Home Remedies

Bruise (or contusion) is a black, purple red or bluish mark on the skin that caused due to an injury which brushes the small blood vessels and leak blood into the adjacent tissues, under the skin’s surface.

However, the effect of these bruises will depend on the skin’s sensitivity and may take 12 days to months to get heal completely, depending on the severity. The color gets more intense when the broken blood capillaries are close to the skin’s surface.

Injury, fragile skin, accident, over exercising, banging or bumping against something, poor diet (lack of vitamins C & K), bleeding disorders, anemia, obesity, certain medications, etc. will cause these hideous marks. Pain or swelling in the affected area along with the skin discoloration will be experienced as symptoms.

Instead of using OTC medications or creams, just try some simple natural remedies to get rid of bruises and its symptoms.

Home Remedies for Bruises:

Here are the best and widely used natural remedies that help you to speed up the healing process and clear these bruises effectively.

Remedy – 1: (Cold (or ice) Compress and Hot Compress)

Ice or cold compress is an effective way to reduce swelling and pain, as it compress the blood vessels and thus prevent it from further seepage of blood into the tissues and skin.

• Simply wrap some ice cubes in a small cloth and hold it over the bruise affected skin area for 10 – 15 minutes.
• For best results, do it immediately as a first aid after getting this mark on the skin.
• Continue doing the same process for several times in that day (24 hours).
• Also, replace ice with a bag of frozen vegetables as a cold compress (if ice is not available).
• Alternatively, you can also soak a clean cloth in ice or cold water (add few drops of lavender oil) and squeeze it to apply on the affected area to get a soothing effect.
• Never ever apply ice directly on the skin why because it results in frostbite.

After 48 hours, when the initial swelling is gone, then you can apply moist heat to help stimulate the blood flow and to restore the mobility to the affected.

• Soak a clean washcloth in warm water and wring it to remove excess water.
• Place it on the affected area for few minutes till the cloth cool down completely.
• Repeat it few times daily till you get complete relief from the problem.
• Also, you can apply a heating pad on the affected area to improve blood circulation and thereby to get rid of these marks on the skin.
• Alternatively, you can prepare an herbal tea compress by placing 1 teaspoon each of dried lavender flowers and chamomile flowers in 1 cup of hot water. Cover and steep it for 10 – 15 minutes. Strain the mix and refrigerate it. Soak a cloth in this cold herbal tea and use it as your cold compress. Continue it for few times in a day (24 hours).

Remedy – 2: (Arnica)

Arnica is an herbal remedy used to reduce the pain, swelling, and inflammation on the affected area. It enhances the blood circulation all around the bruise affected area.

• Mix 1 tablespoon each of witch hazel bark, arnica tincture, chamomile flowers, and St. John’s wort in a bowl.
• Then add 4 drops of lavender oil and 2 tablespoons of cold water in it.
• Stir well and soak a clean washcloth in this mix for few minutes.
• Squeeze the cloth to remove excess liquid and place it on the bruise affected area.
• Wait for 15 – 20 minutes and repeat it once or twice daily in the first couple of days to get rid of pain and the skin discoloration.

Note:

• Or take arnica gel or tincture (add a small amount of water to tincture) and use it rub on the affected areas for few times daily.
• Avoid applying arnica on the broken skin, as it causes irritation.

Remedy – 3: (Bromelain)

Bromelain (protein digesting enzymes) is present mostly in pineapples. It exhibits an anti-inflammatory property that helps to heal bruises on the skin. It also treats bone bruises along with fading the marks on the skin.

• Take 250 – 400 mg of bromelain supplements for thrice daily till the bruise clears on the skin.
• Or simply consume fresh pineapple and other bromelain-rich fruits to clear the bruise marks on the skin.
• Regular intake will help you to get rid of the problem.

Remedy – 4: (Essential Oils)

Essential oils will help you to get rid of a bruise by increasing the blood circulation and thereby disperse the pooled blood to reduce the marks on the skin. But be sure to apply the essential oils (or its blend) after a couple of days.

• Mix 1 drop of cypress oil, 2 drops of fennel oil and 5 drops of calendula oil in 4 teaspoons (10 ml) of grapeseed oil.
• Stir well and apply it on the bruise affected areas.
• Rub it gently for few minutes on the affected area and continue doing it once daily till you get relief from the problem.

Remedy – 5: (Diet Plan)

• Vitamin K regulates blood clotting and reduces bruising. So, include vitamin K-rich foods like spinach, kale, lettuce, alfalfa, broccoli and other green leafy vegetables. Also, consult your doctor before taking vitamin K (or alfalfa tablets), as it may interact with certain medications.
• Vitamin C rich foods like oranges, mangoes, broccoli, sweet potatoes, peppers, etc. will help to reduce the inflammation and bruises sooner. So, consume vitamin C rich foods regularly to clear bruises.
• Drink plenty of water and other healthy diets to keep yourself hydrated and to heal these bruise marks on the skin.
• Consume protein-rich diet and quit smoking or drinking alcohol for getting quick relief from the problem.

