How to Treat Bruises With Aromatherapy

Bruises always look nasty and can often be very painful. You're pretty sure to get one at any time you have a fall or knock into something. The purple/blue to green/yellow coloring comes from broken blood vessels beneath the skin which leak, allowing blood to pool below the surface. As we grow older and our skin ages or ou is weakened by too much exposure to the sun, we are more prone to develop bruises. They can take anywhere between 2 days to 2 weeks to clear up, depending on how badly you were hurt. However, you can help them heal faster with a little help from aromatherapy.

Things You'll Need

• lavender oil
• helichrysum oil
• yarrow
• arnica

Show More

Instructions

How to Treat Bruises With Aromatherapy

• 1

  Treat bruises with a cold compress soaked in iced water and essential oil. Four drops of essential oil helichrysum will reduce the painful swelling, because of its anti-inflammatory properties and it will also help to control the bleeding under the skin.

• 2

  Switch lavender oil for helichrysum for the same effect plus the added bonus that lavender will ease your tension and help you relax.

• 3

  Use the compress at least once or twice a week for minor bruising.

• 4

  Use ten drops of undiluted helichrysum on a cold, damp compress for more severe bruising; leave it on for about ten minutes.

• 5

  Take a rest. If you have time to lie down and you have easy access to the bruise, wrap ice cubes in a towel and apply to the area.

• 6

  Treat the bruise as it fades by applying a light coating of Arnica cream. Arnica Montana has been known for centuries to treat both bruising and swelling, which makes it god for sprains as well. Arnica is very mild with no known side effects or contraindications, so its safe to use for your children's bumps and bruises too.