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Witnessing a sudden blue-black appearance on the skin? The lingering pain paired with the appearance of the bruise is definitely not something you are favoring, right? There is actually a plethora of ways to get rid of bruises naturally.
Bruises can officially be of varying types depending on the source of the accident. Some are mild while some are severe. Whatever the type be, it is necessary to tend to it without letting it heal for itself.
In this article, we are going to be discussing about the natural ways to treat bruises that you can opt for in the comfort of your own home.
What are Bruises?
Owing to the fact that our skin is our body’s first line of defense, any kind of inflicted trauma or injury can make the skin to either discolour or even result in the bursting of the blood vessels residing underneath.
Bruises are normally the outcome that we witness owing to any kind of inflicted injury or trauma which can cause disruption of the blood vessels, causing the area to inflame or even have a blue-black appearance.
Home Remedies for Bruises
When it comes to tending to the bruises home remedy, the available options are quite varying. Bruises are often the outcome of blood clots, so it is quite important to tend to the issue before it becomes worse.
In this section, we are going to be walking you through the home remedy for cuts and bruises you can use to get rid of the pain and inflammation effectively.
Check Out These Effective Remedies For Bruise.
1. Hot or Cold Compress
The application of any form of compress – cold or hot is quite effective in getting rid of the inflammation and the pain that accompanies the bruise. Both warm and cold compress are quite effective in the treatment for bruises.
This is mainly because of the fact that the compress aids in not just putting mild pressure to relieve the inflammation and pain but also helps in boosting the blood circulation (R) underneath to get rid of the possible presence of any blood clot.
What to do?
- In a compress, either fill it with ice cubes or warm water
- Press it over the bruise mildly
- Leave it on for 5-6 minute
How often?
- Repeat this multiple times throughout the day
2. Tight Bandage
Yet another one of the ways to get rid of bruises is by using a tight bandage wrap around the bruise. Bandaging the area of the bruise with an elastic bandage helps in getting rid of the excess tear and damage of the tissues underneath.
When you squeeze the tissues underneath, it helps ensure that the bruise won’t be as severe as you would imagine it to be.
What to do?
- Use an elastic bandage and wrap it around the bruise tightly
- Leave it on for a few hours till the tissues and blood vessels are stabilized underneath
How often?
- Just initially when the bruise is at its worst
3. Elevation
Yet another amazing way to combat the causes for bruises is by elevating it so it’s above the heart. This helps in preventing any possibility of a blood clot and helps drain the fluid away from the site of the bruise.
The elevation is also quite effective in reducing the pressure inflicted in the area. Instead of keeping it down, relax the area and ensure that keep it in an elevated position to help boost the healing process even further.
4. Lavender Oil
Essential oils are one of the best home remedies for bruises on arms or even other parts of the body. Amidst it all, the lavender oil does stand out of the crowd.
Loaded with amazing analgesic properties along with natural healing properties which help in getting rid of the pain and healing the condition of the bruise from within. For better results, you can even mix lavender oil and tea tree oil and get rid of the condition effectively.
What to do?
- To any carrier oil, mix 10 drops of lavender oil and 10 drops of tea tree oil
- Apply this over the bruise and massage it gently so it triggers proper blood circulation and even helps the oils seep into the skin
How often?
- Repeat this multiple times daily
5. Parsley
Parsley has a combination of anti-inflammatory and analgesic (R) (R) properties which is what plays a crucial role to get rid of bruises. The application of the parsley paste over the bruise extensively helps in boosting the healing process of the bruise.
Not just that, parsley is also believed to trigger better blood circulation in the blood vessels underneath the skin which aids in getting rid of the appearance of the bruise as well.
What to do?
- In a mortar and pestle, crush a bunch of parsley leaves with stalk
- Make a fine paste out of it
- Apply the same over the bruise in a fine layer
- Cover the area with an elastic bandage
How often?
- 2-3 times daily
6. Arnica
Arnica is a homeopathic herb which is predominantly used in treating the problems associated with inflammation and pain. The combination of the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of the Arnica is what helps to get rid of bruises naturally.
Even a conducted study (R) back in 2010 tested out to be positive when it came to treating the laser induced bruises.
What to do?
- Use arnica oil, ointment or even gel and apply it topically on the bruise
- Massage it gently to help it seep into the skin
- Leave it on
How often?
- 2-3 times daily
7. Apple Cider Vinegar
The combination of apple cider vinegar and water has been found to be quite effective in getting rid of the bruise.
The main reason behind the effectiveness of this combination is because of the fact that it boosts the overall blood circulation around the area which ends up boosting the overall healing process. The better the blood circulation, the faster is the healing.
What to do?
- Mix 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and water
- Dip cotton into the solution and apply it over the bruise
- Press it gently on the bruise
How often?
- 3-4 times daily
8. Consume more Citrus Fruits
Yet another amazing one of the natural ways to treat bruises is by increasing the consumption of citrus fruits like that of oranges, lemons and berries.
The presence of Vitamin C in these fruits actually does help to rebuild the elasticity of the skin and boosts the stability and health of the arteries and veins which further help in healing the bruise effectively.
