by Rhonda Allen

Created on: November 18, 2008

Bruises and bumps are a fact of life. When small blood vessels under the skin become ruptured, the blood that is released can pool in the surrounding tissue until it becomes reabsorbed by the body. Though most bruises are not dangerous, they can be painful and unpleasant to look at as they cycle from dark purple to sickly yellow before they disappear.

Home treatment of bruises is easy and affordable. In truth, the best start for bruise treatment is actually bruise prevention. A healthy diet that is rich in Vitamin C has been shown to improve vascular health. Stronger blood vessels are less likely to pop when bumped. Green leafy vegetables, dried nuts or fruits, and potassium-rich items such as bananas will do double duty as both preventative foods and foods that encourage healing post-injury. You can also improve your chances for a quick recovery by avoiding alcohol and tobacco, which may slow circulation and make healing more difficult.

Even the healthiest body will eventually be injured, though, and there are several quick and easy home treatments for bruises. Treating bruises at home is more inexpensive and convenient than seeking traditional medical intervention, and you don't have to spend time waiting in germ filled doctor's offices or risking coming home sicker than you were when you went in for treatment.

The first step in bruise treatment is to ice the bruise as soon as possible to decrease inflammation in the injured area. After the first day of ice treatment, heat can be applied to stimulate circulation and encourage healing.

Comfrey, parsley and cabbage can be applied in poultice form, and are all well known in the natural healing world for their anti-inflammatory properties. Arnica can be applied topically as a cream or ingested as drops or tea. Quick application of arnica in salve form under a bandage can greatly lessen the amount of bruising. Homeopathic arnica drops are safe for even small children. Chinese medicine encourages a paste made of small amounts cayenne pepper in a base oil applied daily until the bruise disappears. Vitamin K tablets are considered excellent treatment, and believed to be one of the fastest and most thorough treatment options.

Having a prominent bruise can be uncomfortable and frustrating. Taking precautions to prevent injury and treating any bruising promptly with easily obtainable and convenient home remedies can shorten recovery time and make life a little more pleasant.

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