How to Get Rid of Bruises:36 Best Natural Remedies

How to get rid of bruises at home? Bruises are characterized by skin discoloration, swelling, inflammation, and pain. They occur due to bleeding beneath the skin when blood vessels near the surface of your skin are damaged. People usually get bruises when they accidentally bump into something. Those who exercise vigorously may also develop bruises from tears in blood vessels under the skin.

Bruises are common in people who are taking blood-thinning medicines. Older people may also develop bruises as their skin becomes thinner, and the tissues supporting blood vessels become delicate. Unexplained bruises may also signify a bleeding disorder, especially if accompanied by bleeding gums or nosebleeds.

Bruises usually disappear in around 12-15 days. You will see the area change color as your body breaks down the leaked blood. Bruises first appear dark and become lighter green than yellow. You can get rid of the bruises go away in one day with the natural remedies listed below.

What Causes Bruising?

People usually get bruises when they hit a hard object. Other causes of bruises include:

1. Improper Diet

A balanced diet is essential for the body to work correctly. Iron deficiency, vitamin C, or K may result in easy bruising. Following a low-carb diet may also affect blood clotting.

Vitamin K helps the body in making clotting factors, which are required to form a blood clot. Without vitamin K, blood will not clot, leading to bruising, nosebleeds, and other bleeding issues. Vitamin C deficiency can also result in bruising, as this vitamin is essential for collagen production. Lack of this vitamin weakens blood vessels due to collagen degeneration.

2. Injury

Most bruises occur when an injury or impact breaks capillaries or blood vessels near the skin’s surface of a blow.

3. Aging

As people age, the skin loses some fatty layers that cushion to protect capillaries from injury. The skin also becomes thinner and becomes prone to bruises. Older adults may also tend to bump into things frequently and get bruises.

4. Medical Conditions

Bruising may also indicate a severe medical condition, such as a blood disease or a blood-clotting problem. Visit your doctor if you:

• Constantly develop large bruises for no apparent reason
• Have easy bruising
• Suddenly get bruises, especially if you just started taking new medications
• Have a history of bleeding
• Have a family history of bleeding or easy bruising

People with diabetes can develop bruises quickly. Viral infections may also result in unexplained bruises. Some autoimmune diseases associated with bruising include lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and vasculitis.

5. Supplements and Medication

Anti-platelet agents, aspirin, and anticoagulant medications can reduce blood clot ability. Taking antibiotics may also interfere with the clotting process, and bleeding from blood vessel damage may take longer than usual to stop.

Applying systemic and topical corticosteroids for treating skin problems may also result in skin thinning.

6. Sun Damage

Although the sun is necessary to help your body produce enough vitamin D, prolonged sun exposure can damage the skin and result in easy bruising.

7. Unexplained Bruises for No Apparent Reason

In some cases, you may not remember what caused your bruise. That does not mean that you have a health condition, especially if it is small or only appears once in a while. Random bruises can be caused by mild trauma or injury.

Some medical conditions that may cause unexplained bruises include liver disease, kidney disease, and cancer.

36 Natural Remedies to Get Rid of Bruises at Home

Here are the 36 best natural remedies to speed up the bruise healing process you should try.

1. Boiled Egg

The boiled egg has been used since ancient times for curing the black eye. This natural remedy relieves inflammation and pain, making it an effective method to eliminate bruises.

Simply boil one to two eggs in hot water. Peel the shells and roll the egg over the affected areas while it is still warm. When it cools, put the egg back in hot water and roll it over the skin. Follow this treatment two to three times a day for the best results.

2. Use Cabbage Leaves to Remove Bruises

Cabbage leaves work well in fading away bruises on the face. It is better because it provides anti-inflammatory effects and helps reduce the swelling of the affected areas.

To treat the skin, peel the outer leaves of the cabbage. Soak them in hot water and let them cool down a bit. Apply the leaves to the area while it is still warm. Leave it on for 45 minutes. Repeat this treatment with new cabbage leaves 3 times a day.