What to do?
- Include more citrus fruits in your diet
- It’s best to snack on them
How often?
- 2-3 times daily
9. Vitamin K ointment
Vitamin K does play a very crucial role in getting rid of the issues related with blood clotting. If the inflicted injury is severe, chances are that there could be issues with the blood clotting because of the severe injury to the blood vessels.
The vitamin K cream when applied topically helps in healing the bruise and gets rid of the inflammation that accompanies the condition.
What to do?
- Take a dollop of the Vitamin K cream onto your fingers
- Apply this over the bruise
- Massage it gently for it to seep into the skin
- Leave it on
How often?
- 2-3 times daily
10. Epsom Salt
Epsom Salt is made of magnesium sulfate (R) (R) which imposes amazing benefits in not just getting rid of the inflammation but also helps subside the pain that accompanies the condition.
One of the best bruises home remedies is to either apply Epsom salt solution or even soak yourself in a tub filled with water and Epsom salt.
What to do?
- In a bowl, mix one tablespoon of Epsom salt and water
- Make a solution to ensure everything has dissolved
- Using a cotton pad, apply this on the bruise
- Leave it on or wash it if the same irritates your skin
How often?
- 1-2 times daily
11. Comfrey Leaves
The usage of comfrey leaves as one of the home remedies for bruises on arms is not quite conventional. Not many people are aware of this specific natural ingredient.
What makes it a potent remedy to get rid of bruises is because of the amazing anti-inflammatory and analgesic (R) properties it has. It is believed that the combination does help in boosting the overall healing process, thus getting rid of the bruise easily.
What to do?
- In a mortar and pestle, crush the comfrey leaves
- Make a smooth paste
- Apply it on the bruised area and let it dry
- Once dried, apply a second layer over it and let it dry again
- Following that, wash it off and repeat the process daily
How often?
- 1-2 times daily
12. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is actually one of the best ways to heal bruises because of the multifaceted benefits that it imposes.
It is loaded with beneficial anti-inflammatory (R), analgesic (R) and skin-repairing (R) properties which combined help act on getting rid of the pain, inflammation and even lessen the appearance of the bruise on the skin.
What to do?
- Apply aloe vera gel on the bruise
- Massage it gently into the skin
- Leave it on
How often?
- 3-4 times daily
13. Pineapple
The active compound in the pineapple, Bromelain is quite effective in getting rid of the pain and inflammation that often accompanies the condition of bruises.
Bromelain is quite effective in not just fighting off the appearance of the bruise, but the same is also quite effective in boosting the overall blood circulation which further helps in healing the bruise effectively.
What to do?
- Apply ointments with bromelain on the area of the bruise
- You can even consume pineapple for similar benefits
How often?
- For the ointment, apply it 2-3 times daily
14. Toothpaste
The application of toothpaste is believed to not just boost the overall blood circulation under the skin which is what aids in healing the bruise effectively. Make sure that you are using the white toothpaste and not the gel ones.
Toothpaste is also quite effective in healing the inflammation that often does accompany the bruise.
What to do?
- Take a squirt of the toothpaste on your finger
- Apply it over the bruise
- Cover the same with a bandage to not transfer it onto the sheets
- Leave it on overnight
- Wash it off the next morning
How often?
- Every night till its healed
15. Ginger
Yet another one of the ways to get rid of bruises is with the usage of ginger. Ginger has both warming and anti-inflammatory (R) (R) properties which work magic to get rid of the pain and the inflammation that accompanies the condition.
The application of ginger helps boost the blood circulation which, in turn, boosts the overall healing process of the ginger.
What to do?
- In a mortar and pestle, crush some ginger with the skin on
- Apply it over the bruise
- Secure the same by tying a bandage around it
- Leave it on for a few hours
How often?
- 2-3 times daily
16. Witch Hazel
The usage of witch hazel in the treatment of cuts and bruises has been in the works since way back in history. This is one of the best home remedies for bruises on arms and other definite parts of the body.
Majority of the time, people tend to opt for the ointments that include witch hazel as a treatment for bruises because it imposes its beneficial healing and anti-inflammatory (R) properties.
What to do?
- Dab some witch hazel solution on a cotton ball
- Apply it on the bruise
- Leave it on
How often?
- 2-3 times daily
17. Garlic
The usage of garlic as a home remedy for cuts and bruises is actually quite impactful and effective. The active compound in the Garlic, Allicin, is what helps in getting rid of the pain as well as the inflammation.
Allicin has amazing anti-inflammatory (R) and analgesic (R) properties which contribute to getting rid of the inflammation and heals the bruise from within.
What to do?
- Peel a few garlic cloves and crush them to a fine paste in a mortar and pestle
- Apply the paste on the bruise
- Cover it up with a bandage
- Leave it on overnight
- Wash off the remnants the next morning
How often?
- Once every day
18. Papaya
The application of papaya is quite beneficial in neutralizing the effects of the bruises caused because of insect bites and such.
