Bruises
Bruises, also known as Contusion or Ecchymosis, are common injuries characterized by temporary discoloration of the skin due to damaged capillaries.
Symptoms
Fresh bruises are tender and painful. They initially appear to have reddish color which changes to blue or dark purple after a few hours. Yellow or green bruises are indication of injuries that nears healing. Bruises causes by minor cuts or scrapes are at no risk of infection if the skin are not broken and is not contaminated.
Causes
Bruises generally occur due to minor skin injuries. However, bruises can also be acquired during minor accidents while doing extrenuous or rigorous exercise which tears the blood vessels underneath the skin, bleeding disorders, thinning of the skin for elderly people, bumps left unnoticed in areas such as the shin or thigh.
Home Remedies
Comfrey tea: Applying buchu or Comfrey tea on the bruise will reduce the pain and skin discoloration.
Ice pack: Applying fresh ice pack to the bruise will reduce pain and inflammation. Avoid doing this remedy on broken skin.
Heating pads: Apply heating pads to the affected area, the day after using the ice pack method to will dilate blood vessels and improve circulation.
Apple cider vinegar: Apply apple cider vinegar with cold water on the bruise.
Heinz vinegar: Apply Heinz vinegar to the bruise using a cotton ball to speed up the healing process.
Herbal flowers: Soak mullein flowers into olive oil and apply it on the bruise.
Eggs: Make a mix out of egg yolk and whites and apply the mix on the bruise.
Arnica: Make an ointment from Arnica leaves to treat bruises.
Diet
Have a healthy diet consisting of foods rich in vitamin C and iron such as broccoli, sweet potatoes, citrus fruits and cauliflower.
Garlic is a natural antibiotic. Include garlics and onions when preparing your meals.
Drink plenty of pure water, herbal teas, and soups.
Avoid dairy products, processed foods, sugar, sweet fruits, and white flour.
Suggestions
Quit smoking since it delays the healing process of bruises. It interferes with the blood circulation and halters the metabolism of the body.
Injuries cause by minor accidents are major causes of bruises. Be more alert with your surroundings to prevent meeting any accident.
Avoid taking hot showers, hot baths, hot packs, and drinking alcohol for the first 48 hours of getting an injury. These may aggravate the bruise and increase the swelling.