3. Calendula Flowers or Leaves

Calendula is well-known for its medicinal properties. Being a natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory herb, it helps reduce inflammation and pain associated with bruises. The carotenoids and flavonoids found in calendula contain antioxidants that promote heart health, which helps accelerate the healing process of the body.

To treat bruises with this herb, rub calendula oil or tincture over the area. Apply this a few times a day until the bruises are gone. This treatment is suitable for sores, sprains, boils, and pulled muscles.

4. Fenugreek Seeds

Fenugreek seeds are also effective when it comes to treating bruises. It contains anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that can alleviate discomfort and swelling. To use this homemade remedy, crush some fenugreek seeds and add them to a pot of water. Bring this to a boil for a few minutes. Strain and transfer the water to a small bowl. Soak a cotton ball in fenugreek juice and apply it to the affected areas. Repeat this natural treatment twice a day.

5. Garden Thyme

Thyme is not only an excellent addition to varvariousines but also one of the healthiest foods. Like other herbs, thyme has been used for cooking and medicinal purposes for years. It contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help treat swelling and inflammation associated with bruises.

Simply boil enough garden thyme in water for four minutes and let it steep for another three minutes. Strain and add the solution to your bath. Soak your body in this bath to treat your bruises naturally.

6. Onions

Another effective solution to get rid of bruises is onion. If there are no wounds or cuts, apply some raw onion slices on the affected areas and let it sit for 20 minutes to get relief.

7. Essential Oils

You can apply 1 to 3 drops of tea tree or lavender essential oil for minor bruises to lessen inflammation and accelerate healing. Use chamomile or lavender infused with witch hazel for swollen and inflamed bruises.

You can also use geranium, yarrow, cypress, fennel, chamomile, and hyssop essential oils.

8. Toothpaste for Bruises Treatment

Toothpaste helps in increasing blood flow and breaking up clots. Apply a small amount of fluoride toothpaste on the bruised area. Use a bandage to cover it up and leave it on overnight. In the morning, rinse it off with lukewarm water. You will see that the bruises are wholly gone or faded. Repeat the process every night if necessary.

9. Vinegar for Bruises

Vinegar is one of the most popular natural remedies for bruises. When vinegar is mixed with water, it creates a solution that enhances blood flow. This accelerates the healing process of the damaged areas, making it one of the best methods for getting rid of bruises.

Mix a few drops of vinegar with 1/3 cup of warm water. Apply this to the affected area and massage gently. Follow this treatment twice a day.

10. Mouthwash

How to get rid of bruises with mouthwash? Mouthwash is also helpful when it comes to treating bruises. It contains ingredients that can help in fading a bruise faster. To use, simply rub enough amount of mouthwash on the affected areas.

11. Ice Therapy for Bruises

One of the first things you should do to treat bruises is to apply an ice pack. Let it sit for 10 minutes to get relief. This method cools down the blood vessels and stops the leakage of the blood. If an ice pack is unavailable, you can soak a cotton cloth in cold water and apply it to the affected areas. Alternatively, you can use a pack of frozen vegetables or cold stainless steel spoons to reduce blood clots.

12. Hot Compress

Like ice therapy, heat will also slow blood flow and reduce blood clots in the affected areas. If the skin is swelling, apply a cold compress first before applying a hot compress. Fill up a bottle with hot water and apply it for 10 minutes. Another option is to use a towel soaked in hot water, as moist heat works better on damaged tissues by going deeper. You can also take warm baths to speed up the healing process.

13. Elevate the Bruised Area

Elevating the bruised area is part of the RICE treatment (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate). Protect the injured area, apply an ice compress and wrap it with an elastic bandage. Elevate the area on pillows while applying heat or cold compress.

14. Arnica

Arnica is one of the best natural solutions to get rid of old bruises. It is known to have numerous medicinal properties. It alleviates swelling, prevents infection, and speeds up the healing process when applied regularly. Simply rub a small amount of arnica oil and use a warm compress. Repeat this treatment two to three times a day.

