Patrik Giardino/Getty Images
DCLNo one enjoys walking around with a bruise. When people spot one, they might think you're starring in a dramatic after-school special or that you're accident-prone. Neither is ideal, but fortunately, there are numerous all-natural methods to speed up the healing of bruises. This way, you won't need to hide them under questionable cosmetics that harm the environment.
1. Ice
Placing ice cubes wrapped in a cloth can help reduce swelling. By minimizing swelling, you'll lessen the long-term impact of the bruise. Apply ice as soon as possible and hold it for thirty minutes.
2. Arnica Gel
This gel, derived from the wolf's bane plant, is a popular remedy among athletes. Be sure to follow the instructions for use.
3. Eat Fruits and Vegetables
This tip serves as more of a preventive measure, but when your body is busy processing burgers and milkshakes, it won't focus on healing bruises. Reduce meat intake, increase your consumption of fruits and vegetables, and your body will transform into a bruise-repair powerhouse.
4. Avoid Aspirin
If your bruise hurts intensely, you might be tempted to grab some aspirin. However, resist the urge. Aspirin is an anticoagulant, which means it can spread the blood through the affected area more quickly, making the bruise bigger.
5. Elevate Your Bruise Raising the bruised area can help reduce its size. 6. Heat Once the swelling has gone down, apply a heated compress. The warmth opens the capillaries and enhances your immune system's response. 7. Clean the Bruise Keeping the bruise clean helps prevent infection. If your body is fighting off bacteria, it won't focus on healing the bruise. The sooner you clean it, the better. 8. Brian Gray's Bruise Remover Brian Gray, a Master of the Iron Palm, offers a bruise remover that his company claims has been used in China for centuries. It’s reportedly popular among Kung-Fu students. 9. Aloe Vera Aloe Vera is often used on bruises for its healing properties. Though the exact benefits remain unclear, many believe it boosts the immune system. It’s even used to fight cancer in pets. Applying it right away should help clean the bruise. 10. Lower Your Blood Pressure People with lower blood pressure tend to bruise less. Achieving this through diet and exercise can help prevent bruising.
