How to Get Rid of Hickies With Home Remedies
The term "hickie" refers to a skin condition where the surface capillaries have broken, leaving a reddened mark on the skin, similar to a fresh bruise. In fact, in a sense, a hickie may be considered a bruise, as a bruise is the result of broken capillaries or veins. There are some herbal treatments that may help hickies to heal more quickly, but expect healing to take from 3-7 days in most cases.
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Things You'll Need
- Arnica Montana
- Calendula
- Coffee or spice grinder
- Olive or other vegetable oil
- Small bowl or dish to blend the herbs
- Gauze and dressing tape or band aid
Instructions
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Hickies are broken capillaries near the surface of the skin cause by friction, typically from vigorous kissing or sucking on the skin. As with other skin injuries, it takes time for the capillaries to repair themselves, which usually takes between 7-10 days. It has been shown, however, that traditional herbal medicine can improve healing, along with eating the right foods which are high in nutrients, in particular Vitamins A, C, and zinc. Note: Fruits, vegetables, and nuts are all high in these vitamins. The herb "Arnica Montana" has a long tradition of healing bruises and sprains very rapidly. It should be applied topically, but there are formulas that are prepared by reputable companies that can be taken internally. Those are usually tinctures with an alcohol or glycerin base. Calendula officinalis (marigold flowers) is also an excellent herb to use to heal many types of skin lesions. These two herbs can be blended together.
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To make your own topical ointment, prepare the herbs as follows:Take the dried arnica and calendula and grind in a spice or coffee grinder.
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Mix enough vegetable or olive oil to one teaspoon of herb to make a thick paste.
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Apply the paste to the bruises that need treatment.
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Cover with a gauze dressing, or band aid, and change once a day.
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Tips & Warnings
If you want to prepare a batch of this mixture, you can use more oil and herbs. Place the herbs in a large jar and cover with enough oil to cover the herbs. Allow this to sit for 7-14 days. The healing properties of the herbs will infuse into the oil. Strain the oil and discard the "mark" (that's the mushy herb part). Store the oil in the refrigerator-prevents spoiling of the oil-and this infusion can be used for future bruising, swelling, etc. and skin injuries.
NOTE: For immediate relief, always apply ice to the area. While it won't repair the broken capillaries, it may reduce swelling and superficial bleeding.
Do not apply to open wounds. Do not take internally. If redness or rash appears, discontinue use and consult your health practitioner.
A friendly advisory: If you know that having a hickie in a conspicuous place is going to cause you embarrassment, advise your partner ahead of time. And if your partner is disrespectful enough not to abide by your wishes, take that as a "red flag". Leaving unwanted hickies is not so funny!
