Bruises and Swelling- Natural Remedies

Bruises and Swelling

Externally hold under a cold tap for a few minutes, apply an ice pack or a frozen bag of peas, apple cider vinegar or tamanu oil to reduce swelling. A poultice made from chicory or lettuce and nutmeg can be applied to further reduce bruises and swelling.

Natural foods to consume to treat bruises and swelling are: asparagus, cherries, nutmeg, olives, papaya, rosehips

Increasing the recovery speed of bruising

Bruising results from the release of blood from the capillaries into the tissues under the skin.

The characteristic bluish-black mark on the skin lightens in colour and eventually fades as the blood is absorbed by the tissues and carried away. Bruising usually occurs as a result of an injury, but can occasionally be spontaneous and an indication of an allergic reaction, or more serious disease.

                                   

Eat foods high in bioflavonoids, originally called Vitamin P. A bioflavonoids primary job is to protect the capillaries, keep them strong and to prevent bleeding. Bioflavonoids are also anti-inflammatory. Lemons, green peppers, broccoli and rose hips are good sources of bioflavonoids. If taking bioflavonoid supplements, for the best absorption into the body, take with Vitamin C.

Early Greek bruise treatments

The early Greek herbalists considered St. Johns Wort an effective herb for healing wounds . It was used to dress sword cuts in the Middle Ages. Modern analysis of the plant has shown the plant to have antibacterial and astringent properties, both qualities useful in the speedy healing of cuts and wounds.

Externally, either add a few drops of tincture to an organic oil or cream and gently apply to the bruised area or apply a few drops of the tincture directly to the skin and allow to soak in. An infusion can be used to bathe wounds, skin sores and bruises. Internally, take as an infusion or tincture for anxiety, nervous tension, irritability or emotional upsets. For long-standing nervous tension, take a tincture for at least two months.

Traditional Medieval bruise remedy

Comfrey is among the oldest herbal remedies for skin problems. Poultices of the fresh leaves are a traditional home remedy for sprains, bruises and cuts. Comfrey not only promotes the healing of tissue and bone, but at the same time reduces swelling, effectively speeding up the healing process. Comfrey's healing powers have been attributed to its high content of allantoin, a substance that promotes the growth of tissue, bone and cartilage, both externally and internally. There is however some controversy over the safety of taking comfrey internally over a long period. It contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, compounds that are toxic to the liver. So use liberally in a cream or oil externally on bruised skin.

Believe it or not, cabbage may help

Cabbage has traditionally been used for medical purposes as well as for cooking. It has anti-inflammatory properties, and contains chemicals which can prevent cancer. Applied to bruises and swelling, macerated cabbage leaves will encourage healing .

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