Home Remedies for Bruise

Bruises (hematomas) usually occur as a result of blunt injuries. In this case, external forces lead to damage of blood vessels running under the skin surface, so that blood leaks into the tissue. The tendency to develop a bruise varies interindividually – home remedies can help relieve it at different stages of injury.

What helps to relieve bruising?

St. John’s oil is also able to accelerate the healing of bruises due to the active ingredient tannin it contains. If a bruise occurs, sensible measures to be taken depend, among other things, on the extent of the injury and general state of health. For example, if a particularly extensive bruise swells due to the use of blood-thinning medication, it may be advisable to consult a doctor. In many cases, however, a hematoma can be effectively controlled with the help of home remedies. Immediately after suffering a blunt injury to extremities such as arms or legs, the risk of bruising can be reduced, for example, by applying a tight bandage. Such a bandage should be applied in the area of the experienced bump or blow – the resulting pressure can limit the leakage of blood from the vessels. When applying a bandage to prevent a bruise, however, care should be taken to ensure that excessive pressure does not completely cut off the blood supply. If arms or hands are affected by an impact injury, it may be useful to place the corresponding body part at the level of the heart for a short time – in this way, blood flow to the injured tissue decreases and the risk of bruising is reduced. After a severe blunt injury to the leg or foot, a similar effect can be achieved by having the affected person lie down for a short period of time. If a bruise has been present for more than about 24 hours, it can be effectively countered with heat (however, this measure should be avoided in the first 24 hours after a bump or blow): A heat source of comfortable temperature applied to the injured body part (such as a hot water bottle or heating pad) can accelerate the release of congested blood.

Quick help

The more quickly a bruise is countered after a blunt injury has been sustained, the more effective the corresponding measure usually turns out to be. One form of rapid help is, for example, the immediate cooling of the affected part of the body. The use of ice pads or cooling bags, for example, is suitable for this purpose. If such a source of cold is not available, a washcloth with cool water can be used as an alternative. The use of cooling bags or ice pads should be briefly interrupted after every 10 minutes to prevent hypothermia of the skin. For a similar reason, it is also recommended to protect the skin with a cloth before applying appropriate cooling elements. For example, to combat a bruise that has already existed for at least 24 hours as quickly as possible, a warm compress can be applied, soaked with a tablespoon of vinegar in addition to warm water. The vinegar contained stimulates the flow of blood under the surface of the skin and in this way can accelerate the decline of a bruise.

Alternative remedies

If a bruise is to be combated with the help of alternative remedies, those affected can resort to arnica, for example. The active ingredients of the medicinal plant exert anti-inflammatory and decongestant effects. In order for the remedy to exert its soothing effect, it should be applied to a bruise several times a day, for example in the form of creams or gels. St. John’s oil is also able to accelerate the healing of bruises due to the active ingredient tannin it contains. When applied about three times a day, the oil causes, among other things, tissue contraction after some time of application, which in turn inhibits further leakage of blood from the injured blood vessels. The herb parsley is also said to have an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect – for this purpose, the grated herb is applied to a bruise with the help of an elastic bandage. Last but not least, a hematoma can also be treated by using pineapple. The enzyme bromelain contained in the fruit can have an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect if taken regularly.