bruises and sprains Treatment with herbs



Arnica flower oil * Bay Laurel * Bilberry * Camphor * Castor Oil * Coconut oil * Comfrey Root * Dandelion Root * Dong Quai * Ginger Root * Hops * Horse Chestnut * Hyssop * Immortelle Oil * Self-Heal *

Life is full of bumps and bruises, from childhood on into old age. Bruises are the result of bleeding when the tiny capillaries under the skin are damaged, usually by an injury. These capillaries become more fragile as we age, which is why children can so easily brush off the fall that is serious to an elder.


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Time is of the essence when treating bruises, getting an ice pack on the injury quickly can limit the bleeding, and the extent of the bruise. Even one as simple as a frozen bag of peas from the freezer can help reduce pain, swelling and bruising if applied soon after an injury.

  • If you bruise easily, consider adding bilberry tea to your daily regime. These purple berries taste great in herbal teas, and over time can improve circulation and vein health.
  • Arnica is often used to treat bruising and sprains in homeopathy, and should only be taken internally in the extremely diluted form common to homeopathic remedies. Arnica oil, salves and ointments are used in topical herbal preparations for sore muscles and sprains.
  • Eucalyptus oil reduces pain in sore muscles, sprains, and sports injuries. Blend eucalyptus in a 2 percent solution with a base massage oil like almond. Eucalyptus is often combines with rosemary oil to increase the flow of blood to muscle tissue, which eases muscle soreness. Because of its antiseptic properties, eucalyptus can be used as a topical antiseptic for minor cuts and scrapes.
  • The essential oil of choice for sprained ankles and sports injuries is everlasting (Helichrysum angustifolium). If applied immediately after the injury, this oil dramatically lessens swelling and bruising

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References:
books citedWorks Cited
  1. Maud Grieve. "Modern Herbal Vol 1" Harcourt, (1931) The tincture of Arnica is used for external application to sprains, bruises, and wounds, and as a paint for chilblains when the skin is unbroken. Repeated applications may produce severe inflammation. For tender feet a foot-bath of hot water containing 2 oz. of the tincture arnica has brought great relief.
  2. Maud Grieve. "Modern Herbal Volume 2" Harcourt, (1931) Oil of Bays is used externally for sprains, bruises, etc.,
  3. Marlene Ericksen. "Healing with Aromatherapy" McGraw-Hill, (2000) The essential oil of choice for sprained ankles and sports injuries is everlasting (Helichrysum angustifolium). If applied immediately after the injury, this oil dramatically lessens swelling and bruising.
  4. Linda B. White, M.D.. "The Herbal Drugstore" , (2003) Bilberry fruits have a great reputation for strengthening and protecting capillaries and improving circulation making them a good choice for bruises.
  5. Marlene Ericksen. "Healing with Aromatherapy" McGraw-Hill, (2000) Eucalyptus oil reduces pain in sore muscles, sprains, and sports injuries. Blend eucalyptus in a 2 percent solution with a base massage oil like almond. Applied as an ointment, eucalyptus has been shown to increase the flow of blood to muscle tissue, which eases muscle soreness. Because of its antiseptic properties, eucalyptus can be used as a topical antiseptic for minor cuts and scrapes.
  6. . Complementary Medicine - Arnica , University of Maryland (UMMC), (): Arnica is often used in homeopathy, and should only be taken internally in the extremely diluted form common to homeopathic remedies. Homeopathic doses are extremely diluted and have no detectable amount of the plant. Arnica in homeopathic doses is generally considered safe for internal use when taken according to the directions on the product labeling. Homeopathic preparations are also used to treat sore muscles, bruises, and other conditions caused by overexertion or trauma. ,