Bruises Treatment - Herbal remedies
Most bruises are the result of minor bumps or falls and disappear after only a few days. Even so, they may cause pain, especially if the site of the bruise is pressed or knocked. You may be able to keep a bruise from developing , or at least reduce its severity, if you carry out self-help treatment of the affected area as soon as possible after the injury.
Did you know?
Carrots , apricot and citrus fruits contain yellow plant pigments belonging to the big family of favonoids. These pigments enhance the action of vitamin C in the body, strengthening blood vessels and helping prevent bruising. Make sure that your intake of both vitamin C and flavonoids is adequate. Five servings of vegetables and fruits should supply your daily needs.
A bruise is a discoloured area of skin that forms usually after a blow damages underlying small blood vessels (capillaries). At first the blood leaking from the capillaries make a bruise appear black and blue. Then, as the blood breaks down, the bruise turns yellow , green or purple.
TREATMENT
Immediate action: Apply a cold compress as soon as possible after the injury. Soak a cloth in ice-cold water and place over the area for 10 minutes , or use a pack of frozen peas wrapped in a towel. Take one or two pilules (tiny tablets) of the homeopathic remedy Arnica 30c (or 12x) as soon as possible to minimize bruising. Repeat the dose every 15 to 60 minutes, depending on the severity of your injury , and continue for several doses. Also apply herbal arnica ointment or cream if the skin is not broken. After 24 hours, follow the ice treatment with a hot pack to improve circulation in the bruised area.
Herbal remedies: a number of herbs are effective in reducing the severity of bruicing.
- To make a cabbage-leaf poultice, take the greenest leaves and discard the ribs. Warm the leaves in hot water, then drain and flatten with a rolling pin. Place several leaves over the bruise, and secure with a bandage or taped plastic wrap. Change the poultice every few hours.
- If the skin is not broken or grazed, apply an ointment containing comfrey (available from health-food stores).
- Calendula ointment and witch hazel solution are time-honoured remedies and witch hazel solution, as both help stop bleeding under the skin.
Caution for safety concern.
Aromatherapy:
To soothe a painful bruise , mix five drops sweet marjoram oil and two drops each of myrrh and German chamomile oils with five teaspoons of calendula (marigold) oil or lotion. (Omit the myrrh, however, during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy). Apply to unbroken skin as soon as possible after the injury and repeat hourly until the pain subsides.
Get medical help:
*Bruises appear for no apparent reason.
* Skin discoloration is accompanied by severe pain and swelling.
*A bruise does not fade after a week.
*You bruise more easily after starting new medication. Blood thinners and other drugs, such as certain asthma medicines, may inhibit blood clotting and result in easy bruising.
See strain and sprains.
Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
