BRUISES TREATMENT

There are several steps you can take to reduce the pain of a bump and encourage faster fading of the bruise. First, you want to reduce bloodflow to the area with ice and compression to minimize discoloration. Next, use heat to boost circulation and help to clear away the pooled blood. At the same time, as long as the skin isn't broken, a number of herbal ointments and compresses can help to erase the evidence of a careless moment that left its mark.

Speed up the fading process 

Apply ice as soon as possible. If you cool the blood vessels around the bruised area, less blood leaks into the surrounding tissue. Flexible gel-filled ice packs, specifically designed for injuries, are available from sports shops and athletes will usually keep a couple of them in the freezer. For most of us, a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel is perfectly adequate. Or soak a flannel in ice-cold water and lay it over the bruise for 10 minutes. Whatever chilling agent you use, take it off after 10 minutes and wait for 20 minutes or so before you re-apply it so you don't overchill the skin underneath.


If you've bruised your arm or leg, immediately wrap an elastic bandage around the bruised part. By squeezing the tissues underneath, the bandage helps to prevent blood vessels from leaking. The bruise won't be quite as severe.


Reduce bloodflow to the bruise to minimize discoloration. If you bruise your leg, for instance, and you can take a break, settle into a sofa or armchair with your leg up on a pillow-, above heart level. If your arm is bruised, try to keep it propped up above heart level whenever you're sitting.

     Apply some heat 

• After cooling the bruise for 24 hours, start applying heat to bring more circulation to the area and help to clear away the pooled blood. Use an electric heating pad for 20 minutes several times a day. Be sure to follow the instructions on the heating pad: in order     to avoid burns, the pad should be placed so that it lies on top of-not under - the bruised limb. 

• Alternatively, you can apply a warm compress either under a microwavable heat pack, available from medical supply or over the bruised area. A hot-water bottle will work. Or use stores or online.
• A warm compress of comfrey can also offer comfort. Comfrey contains compounds that reduce swelling and promote the rapid growth of new cells. Make a warm herbal solution by pouring a pint of boiling water over 30g dried comfrey leaves or 60g fresh leaves. Steep for 10 minutes, then strain.This is for external use only — do not drink. Soak a gauze pad or a flannel in the solution and apply it to the bruise for an hour. (Alert Do not use on broken skin or if you have an open wound.)  


• Vinegar mixed with warm water will help the healing process.Vinegar increases bloodflow near the skin's surface, so it may help to dissipate the blood that has pooled in the bruise area. Witch hazel will also do the trick. 




     Here's the rub 

• Arnica is a herb that has long been recommended for bruises. It contains a compound that reduces inflammation and swelling. Apply arnica ointment or gel to the bruise daily. 


• Take a handful of fresh parsley leaves, crush them and spread them over the bruise. Wrap the area with an elastic bandage. Some experts claim that parsley decreases inflammation, reduces pain and can make a bruise fade more quickly. 
• Gently rub St John's wort oil into the bruise. St John's wort is often taken as a capsule or tea for mild depression but the oil has long been known as a wound healer. It's rich in tannins, astringents that help shrink tissue and control capillary bleeding. For the best effect, start this treatment soon after the bruise occurs, and repeat it three times a day. 

•     Swallow, please 

  
  
  • Bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapples, actually 'digests' proteins involved in causing inflammation and inducing pain. Take up to 500mg of bromelain daily between meals until the bruise has faded. 
  
  
  
  
  • Try a homeopathic version of arnica. As soon as you get the bruise, start taking 1 dose every 4 hours. Take 4 doses the first day, then reduce your dosage to 2 or 3 pills daily as the bruise fades. 
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   The power of prevention

  • If you feel that you bruise too easily, you may be deficient in vitamin C. It strengthens capillary walls so they're less likely to leak blood and create a bruise. Get additional vitamin C by eating more peppers and citrus fruit or take supplements of up to 1000mg a day in divided doses. 
  
  
  • Increase your intake of flavonoids by eating more carrots, apricots and citrus fruits. These help vitamin C to work more efficiently in the body. Grape seed extract is also a rich supplier of flavonoids.Take up to 100mg a day. 
  
  
  
  • People who are susceptible to bruising may be deficient in vitamin K, which you can get from kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and leafy green vegetables, as well as from multivitamin supplements, which you should take with meals to enhance absorption. 
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