Next time your child gets a bruise on the playground, try one of these natural home remedies.
Edible Cures for Bruises - Nutrients in Food
- Vitamin C
- function: prevents bruising by supplying oxygen to injured cells and strengthening the walls of blood vessels.
- excellent food sources: citrus fruit, strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli, potatoes, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe and Baked Broccoli Veggie Wedgies.
- Vitamin K
- function: important for blood clotting and healing.
- excellent food sources: cabbage, cauliflower, alfalfa sprouts, soybeans, spinach and other leafy greens.
- Vitamin E
- function: improves circulation, extends the life of blood cells, acts as an antioxidant
- excellent food sources: wheat germ, nuts, seeds, asparagus, spinach and other leafy greens.
External Cures for Bruises - Natural Rubs/Salves
- fresh parsley leaves
- crushed and applied directly, parsley may reduce discoloration in just a few days instead of a whole week.
- cayenne pepper ointment
- mix 1 part cayenne pepper with 5 parts melted Vaseline. Let cool, then apply once a day to aid in circulation and reducing inflammation.
- oil of oregano
- blend a bunch of fresh oregano with olive oil (just enough to blend). Apply this oil directly on bruised skin for general healing of a bruise once or twice a day.
Preventative Tips
Sources
- Eat lots of fresh, raw foods particularly fruits and leafy green vegetables. These foods are rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin K which help prevent bruising.
- If possible, ice an injury as soon as possible to reduce swelling and later bruising.
- If you choose to use a mild over-the-counter pain-reliever, choose one containing acetaminophen (in Tylenol). Aspirin and Ibuprofen encourage blood thinning which worsens bruises.
- Prescription for Nutritional Healing by Phyllis A. Balch.
- The Wellness Encyclopedia of Food and Nutrition by Sheldon Margen, M.D. (UC Berkeley).