15. Vitamin K Cream

Lack of vitamin K can result in bruising easily. In addition to bruising, other symptoms of vitamin K include oozing from gums or nose, excessive bleeding from punctures, wounds, and injections, blood in urine or stool, heavy menstrual periods, and small blood clots beneath the nails.

To treat bruises, eat foods rich in vitamin K, such as green leafy vegetables, natto, spring onions, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and broccoli. You can also apply vitamin K cream to affected areas.

16. Use Aloe Vera to Remove Bruises

Aloe vera contains soothing properties, making it one of the best natural solutions to eliminate bruises quickly. It can also help in healing sunburns, scraps, and minor cuts. Take an aloe vera leaf and scoop out its gel. Apply this gel directly to affected areas.

Alternatively, you can purchase pure Aloe vera gel in drug stores. However, it is still best to get the gel from the aloe vera plant, as store-bought products contain chemicals and artificial additives that may irritate the skin.

17. Vitamin C

Vitamin C helps produce collagen, essential for healing blood vessels and skin. Eat more foods rich in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, red peppers, Brussels sprouts, kale, guava, kiwi, parsley, and mango.

18. Pineapple

Pineapple has bromelain, an enzyme that can help fade bruises by dissolving blood clots. When digested, this protein-digesting enzyme reaches damaged blood vessels and tissues and alleviates inflammation. To expedite the healing process, simply eat pineapples or drink their juice. It also effectively reduces inflammation caused by sports injuries, sinusitis, and arthritis.

Alternatively, you can take Bromelain supplements to get enough of this enzyme. Take at least 500 milligrams each day to reduce the appearance of bruises.

19. Comfrey

Comfrey is a great natural way to get rid of bruises. Comfrey herb promotes healing when applied directly to the skin. It contains allantoin compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties and promotes the growth of new cells. For bruises, swelling, and wounds, combine one tablespoon of comfrey tincture with one dl of boiled water. Apply this to the affected areas to speed up the healing process.

20. Papaya

Papaya has certain enzymes to help treat old bruises caused by insect stings or bites. It is known to neutralize insect venom. This works best if papaya slices are applied immediately. To use this treatment, place a piece of papaya on the affected area and leave it on for at least one hour.

21. Turmeric and Tamarind Paste

Turmeric powder mixed with tamarind paste makes an excellent combination for treating bruises. To make your remedy, pour two cups of boiling water into a bowl and add 8 oz. of tamarind pulp. Let it sit for 30 minutes, and pour the contents into another container fitted with a sieve. Press the boiled tamarind pulp through the fine-mesh sieve to make a paste. Dispose of any fiber residue.

Put a small amount of tamarind paste on a clean cloth and sprinkle some turmeric powder. Apply this cloth to the affected areas for 15 minutes.

22. Lemon

Lemon is a great natural way to get rid of bruises. It is packed with vitamin C, which helps treat various skin problems. This may be a little painful, but it is one of the most effective home remedies. Apply fresh lemon juice to the area and rub it gently for 5 minutes.

23. Sugar or Honey

Sugar contains antibacterial properties and encourages wound healing. This treatment will prevent the development of bacteria that may be present in your wound or cut. You can also apply honey as this ingredient contains wound healing and anti-bacterial properties.

To use this natural method, simply apply warm sugar syrup to the affected areas and cover them with a bandage.

24. Black Pepper, Vaseline, and Cayenne

The capsaicin in cayenne provides pain-relieving properties, making it one of the best natural solutions for getting rid of bruises fast. You can apply it directly to the affected areas or mix it with Vaseline and black pepper for additional benefits.

25. Butter

Butter is a great natural way to get rid of bruises. Butter contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help treat various skin problems, including bruises and burns. To use this treatment, apply enough butter to the affected areas and gently massage the skin.