Other Effective Remedies:

• Comfrey is an age old remedy that used for treating bruises and wounds. So, prepare comfrey tea by steeping 1 tablespoon of dried comfrey herb in 1 ¼ cups of hot water for 15 – 20 minutes. Soak a clean cloth in it and place it on the affected area as a cold compress for 1 – 2 days and then as a warm compress.
• St. John’s wort contains anti-inflammatory properties that treat bruises and also acts as an analgesic to give relief from pain. Steep 2 tablespoons of dried St. John’s wort in 1 cup of hot water for about 10 – 20 minutes and drink it once daily (or) apply St. John’s wort oil for several times daily to clear the problem.
• Vinegar helps to increase the blood flow near the skin’s surface on the affected area which in turn dissipates the blood to pool into the bruised area. Soak a cloth in apple cider vinegar mixed with some water and place it on the affected area as a compress for 10 minutes. Never apply it on the broken areas, as it causes irritation and pain.

Tips and Precautions:

1. Rub vitamin K cream gently on the affected area for twice daily till you get complete relief from the problem.
2. Applying some ingredients like fresh lemon juice, onion juice, melted warm chocolates, hot sugar or honey syrup and butter and wrap it with a bandage to get quick heal from the problem.
3. Massaging the affected area with castor oil, coconut oil, margarine, aloe vera gel, etc. will increase proper blood circulation and thereby relieves you from the bruises.
4. Elevate the bruise affected area so that it prevents the blood from pooling in the bruised area and thus reduces the discoloration.
5. Always you should try to treat the bruise in legs and hands from the top but not under the affected area. Also, restrict moving often, as walking, running, moving or jumping will worsen the bruise. So, avoid placing any strain on the affected area.
6. Avoid taking aspirin, due to its blood thinner effect but you can take acetaminophen or ibuprofen or any other painkiller for relief, after consulting your doctor.
7. Take enough rest and enjoy your favorite TV shows or movies or sleep or any of your favorite activity to enhance the healing of bruises completely.
8. Remember that bruises are not any indication of a serious health problem. So, consult your doctor if you’re suffering from any significant bumps, high fever, extreme pressure around the bruise, reduction of blood and oxygen supply to that area, then go to the doctor for proper diagnose and treatment.
9. Ultraviolet light (Sunrays) will help to break down the bilirubin, which in turn break down the hemoglobin causing the yellowish color to the bruise. So, try to get 10 – 15 minutes of direct sunlight per day to break up the bruise without leading to sunburn.
10. Apply some crushed parsley leaves and spread it all around the bruise to reduce the pain, inflammation and to heal the bruise quickly. Make sure to wrap the area with an elastic bandage.
11. Mix 1/2 tablespoon of salt in 1 tablespoon of lard and apply it on the bruise to prevent it from getting darker on the skin.

Try these Natural Remedies for Bruise. Do you know any other successful remedies for treating bruise? Then share your experience with us in the below comments box.

Keloids are the scars that are caused due to the abnormal growth of fibrous tissues. Whenever the top layer of the skin tears or damaged due to skin injuries such as bites, scrapes, chicken pox, minor burns, acne or cuts then the collagen grows as a part of the healing process.

If there is an excess collagen growth at that place then it forms as Keloids. It doesn’t cause any pain but makes you feel embarrassed with those ugly scars and itching. They appear in flesh – colored red or pink on the skin and become tender to touch on the affected skin areas.

Dark complexion people are more prone to this problem. Instead of going for cosmetic treatments and laser therapy which are costly and might result in side effects, try some natural remedies at home to get long lasting results.

Home Remedies for Keloids:

The listed below are the best natural remedies that are widely used to get rid of keloid scars on the skin. Have a look at these amazing remedies and follow them to prevent keloid scars.

Method – 1: (Apple Cider Vinegar)

Apple cider vinegar has malic and lactic acids that help to exfoliate and softens the skin. It scrapes away all the old, dead cells on the skin pores and regenerates the skin’s tissue for the growth of healthy new skin. It is effective in eliminating the fatty deposits under the skin and also reduces the redness.

• Apply raw and unfiltered apple cider vinegar directly on the affected areas.
• Massage it gently for few minutes till the vinegar gets absorbed into the skin.
• Let it dry for few minutes and wipe off the applied areas.
• Repeat the same process for few times daily till you get rid of Keloids.

Note: Or if the application of ACV causes any skin irritation then dilute 2 parts of ACV in 1 part of water and apply it on the affected area with a cotton ball.

Method – 2: (Aloe Vera)

Aloe vera is an excellent remedy for treating scars with its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties. It heals the skin and reduces the appearance of scars on the skin.

