises in conjunction with the tips above!

on 8/8/2006 First, you will need a box of Epsom salt. Mix a couple of tablespoons into a bowl of hot water and a towel to let it soak. Then apply the towel to the bruised area for 30 minutes at a time, every two-three hours. Notice how the swelling will disappear instantly and over the next few days the bruise will fade away sooner than expected.

on 11/22/2005 During my Mexican vacation I fell out of a kayak and landed on coral. Ouch!!! I had a 6-inch long bruise above my knee. It looked really bad. When I went to Chichen Itza, I was told about an old Mexican remedy by my Mayan tour guide. I was instructed to prepare my knee right before bed by melting a chocolate bar, spreading it on my knee, and to wrapping it in gauze. I did this and the next morning, the very dark black bruise was a pale yellow color. Try it...it works!