How To Treat Bruises

Life is full of bumps and bruises. When we learn to crawl, walk, ride a bike, stand on our hands, or skate—anytime we push the envelope of our physical capabilities, we risk falling. It’s how we learn and gain new skills.

Of course, we also bruise ourselves in embarrassing ways. When hurried, harried, and distracted, your own house can become a minefield. Bruises can result from surgical procedures and accidental injuries—slips on icy walks, car crashes, and so forth.

No matter how you sustain one, a bruise (also called a contusion) represents soft tissue trauma. Skin turns plum-colored because burst blood vessels have spilled red blood cells into the surrounding tissue. Later, breakdown products from those cells create green and yellow hues. Extra fluid in the tissues causes swelling. And, unfortunately, there’s some degree of tenderness. Deeper bruising of muscle and the lining of bones may be particularly painful.

If you bump your head, you can end up with an “egg.” That bump indicates that a blood vessel tore under the scalp. You can also bruise your brain. Although both stem from physical trauma, brain contusions aren’t the same as brain concussions. The former involves a localized bruising. Concussions affect the brain more globally and microscopically. For instance, if someone rear-ends your car, the forward and backward motion of your head causes your brain to bobble, striking the inside of the skull as it does.

Recipes To Treat Bruises

Cold Pack
6 ice cubes, crushed
Preparation and use:
Place the ice in a resealable plastic bag. Wrap in a clean cloth. Apply to the bruised area for 15 to 20 minutes. Repeat at least three times a day.
Yield: 1 application
How it works:
Immediate application of an ice pack can help slow, or even prevent, swelling from a bruise.

Elevation Salvation
This is for serious bruising. Minor bruises, from bumping into a chair or table, for example, don’t cause much swelling.
3 pillows
Your bruised area
An ice pack (see above)
Preparation and use:
Sit or lie in a comfortable position. Pile up the pillows in a strategic place. Rest the bruised arm, leg, foot, or head against the pillows so that the area is above heart level. Apply the ice pack. Practice this as often as possible when injury first occurs.
Yield: 1 application
How it works:
Keeping the bruised area above your heart level and applying ice will help minimize swelling.

Aloe Vera Gel
2 tablespoons (28 g) Aloe vera gel 1 tablespoon (6.8) ground turmeric 1 teaspoon ground ginger 2 drops peppermint essential oil
Preparation and use:
In a small bowl, blend all the ingredients to form a paste. Apply to the skin, covering the bruise. Cover the paste with gauze or a clean cloth. Rest for 15 to 30 minutes. Remove the gauze and paste.
Yield: 1 application
How it works:
Turmeric and ginger are both anti-inflammatory and analgesic. Peppermint reduces pain. Aloe vera is anti-inflammatory and speeds wound healing. Because aloe is readily absorbed into the skin, it may help drag other chemical ingredients along with it. Warning: Take care not to get this mixture on your clothes, as it will stain. Also, avoid contact with your eyes. The turmeric will temporarily turn your skin yellow. Kale and

Blueberry Salad 
1 bunch kale, thinly sliced, minus stems 1 cup (145 g) blueberries ¼ red onion, sliced 1 cup (110 g) finely chopped pecans or (120 g) walnuts 1 tablespoon (15 g) fresh lime juice 1 tablespoon (15 g) fresh lemon juice ¼ cup (30 g) blue cheese
Preparation and use:
Toss the kale, blueberries, onion, and nuts in a large bowl. Mix the lemon and lime juice and add to the salad, coating all the pieces. Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes as the kale wilts. Toss in the blue cheese and serve.
Yield: 4 main course servings, or 8 side dish servings
How it works:
Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting. Good sources include leafy greens, such as kale, spinach, collard, and turnip greens, as well as asparagus. Vitamin C and flavonoids are needed for the production of collagen, a protein that keeps skin and blood vessels strong. All fresh fruits and vegetables contain them and blueberries in particular are an excellent source.

