Herbs for Bruises

I remember as a child that I would often fall and have bruises and sometimes sprains. My mother had some remedies for them and as my interest in herbs grew I learned of several ways to treat unsightly black and blue bruises. Nature has solutions for our ailments and here are a few remedies for bruising .

.Arnica, Arnica Montana, also known as mountain daisy is helpful for bruises. It has pain relieving properties and is antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. Be sure not to take it internally it can cause stomach pain and vomiting. Arnica is available as a gel and as a cream.

Potato can be used for bruises. It is an old folk remedy and you use a raw potato. It can be grated and applied to the bruised area as a poultice. Potatoes are cheap and readily available.

St. John's wort, hypericum perforatum, is used for many things besides depression.There is a remedy where you steep steep 2 teaspoons of dried herb in vegetable oil for a few days. This oil can be applied on bruises.

Witch-Hazel, hamamelis,  is an astringent and is a popular remedy. I remember my mother and grandmother using this for bruises. You can get it at any pharmacy and it is inexpensive.


 Sources:
Duke, James A. The Green Pharmacy, Rodale, 1997
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-721-arnica.aspx?activeingredientid=721&activeingredientname=arnica
http://www.drugs.com/npc/arnica.html
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-227-witch%20hazel.aspx?activeingredientid=227&activeingredientname=witch%20hazel

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Valerie Lull
Author
Ten Healthy Teas
valerielull923@gmail.com

Lavender, Lavandula officinalis

I had an experience this week that brought home to me how valuable lavender can be. I burned my thumb with boiling water and it hurt pretty bad. I had some lavender oil nearby and I doused the burn with it. Two hours later the pain was gone, there was no scaring and it was like I had never burned it at all. Lavender is wonderful stuff for burns. It is also good for bumps and bruises. I just feel fortunate that I had the lavender oil on hand.

Lavender is what I call a super herb. It is used for so many things. It has many cosmetic uses such as air freshener, perfume, soaps and bath preparations. It also has healthful uses. There are several varieties of lavender. Among them are English lavender, True lavender, Spanish lavender, and Spike lavender.  Each kind has different uses. Spike lavender is harsh and mainly used for making soaps. Spanish lavender is not usually used for cooking or medicinal purposes. True lavender grows at a high elevation and produces the finest essential oil. English lavender is used for cosmetic purposes.

  

Lavender has been used for thousands of years as an antiseptic, disinfectant, sedative, stimulant, tonic and carminative (helps flatulence). It is used topically for scrapes, bumps, bruises and burns. Lavender is good for dental decay because of it's antimicrobial and antibacterial activity. It is also antifungal and heals wounds. It is good for chills, infectious diseases, feverishness and feeling tired. A mild infusion can be made that is good as a sedative, and helps insomnia, poor digestion, migraines and irritability. The oil is a good tonic for hair. Dried lavender flowers made into a sachet can be scattered among clothing to keep the moths away. Lavender flowers are also useful when making a potpourri.  

Lavender essential oil can be used in massage when diluted with another oil and leaves a delightful scent. It can be made into a lotion, or a compress for burns, eczema or lung congestion. Lavender essential oil is one of the few essential oils that can be used orally. It can be inhaled for respiratory problems. Lavender has been said to be good for hair loss when combined with thyme, rosemary and cedarwood in a base of jojoba and grapeseed oil. It is also useful for dandruff. Lavender can be used as a tea for anxiety. Lavender is truly a super herb.

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Valerie Lull, Author

Ten Healthy Teas

Lullval@clearwire.net