6 Home Remedies To Help You Treat Bruises

A bruise or contusion forms due to injuries that damage the blood capillaries. A bruise often gives rise to pain, swelling, and a bluish discoloration in the affected area. It can also cause muscle weakness and joint stiffness.

While most bruises heal on their own, you can make use of some home treatments to speed up healing and manage the symptoms such as swelling and soreness.

# Continue applying compresses

You can prepare a cold compress by wrapping ice cubes in a small cloth or even use a bag of frozen peas. Apply the cold compress every few hours, particularly during the first day of the injury.

When the bruise becomes 2 days old, you can use heat therapy to stimulate lymphatic drainage and increase blood flow to the affected area, resulting in faster healing of the bruise.

For this purpose, make a warm compress by dipping a clean cloth in warm water and wringing out the excess water. Place the cloth on the affected area.

# Massage with arnica

A number of scientific studies highlighted the bruise-healing potential of arnica, but the claims need to be validated by more rigorous research.

Arnica-containing gels, creams, and ointments are commonly used for the treatment of minor bruises at home, but it is best to consult your doctor before trying any such product.

How to use: Gently massage a thin layer of arnica gel or cream into the contusion site soon after it appears.

# Take an Epsom salt bath

An Epsom salt bath is a popular anecdotal remedy that can help reduce the swelling around a bruise. However, it is not supported by any clinical research.

How to use: Add Epsom salt to your bath, or mix 2 teaspoons of salt in a cup of water and soak a fresh cloth in this solution. Gently press the soaked cloth on the affected area.

# Rub diluted apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is another popular anecdotal remedy for bruises but its use lacks scientific evidence.

How to use: Dilute some ACV with water and gently dab it on the affected area using a cotton ball or cloth.

# Use over-the-counter heparinoids

Heparinoid is a medicine available in the form of OTC creams or gels that helps reduce swelling and aids in healing. It also gives a cooling effect.

How to use: Gently massage the bruise with the cream.

# Try topical products containing witch hazel

Witch hazel has been traditionally used in folk medicine for various skin ailments and may help in the treatment of bruises as well.

This medicinal shrub is known to reduce swelling and promote blood clotting when applied over an injury. Both these effects can help minimize bruising, as has been reported by several general users.

While some research has been conducted to understand the healing effects of witch hazel, there is a dearth of human-based studies on the topic. Thus, more extensive trials need to be done to know just how effective this remedy is.

How to use: Ask your doctor or pharmacist to recommend a good witch hazel-based cream or ointment and apply it gently over the bruised area to promote fast healing.