26. Chocolate

Chocolate contains anti-inflammatory properties that are beneficial to the skin. It can alleviate swelling and control blood flow to damaged tissues, making it one of the best solutions for getting rid of bruises.

Add some chocolate to a saucepan and melt it using medium heat. Apply the melted chocolate to the affected areas. Make sure that it is not too hot. Use a bandage to compress the chocolate into the skin and let it dry before rinsing with lukewarm water.

27. Castor Oil

Castor oil is also one of the best home remedies for swelling bruises. Apply a small amount of this oil to the affected area. This treatment will accelerate the healing process and will also reduce peeling.

Another option is to soak a clean cotton fabric in castor oil and place it in the painful area. Make sure that there are no cuts or open wounds before applying this treatment.

28. Raw Potato

You can keep bruises under control by applying shredded raw potatoes to the areas. You can make it more effective by coating a raw potato with castor oil and using it on your bruises. Leave it for 15 minutes before wiping the skin off clean. Follow this treatment two or three times a day.

29. Parsley

Parsley contains high levels of vitamin K. Lack of this vitamin is one of the leading causes of bruises. Mix more parsley in your diet in your salad or other dishes. You can also apply crushed parsley leaves to the bruised area to alleviate inflammation and swelling.

30. Herbal Tea Compress

You can compress an herbal tea by adding five to six drops of lavender, eucalyptus, ginger, peppermint, or geranium essential oil to 9 oz of ice water. Soak a muslin cloth in the solution and apply it to the bruised areas. Repeat the application to reduce swelling and inflammation.

31. Olive Oil and Mullein Flowers

The mixture of olive oil and mullein flowers is one of the most effective solutions for getting rid of bruises fast. Applying this mixture directly to the affected areas will give you relief from inflammation and pain.

32. Arnica, Chamomile, and Yarrow

Arnica is well-known for its ability to treat bruises. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties that can speed up the healing process of wounds and bruises. You can drink a few cups of chamomile tea to heal your skin internally or use it as an herbal tea compress.

Another option is to mix chamomile, arnica, and yarrow to create a herbal infusion. Apply this directly to the affected areas for faster healing.

33. Bilberry

Bilberry has powerful antioxidants that promote collagen production and reinforce the blood vessels. This helps in reducing the appearance of bruises and encourages skin rejuvenation. Simply eat bilberries or consume bilberry extract. You can also buy bilberry in the form of pills.

34. Witch Hazel

Witch Hazel is a great natural way to get rid of bruises. Witch hazel contains astringent properties that effectively cure bruises and other skin problems. Simply soak a cotton ball in witch hazel and essential oil, and apply it to the affected areas. This oil will soothe the pain and inflammation while accelerating the skin’s healing process. Another option is to use witch hazel bark tea for treating bruises.

35. Rest

While treating your old bruises, it is essential to restrict them from moving around often. The healing process will slow down the healing process by putting a strain on the affected areas by walking, jumping, running, or moving around. Try to rest the bruised area by not overworking your muscles in that part.

While resting, apply any of the solutions mentioned above to eliminate bruises and speed up your recovery.

36. Get Some Sun

The sun’s UV rays help break down bilirubin, making a bruise yellow. If possible, get at least 10 minutes sunlight to make your bruises fade quicker.

When to See A Doctor

Bruises develop when a part of your body receives an impact that can damage the blood vessels under the skin. If you get hurt, the bruise is normal. If you develop bruises without getting hurt, you should seek medical attention. See your doctor if you have set unexplained bruising with any of these symptoms:

• Severe pain in the injured area
• Signs of infection on or around the injured area
• Lump over the bruise
• The bruise does not disappear within two weeks
• You suddenly start to develop bruises easily
• You frequently notice unexplained bruises on your legs or other body parts.

Most bruises are not severe; you can minimize bruising by elevating the area. Apply ice compress immediately after bumping into something. The best way to avoid bruises is by wearing safety gear if you perform extensive physical activities and arranging household items.