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

Using Aromatherapy

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.

Herbs Used for Bruises/Sprains

Arnica * Bay Laurel * Bilberry * Camphor * Comfrey * Dandelion * Dong Quai * Ginger * Hops * Horse Chestnut * Hyssop * Immortelle * Self-Heal *

Arnica For: Sprains, bruises
Profile	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. Maud Grieve, Modern Herbal Vol 1 (1931)

Arnica For: Homepathic Arnica
Profile	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. . Complementary Medicine - Arnica. (), University of Maryland (UMMC)

Bilberry For: Bruises
Profile	Bilberry fruits have a great reputation for strengthening and protecting capillaries and improving circulation making them a good choice for bruises. Linda B. White, M.D., The Herbal Drugstore (2003)

Eucalyptus oil For: Sore muscles, sprains
Profile	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. Marlene Ericksen, Healing with Aromatherapy (2000)

Immortelle Helichrysum For: Sprained ankles ,sports injuries
Profile	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. Marlene Ericksen, Healing with Aromatherapy (2000)

Laurel (Bay) For: Sprains, bruises
Profile	Oil of Bays is used externally for sprains, bruises, etc., Maud Grieve, Modern Herbal Volume 2 (1931)

Bruises/Sprains Information

• Burns/SunBurn :
  Home treatments for minor burns, natural skin healing herbs lessen scarring, and soothe pain.
• Abrasions/Cuts :
  How to make your home herbal first aid kit. Herbal salves, poultices, and ointments speed healing and protect the wound from infections
• Insect Bites/Rashes :
  Take these steps to take the sting out of insect bites and rashes from poison ivy and poison oak and prevent infection. Alcohol, witch hazel, or jewelweed vinegar make good drying agents as a base for your home remedies.
• First Aid :