The enzymes present in the papaya are apparently quite amazing in neutralizing the venom that’s injected into the body by the insect bites.
The soothing property of the papaya further aids in getting rid of the inflammation and the irritation caused because of the bruises.
What to do?
- Cut a slice of the papaya and place it over the bruise
- Leave it on for an hour or so
- Secure it with a bandage if you are on the go
How often?
- 2-3 times daily
19. Vanilla extract
Not many would correlate vanilla extract with that of bruise healing, right?
While the application of vanilla extract is not necessarily correlated with the direct healing of the bruise, it is believed that it does have impacts in preventing the deepening of the blue-black appearance of the bruise.
The antioxidant properties in vanilla are what help in getting rid of the dark appearance of the bruise by promoting easier and effective healing.
What to do?
- Directly apply a few drops of the vanilla extract on the bruise
- Massage it gently onto the skin
- Leave it on
How often?
- 2-3 times daily
20. Honey
As absurd as it might sound, honey is actually quite essential in healing bruises and cuts caused because of insect bites.
The effective antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of the honey impose beneficial impacts in healing the bruise from within and that too at record time.
What to do?
- Apply some honey on the bruise
- Gently massage it into the skin
- Leave it on for 20-30 minutes
- Wash it off after that
How often?
- 3-4 times daily
21. Cabbage
If you have been on the lookout for natural ways to treat bruises, cabbage leaves to work amazingly. It helps in lessening the dark appearance of the bruise and even heals it from within.
The compound, berteroin (R), which is present in cabbage has amazing and effective benefits in getting rid of the pain and inflammation that is caused because of the inflicted wound.
What to do?
- Peel off some cabbage leaves and dip it in hot water
- Apply that cabbage leaf on the bruise
- Secure it around with a bandage
- Leave it on for 45 minutes to an hour
How often?
- 2-3 times daily till the bruise heals
22. Thyme
Thyme is yet another one of the natural herbs which impose beneficial impacts in getting rid of the bruises and helps heal it from within.
The herb works best when used as a bath soak because it inflicts faster benefits of the herb in the body in healing the issues you face with a bruise.
What to do?
- Fill a bathtub with warm water
- Separately, boil some water in a pot and add a few sprigs of thyme in it. Boil it for 10-15 minutes and let it steep. Strain the liquid and add it to the bathwater
- Soak yourself in that for 20 minutes or so
How often?
- Once every day till the bruise heels
23. Cayenne Pepper
The use of cayenne pepper to get rid of bruises is not just an easy method but an effective one as well. While the same might not seem like it, it is actually an effective remedy to heal the bruise from within.
The cayenne pepper does contain effective anti-inflammatory and analgesic (R) properties which are quite beneficial in getting rid of the pain as well as the inflammation that accompanies a bruise.
What to do?
- Make a paste with cayenne pepper powder and Vaseline or even coconut oil
- Apply this over the bruise
- Leave it on for 10-15 minutes
- Wash it off after that
How often?
- 1-2 times daily
24. Mullein Flowers
Quite an underrated natural remedy, the Mullein flowers are actually believed to be quite beneficial in the treatment of a number of kinds of bruises.
Not only does it possess antibacterial properties, it is also loaded with emollient and astringent properties which further help in getting rid of the appearance of the bruise. Pairing this up with olive oil further helps in repairing the skin tissues which aid in getting rid of the bruise easily.
What to do?
- Warm-up some olive oil and drop some of the flowers in them
- Let the flowers steep into the oil for 5-10 minutes
- Cool the oil down and apply it on the bruise
- Gently massage it into the skin
- Leave it on
How often?
- 2-3 times daily
25. Fenugreek
Last on the list of the amazing ways to heal bruises is fenugreek. Much like many of the other remedies, fenugreek works to subside the pain and also works to get rid of the inflammation.
The combination of the analgesic and anti-inflammatory (R) properties of the fenugreek seeds is what helps get rid of both the pain and the inflammation effectively.
What to do?
- In a mortar and pestle, crush a few fenugreek seeds
- Boil these in a pot of boiling water
- Let it steep for 10 minutes
- Strain the liquid and using a cotton ball, apply it on the area of the bruise
- Leave it on
How often?
- 3-4 times daily
What Causes Bruises?
Bruises can be the outcome of any kind of inflicted injury. They can either be known or sometimes even unknown ones which you come to witness at a later time.
Some of the common causes for bruises include:
- Injury
- Accidents during exercising
- Bleeding disorder
- Thinning of the skin layer with age
- Because of medicines
Symptoms of Bruises
The symptoms are bruises are quite easy to spot and detect. The lingering base of some of the common symptoms of bruises includes:
- The reddish appearance of the bruise in the initial stage
- The bruise turns bluish black after a few hours and then turns into a yellowish green colour once it has healed
- Pain in the affected area of the bruise
- Possible blood clot
When it comes to the various ways in which one can get rid of bruises, the natural remedies definitely stand out of the crowd. Not only do they help heal the bruises naturally, they are also quite effective in getting rid of the pain and the inflammation that accompanies the condition.
