Bruising
Bruising refers to bruises-darkish black and blue marks
on the skin that are usually formed without a cut. Bruising
occurs due to blood that leaks out of capillaries, generally
after an injury, and collects just beneath the surface
of the skin.
Typically, the first discolorations of bruises are black
and blue. Then, when the hemoglobin of the blood breaks
down, the color turns to yellow. Bruises are also associated
with some swelling and surrounding redness of the tissues.
What To Consider
Bruising is more common in children, primarily as a
result of accidents. Bruising also occurs more frequently
in women than in men, which may be due to the estrogen
demands of vitamin C on the body.
Bruises that do not fade after a week, or are recurrent
without cause, may be signs of bleeding disorders or
vitamin C and bioflavonoid deficiencies. Or they could
be signs of underlying stresses on the body that continually
deplete the vitamin C stores. In such cases, it is important
that you see your physician.
Self-Care Tips
Diet
Eat
a whole foods diet that emphasizes foods rich in vitamin
C and bioflavonoids, such as fresh fruits, green leafy
vegetables, and buckwheat.
Nutritional Supplementation
Vitamin C with bioflavonoids and rutin, alfalfa tablets,
vitamin B6, folic acid, vitamin E, and iron are all
nutrients that can speed the healing of bruising.
Aromatherapy
Put a few drops of lavender oil on gauze compress and place on the bruise
two or three times a day. Other essential oils that
can help heal bruises are camphor, fennel, and hyssop.
Rescue Remedy Cream can be applied on bruises (minimum four times a day).
Herbs
Apply
a compress made with oil of hyssop or a mixture of tumeric
and honey to bruise.
Homeopathy
Arnica, Ruta grav., Hypericum, Hamamelis, and
Symphytum are all useful remedies for bruising.
Calendula lotion is another highly effective homeopathic
treatment for bruising.
Hydrotherapy
Apply contrast (hot and cold water) therapy to the affected area in a
sequence of 20 seconds hot, then ten seconds cold, for
several minutes every hour. This will help reduce the
congestion of bruising. The sooner after the injury
this is done the better.
Juice Therapy
Drinking the juice of carrot and beet can provide necessary
nutrients to help quicken healing time.
Topical Treatment
Mashed yerba santa leaves soaked in hot water, applied to the bruise and
covered with a clean cloth, is a very effective treatment
for bruising, as is a compress made of the chilled infusion
of comfrey or sage. Applying a slice of raw onion to
a bruise can also speed healing time. Alternatively,
you can apply commercial witch hazel solution to the
affected area.
Caution
If your symptoms persist despite the above measures,
seek the help of a qualified health professional.
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