• Cleanse the keloid scarred area with lukewarm water and pat dry it.
• Then apply freshly extracted aloe vera gel on the scars.
• Massage it gently for few minutes and rinse off with water.
• Repeat the same process twice daily till you get rid of the problem.

Method – 3: (Baking Soda)

Baking soda acts as an abrasive agent that exfoliates the skin to make it free from dirt, dead cells, and debris. It also encourages the healthy skin to reduce the appearance of Keloids.

• Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 3 teaspoons of hydrogen peroxide (skin repairing agent) in a bowl.
• Stir well and apply it on the Keloid affected areas using a cotton ball.
• Leave it for 10 – 15 minutes and rinse off with lukewarm water to reduce the redness and itching.
• Continue this process for 3 – 4 times a day depending on your severity.

Note: Or baking soda exfoliates the skin and olive oil moisturizes the area to make it soft. Mix 1 teaspoon each of baking soda and olive oil to make a paste. Apply it on the scars and massage gently for 5 minutes. Wash the area with lukewarm water and repeat it daily.

Method – 4: (Fuller’s Earth)

Fuller’s earth has skin lightening and skin soothing properties that lighten the keloid scars.

• Mix 1 teaspoon each of fresh lemon juice and rosewater in 1 tablespoon of fuller’s earth.
• Stir well to make a smooth paste and apply it on the scar affected area.
• Massage gently for few minutes and let it dry for another few minutes.
• Then apply another layer of this paste on the affected area and leave it for 10 – 15 minutes.
• Rinse off the area with cold water and pat dry the skin.
• Regular follow – up of this process will help you to diminish the keloid scars.

Method – 5: (Lemon Juice)

Lemon juice has rich content of vitamin C which helps to reduce keloid scars. It has antioxidant and astringent properties that improve the color, appearance, and texture of the scars.

• Fresh extract lemon juice from a lemon and apply it on the keloid scar affected skin areas.
• Let it sit for 15 – 20 minutes and rinse off with lukewarm water.
• Dry the area and apply some natural moisturizer on it.
• If you’ve dry or sensitive skin, then dilute lemon juice by adding a little water (or rosewater) and apply it.
• Do the same process regularly till you get rid of the problem.

Method – 6: (Lavender Oil)

Lavender oil contains cell rejuvenating properties which reduce the appearance of scars on the skin. Regular application will definitely help you in getting rid of these scars.

• Apply lavender essential oil on the scars affected area and massage it gently for few minutes.
• Leave it on like that and repeat the application 3 – 4 times daily for faster relief.

Note: Or mix equal quantities of lavender oil and tea tree oil in some olive oil and apply it on the affected areas of the skin to get rid of the problem.

Method – 7: (Sandalwood and Rosewater)

Sandalwood has skin regenerating properties and rose water acts as a natural skin toner which helps to get rid of keloid scars. They help to lighten the keloid scars quickly.

• Mix enough sandalwood and rosewater to make it a fine paste.
• Apply it on the scars affected area at night before bedtime.
• Rinse off the area thoroughly with lukewarm water in the next morning.
• Dry the skin and repeat it regularly till you get rid of the keloid scars.

Note: Or add some black gram powder in this sandalwood and rosewater paste. Apply it for best and faster results.

Method – 8: (Onion Juice)

Onion controls the production of collagen in the body and thus provides a healing impact on the scar tissue. It works like a lotions or creams used for treating scars.

• Cut 1 white onion into pieces and crush it to extract its juice freshly.
• Apply the onion juice on the keloid scars using a cotton ball.
• Let it dry on its own and wash the area with lukewarm water.
• Continue the process for 3 – 4 times daily till you get rid of scars on the skin.

Tips and Precautions:

1. Aspirin helps to shrink the skin pores and reduces the appearance of scars. Just crush 3 – 4 aspirin tablets and add water to make it a smooth paste. Apply it on the scar and rinse off after its get dried.
2. Honey has antioxidant and skin soothing properties that repair the damaged skin and minimizes the scars. Simply apply raw honey on the keloid scars and massage it to moisturize the skin and heal scars.
3. Garlic inhibits the excessive fibroblast proliferation which causes keloids and treats scars. Apply garlic on topically on the scar and massage. Rinse off with water after 10 minutes. Also, place crushed garlic cloves on the scars and rinse with lukewarm water after few minutes.
4. Massage the affected area with any natural oil for proper blood circulation and to remove the dead skin cells on the skin. Massage the scars area for few times daily to observe improvement in its appearance.
5. It’s always best to avoid going for tattoos, body piercings and other cosmetic surgeries for getting rid of keloids.
6. Drink plenty of water and well balanced nutritional diet to flush out the toxins and to get faster relief from the problem.
7. Consult your doctor, if your keloids are painful with constant itching for proper diagnose and treatment.

Try these remedies for fading the keloid scars and let us know which method works well in treating your keloids by sharing your experience with us in the comments section.