One of the unpleasant things parents have to deal with is treating our kids’ bruises. There are several organic ways of dealing with bruises, which are kind to your kids’ skin and to their health. Bruises are unsightly black and blue marks caused by blood that leaks out from the capillaries just under the skin. While bromelain, a common ingredient in pineapple has been recommended, as well as steak, there are better remedies to be had according to James A Duke, PhD the author of The Green Pharmacy and the nation’s foremost authority on healing herbs. Dr. Duke worked for 30 years for the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a botanist, specializing in healing plants, so he has a very impressive background.
Let’s take a look at natural ways to treat bruises:
· Arnica – or Arnica Montana is a natural herb, which used topically will relieve pain from swelling and inflammation while it acts as a natural antiseptic. When looking for the ointment in health food stores look for one that is at least 15% arnica oil. You can also make your own by boiling the dried arnica herb and applying the cooled tincture with a clean cloth.
· Bromelain – this is a natural ingredient found in pineapple, but for this study the supplement bromelain is much more practical because when eating pineapple so little of the bromelain actually can be used to aid in the healing process. Those who use this course of action recommend taking a supplement containing 150 to 450 milligrams three times daily on an empty stomach.
· Eat citrus fruits which are high in vitamin C and bioflavonoids. These help to strengthen the capillaries making them more resistant to blood leakage.
· Grape seeds – Create your own grape juice using the entire grape in a blender so that the seeds get pulverized. Grape seeds are equivalent to pycogenol and increase the level of vitamin C in the body - assisting in healing.
· Parsley – Parsley has a host of health benefits and nutritional elements as well, but is often scraped off the plate when the dinner is finished. It seems that crushed parsley makes a wonderful poultice to chase the blues away, the black and blues, that is.
· Raw potatoes – cut open a potato and apply it directly to the bruise to draw out the soreness.
· St. John’s Wort is not just a mood elevator but is also used to treat bruises, cuts, burns and other wounds. In fact Commission E has endorsed it for years. Take the beautiful flower or dried herb and steep it in vegetable oil so you have it on hand when needed. Sometimes this herb oozes red, but not to worry. This is natural for St. John’s Wort.
· Witch Hazel – both the leaves and the bark of this bush has been used for over a thousand years to treat all kinds of skin conditions. It is truly a remarkable remedy for bruises and it is already bottled and sold in many stores and pharmacies.
Of course it goes without saying that any serious injury and treatment options should be discussed with your physician.
