What is bruising?
Bruising is a common result of injury. It refers to the dark patches that form on the skin post blunt contact. On impact, capillaries under the skin tend to get damaged. This leads to seepage of blood from the capillaries to the surrounding tissues. This blood then pools and collects under the skin causing bruising.
Bruising symptoms mainly include a discoloring of skin and throbbing pain. The skin usually turns purple-blue. Over time as the collected blood is absorbed and washed away, this coloring fades. Bruising also causes skin to be sensitive; bruises can be painful and uncomfortable. In extreme circumstances excessive bruising can be a symptom of a serious underlying healthy condition (like internal bleeding). While there is no cure for bruising, natural recovery can be boosted by the use of simple natural remedies.
What are the natural cures for bruising?
Bruises can be painful and embarrassing. But by using simple natural measures you can kiss them goodbye.
The simplest bruising treatment is an ice pack. This helps ease both inflammation and pain. Simply apply the pack over the bruised area for periods of 15 minutes through the day.
Parsley is a great treatment for skin bruising. An herb with strong therapeutic properties, parsley has the ability to shrink small blood vessels; this helps reduce bruising swelling. Simply crush a handful of parsley and apply to the bruised area. Leave it on for 20 minutes before washing off.
Another great herb that treats bruising swelling is Arnica. This has been a popular remedy for bruising for years. It is known to for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Arnica also helps improve circulation, which allows the body to flush away the pooled blood. Simply add a few drops of arnica tincture to a cup of water. Soak a piece of cotton or gauze in this solution and bandage the bruise with it.
Applying hazel witch herb can help ease bruising symptoms. This herb is known to ease inflammation and bleeding. Applying the hazel witch ointment over the bruise helps tighten and tone the veins underneath, speeding recovery.
Aromatherapy is also known to speed up the healing process. The essential oils used in this therapy are soothing and have strong healing properties. They boost circulation and promote emotional well-being as well. Oils know to ease bruising include camphor, fennel and lavender. Apply a few drops on a compress and place it over the bruise.
Eat food rich in Vitamin C and Iron like sweet potatoes, citrus fruits and cauliflower. Also eat food rich in bioflavonoid. These ensure that the capillaries are strong. This prevents excessive bleeding. They also have strong anti-inflammatory properties. Lemons, green pepper and broccoli too have anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps to include therapeutic foods like garlic and cabbage to your diet as these foods speed up healing.
How are these remedies beneficial?
Bruising brings a great deal of discomfort and pain. Natural remedies provide much needed relief in such a situation. On the social front, bruising can also be ugly and embarrassing. Using these remedies helps you get rid of those dark patches faster.