Bruising is inevitable. There are times when we knock ourselves or fall over or into objects and we inevitably hurt ourselves and bruises can even appear when we have no recollection of ever hurting ourselves. Some deep tissue bruises may take a while to appear whilst others are apparent within a very short time. Bruises can be quite tender and exceptionally vivid, they progress through a multitude of colours such as red, dark purple and then blue. Once the colouring changes to a yellow or green then this means that the bruise is nearly healed.

Although bruises usually appear due to a minor injury, there can be other reasons such as elderly people who experience thinning of the skin and then bruises appear as a result of this. Strain caused by excessive and vigorous exercising can make the blood vessels tear underneath the skin.

Bruises tend to be nothing to worry about if they are just a result of a minor scrape because the skin is not broken, so there is no risk of infection and they will naturally heal themselves.

There are many natural remedies though if you wish to accelerate the healing process such as:

Ice

Applying an ice pack directly to a bruise will help to reduce inflammation and pain.

Heat

If using the ice pack treatment, it is worth applying a heat pack the next day as this serves to dilate the blood vessels and therefore improves circulation.

Arnica

Arnica ointment is wonderful for bruises and is readily available. This is one ointment which is worth keeping in the natural first aid kit.

Vitamin C

Increase Vitamin C as this helps to accelerate the healing process. Either ensure that your diet is full of Vitamin C or take a supplement to boost healing.

Increase fluids

Ensure that plenty of fluids are consumed and this can be in the form of water, juices, herbal teas etc.

Banana

When a bump first occurs, press the inside of a banana skin directly onto the sore area.

Cider vinegar

Apply cider vinegar and water directly to the area where the bruise will occur

Meditation

Healing visualisations can be extremely powerful, just imagine the area bathed in a pure blue light which infiltrates the skin and eases the inflammation and pain. Meditation can greatly enhance the healing process and the basics of meditation are easy to learn, they simply need to be practiced.