Given their physically active lifestyles, Native Americans suffered their share of bruises. Not surprisingly, they became quite proficient at treating them, usually with herbal preparations that continue to be used today.
Bruises are caused by injuries to small veins, called capillaries, located beneath the surface of the skin. When the capillaries rupture, blood leaks into the surrounding tissue. This results in the purplish discoloration of bruises. The same process also causes pain and swelling because the body responds to the injury by releasing “scavenger” cells that are designed to remove debris from around the injury. These cells, along with a flood of fluids and other naturally-occurring chemicals, are what make bruises swell and ache.
Along with applying heat, Native Americans treated bruises with herbs that have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and capillary-repairing powers. Here are some you may want to try.
Stop swelling with plantain. This herb contains potent anti-inflammatory compounds and is most often used as a poultice. Mash fresh plantain leaves, mix in a small amount of water, and apply the paste directly to the bruised area. A somewhat neater way to use plantain is to wrap the mashed leaves in a layer of cheesecloth and apply that to the skin.
Use mullein lotion. Like plantain, mullein is a powerful anti-inflammatory. It’s most effective when applied to bruises as an oil-based lotion. To make the lotion, put a handful of mullein flowers in a jar, cover with olive oil, and allow to soak for 1 week to 10 days. Then strain out the flowers and apply the oil to the bruises. The oil will keep in the refrigerator as long as you store it in a covered, light-proof container.
Ease the discomfort with juniper. This aromatic plant was a favorite among Native Americans for soothing bruises. The easiest way to use juniper is to warm the branches slightly and attach them, using gauze or first aid tape, to the bruised area.
Reduce discoloration with parsley. When applied as a poultice, parsley will clear up most black-and-blue marks within a day or two, says herbal authority James A. Duke, Ph.D. To make a poultice, mash some fresh leaves and apply them directly to the skin—or wrap the poultice in cheesecloth, which is a little less messy.
Heal them with arnica. This popular bruise remedy can be applied externally as a poultice or compress, or taken internally as a tea, says herbalist David Hoffmann. To make a poultice, crush the leaves and hold them against the bruise. For a compress, make a strong tea, let it cool to slightly above room temperature, soak a cloth in the liquid, and apply it to the bruise.
Strengthen capillaries with yarrow. Taken regularly, this herb makes the capillaries more resistant to injuries, Hoffmann says. You can apply yarrow externally by making a compress from freshly brewed yarrow tea—or you can simply drink the tea.
Eat more fruits and vegetables. Foods that are high in vitamin C, like oranges, kale, and winter squash, can protect against bruises because this nutrient helps strengthen capillary walls.
Add some warmth. Native Americans believed that applying gentle heat to the skin was among the best remedies for helping bruises heal. Although heat shouldn’t be used until a day or two after a bruise occurs (ice is better in the early stages), it can then be very effective because it improves circulation and helps flush fluids and debris from the area, says dermatologist Jerome Litt, M.D., of the Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland. He recommends applying a warm compress to the area several times a day for about 20 minutes each time. In most cases, this will help the discoloration fade more quickly.
This how to treat bruises article is taken from :
Healing Secrets of the Native Americans - Porter Shimer
