Life is full of bumps, bruises and other minor injuries. This may well be why there are so many home and herbal remedies that have been passed down from generation to generation. The application of a cold pack, 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.

A cold compress enhanced with anti-inflammatory essential oils is another fast and easy remedy. Immortelle (Helichrysum angustifolium), also known as everlasting is the essential oil of choice for sprained ankles and sports injuries. If applied immediately after the injury, this oil dramatically lessens swelling and bruising. Unfortunately, not many folks will have this very expensive oil on hand. Lavender, rosemary, sweet marjoram, chamomile and geranium are all good for bruising, both for increasing circulation and for their anti-inflammatory properties.

Arnica is perhaps the most often used tool in the home herbalist's first aid kit. Use it for external application to sprains, bruises, and wounds.^1,2You can make arnicated oil yourself or buy it in commercial creams and lotions. Oil of Bays, a herb infused oil from the bay laurel is used externally for sprains, bruises, etc.¹

If you bruise easily, you may consider drinking bilberry tea on a regular basis. Bilberry fruits have a great reputation for strengthening and protecting capillaries and improving circulation making them a good choice for bruises, and they taste great too.³