Pineapple Press
Cut open a fresh pineapple. Because canned pineapple undergoes pasteurization, which involves heat, the beneficial enzyme bromelain is lost. 1 fresh pineapple
Preparation and use:
Slice a piece of pineapple and apply the flesh to the bruise. Hold in place for 15 minutes. Meantime, eat as much pineapple as you like.
Yield: 1 application
How it works:
Pineapple contains the enzyme bromelain, which reduces inflammation. In one study, bromelain (taken internally as a supplement) reduced pain and swelling after blunt trauma. Warning: If pineapple irritates your skin, don’t use it. Note: Alternatively, apply fresh pineapple juice to a clean cloth or piece of gauze and apply to the area for 5 to 10 minutes. Witch to the Rescue Witch hazel preparation and use: Soak a clean cloth in witch hazel and apply directly to the bruise. Hold for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the elixir to soak into the skin. yield: 1 appLicaTion How it works: Witch hazel is an astringent, meaning it contracts tissue to reduce bleeding and swelling.

Folic “No Folly” Salad 
Folic acid is a bruise defender. Because your body stores only a small amount, try to maintain adequate levels by regularly eating the following foods—whether in this salad or in their own tasty combos. 4 cups (120 g) spinach, rinsed and drained ½ cup (150 g) artichoke hearts 6 cherry tomatoes, halved 1 mandarin or regular orange, peeled, seeded, and sectioned 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil ½ cup (80 g) chopped onion ½ red bell pepper, seeded and sliced 16 asparagus spears, woody bottoms chopped off ½ block (about 7 ounces, or 200 g) firm tofu, cut into squares 1 tablespoon (11 g) low-sodium honey mustard 1 tablespoon (7 g) sliced almonds
Preparation and use:
Mix the spinach, artichoke hearts, tomatoes, and orange. Divide between two or among four plates. Pour the oil into a large skillet over mediumhigh heat. Add the onion and red pepper and stir-fry for about 2 minutes until lightly browned. Add the asparagus and tofu and lower the heat to medium. Cook for another 3 minutes. Mix in the mustard and stir for another 30 seconds to 1 min - ute. Top the salads with this delicious folic-r ich combo.
Yield: 2 large salads or 4 side salads
How it works:
Spinach, asparagus, oranges, artichokes, red peppers, and tofu are high in the B vitamin folic acid. Folic acid boosts production of red and white blood cells and platelets. Deficiency of folic acid, as well as of the vitamins C, K, or B12 , can impair blood clotting and increase the risk of bruising. Dark leafy greens also contain vitamins C and K.

When Simple Doesn’t Work
If you have pain unrelieved by ice and rest, take acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve). Keep in mind, however, that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin) taken in higher amounts impair clotting and can make you more susceptible to bruising and spontaneous bleeding. Many people swear by homeopathic arnica montana used internally and externally to prevent swelling and bruising after trauma. (In homeopathy, the active substances are highly diluted.) Research is inconclusive, though some studies have shown that a homeopathic arnica gel, applied topically, may help. Topical applications of the herb comfrey (symphytum officinale) have been shown to reduce bruising, swelling, and pain after trauma. You can find comfrey-containing salves in natural food stores.

When to call the Doctor 
• You’re taking a blood thinner or have a blood-clotting disorder and sustain more than a minor bruise, especially if the affected area is a joint.
• You notice that you have bruises not associated with significant trauma. • You have significant pain. • The injury has reduced the mobility at a joint.
• You’re unable to bear weight or walk.
• A bruise is still apparent after two weeks.
• Skin infection or other symptoms begin to develop.
• After striking your head, you: - fall more than a few feet - lose consciousness, however briefly - vomit more than once - become confused, sleepy, or have trouble walking - have a prolonged, severe headache - notice your neck hurts

Note: For suspected concussions and fractures, have someone drive you to the emergency room. If you suspect you injured your neck, don’t move. Have someone else call 911.