Bruises occur when blood vessels beneath the skin become damaged and bleed. Most people experience bruises from time to time, and although they are not serious, they can be painful and unsightly. There is little you can do to prevent a bruise after a blow or injury to the skin, but you can help reduce their severity by applying ice to the affected area for 15 minutes to limit bleeding beneath the skin. Some herbs and vitamins might also help reduce bruising severity, but get medical advice before using them.
Comfrey
Comfrey is a flowering shrub native to Europe and parts of Asia. The leaves of the plant are used to make herbal preparations used to treat sprains, pulled muscles and broken bones. It contains a substance called allantoin, which reduces inflammation and aids skin health, so it is also sometimes used to aid wound healing. The leaves are used to prepare ointments. Oral comfrey supplements are banned from sale in Europe, the United States, Australia and Canada because comfrey contains chemicals called pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which cause liver damage. Consult your doctor before using comfrey.
Arnica
Also known as mountain tobacco, arnica is a yellow-flowered plant that has been used to treat inflammation, sprains and bruises. It might also help reduce pain and swelling. Typically, it is applied directly to the affected area of skin in a gel or cream. It is also available in tablets and as an herbal tincture, although the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center notes that internal use of arnica is not advised because it may adversely affect the lungs, uterus and heart. However, external use is likely safe.
Vitamin K
The results of a clinical study published in the August 2002 issue of the "Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology" show that topical application of vitamin K helps reduce bruising severity, although the researchers found that it did not prevent bruising. Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin found in a variety of foods, including broccoli, dark green lettuce, beef liver and asparagus. It is also available as a dietary supplement in tablets or capsules, and may also be applied directly to the skin in a cream. Get medical clearance before using it.
Safety Considerations
Keep in mind that applying herbs directly to the skin may cause irritation. For example, the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center notes that arnica may cause contact dermatitis and burning. Don't use comfrey-containing creams on broken skin. Also keep in mind that toxic compounds in comfrey might be absorbed through the skin. Don't use creams or gels containing this herb for longer than 10 days at a time.
References
- Netdoctor; Sprains and Bruises; Dr. Jeni Worden; April 2011
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Comfrey; November 2008
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center; Arnica; March 2011
- "Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology"; The Effects of Topical Vitamin K on Bruising after Laser Treatment; N.S. Shah, et al.; August 2002
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Vitamin K; June 2009
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