🩹 Overview
This section focuses on external support for bruising, contusions, pooled blood, and tissue trauma. Remedies emphasize herbs that move stagnation, strengthen capillaries, reduce swelling, ease tenderness, and support lymphatic flow. All remedies listed are for external use only unless otherwise noted.
🌿 1. Arnica Salve or Gel (Arnica montana)Â
Best For:Â Fresh bruises, impact injuries, sorenessÂ
Herbal Actions:Â Anti-inflammatory, circulatory stimulant, analgesic
Ingredients:
- Arnica-infused oil or prepared arnica gel
- Beeswax (if making salve)
How to Make (Step-by-Step):
- Warm infused oil gently.
- Add beeswax (1 oz per 1 cup oil) if making salve.
- Pour into jars and allow to cool.
How to Use / General Dosage (External):
- Apply thin layer 2–3x daily.
Storage & Shelf Life:
- 1–2 years stored cool and dark.
Contraindications & Safety Notes:
- Do not apply to broken skin.
- Pregnancy & breastfeeding: safe externally.
- Children & sensitive skin: use diluted; patch test.
Prescription Medication Interactions:
- None topically.
🌿 2. Comfrey Leaf Compress (Symphytum officinale)Â
Best For:Â Deep bruising, tissue traumaÂ
Herbal Actions:Vulnerary, anti-inflammatory, tissue-repairing
Ingredients:
- Dried comfrey leaf
- Hot water
How to Make (Step-by-Step):
- Steep leaf for 10–15 minutes.
- Soak cloth in tea and wring out.
- Apply warm compress to area.
How to Use / General Dosage (External):
- Apply 1–2x daily for short durations.
Storage & Shelf Life:
- Tea keeps 24 hours refrigerated.
Contraindications & Safety Notes:
- Do not use on broken skin.
- Pregnancy & breastfeeding: short-term external use only.
- Children & sensitive skin: dilute well.
Prescription Medication Interactions:
- None topically.
🌿 3. Calendula Oil (Calendula officinalis)Â
Best For:Â Tender bruises, sensitive skinÂ
Herbal Actions:Â Anti-inflammatory, lymphatic, vulnerary
Ingredients:
- Calendula-infused oil
How to Make (Step-by-Step):
- Use pre-made infused oil.
- Massage gently into bruise.
How to Use / General Dosage (External):
- Apply 2–4x daily.
Storage & Shelf Life:
- 1–2 years.
Contraindications & Safety Notes:
- Avoid if allergic to Asteraceae.
- Pregnancy & breastfeeding: safe externally.
- Children & sensitive skin: excellent choice.
Prescription Medication Interactions:
- None.
🌿 4. St. John’s Wort Oil (Hypericum perforatum)Â
Best For:Â Bruises with nerve pain or tendernessÂ
Herbal Actions:Anti-inflammatory, nervine, vulnerary
Ingredients:
- St. John’s Wort–infused oil
How to Make (Step-by-Step):
- Apply a small amount to area.
- Massage gently.
How to Use / General Dosage (External):
- Apply 1–2x daily.
Storage & Shelf Life:
- 1–2 years, protected from light.
Contraindications & Safety Notes:
- Photosensitizing; avoid sun exposure.
- Pregnancy & breastfeeding: safe externally.
- Children: dilute.
Prescription Medication Interactions:
- None topically (internal interactions not applicable).
🌿 5. Witch Hazel Compress (Hamamelis virginiana)Â
Best For:Â Swollen, tender bruisesÂ
Herbal Actions:Â Astringent, anti-inflammatory
Ingredients:
- Alcohol-free witch hazel
- Clean cloth or cotton pad
How to Make (Step-by-Step):
- Saturate cloth with witch hazel.
- Apply to bruise.
How to Use / General Dosage (External):
- Apply 2–3x daily.
Storage & Shelf Life:
- Follow product expiration.
Contraindications & Safety Notes:
- Avoid alcohol-based products on children.
- Pregnancy & breastfeeding: safe externally.
- Sensitive skin: patch test.
Prescription Medication Interactions:
- None.
🌿 6. Yarrow Oil or Compress (Achillea millefolium)Â
Best For:Â Bruises with broken capillariesÂ
Herbal Actions:Hemostatic, anti-inflammatory
Ingredients:
- Yarrow-infused oil or dried leaf
How to Make (Step-by-Step):
- Apply oil directly or prepare a warm compress.
- Hold on area 10–15 minutes.
How to Use / General Dosage (External):
- Apply 1–3x daily.
Storage & Shelf Life:
- Oil: up to 2 years.
Contraindications & Safety Notes:
- Avoid if allergic to Asteraceae.
- Pregnancy & breastfeeding: safe externally.
- Children: dilute oil.
Prescription Medication Interactions:
- None.
🌿 7. Helichrysum Essential Oil (Helichrysum italicum)Â
Best For:Â Rapid bruise resolution, capillary repairÂ
Herbal Actions:Â Anti-hematoma, regenerative
Ingredients:
- Helichrysum essential oil
- Carrier oil
How to Make (Step-by-Step):
- Dilute 1–2 drops EO in 1 tsp carrier oil.
- Apply gently to bruise.
How to Use / General Dosage (External):
- Apply 1–2x daily.
Storage & Shelf Life:
- 2–3 years tightly sealed.
Contraindications & Safety Notes:
- Use diluted only.
- Pregnancy & breastfeeding: avoid unless guided.
- Children & sensitive skin: avoid or highly dilute.
Prescription Medication Interactions:
- None topically.
🌿 8. Elderflower Compress (Sambucus nigra)Â
Best For:Â Inflamed bruises, facial bruisingÂ
Herbal Actions:Â Anti-inflammatory, soothing
Ingredients:
- Dried elderflowers
- Hot water
How to Make (Step-by-Step):
- Steep flowers 10 minutes.
- Soak cloth and apply warm or cool.
How to Use / General Dosage (External):
- Apply 1–2x daily.
Storage & Shelf Life:
- Use within 24 hours refrigerated.
Contraindications & Safety Notes:
- Generally very safe.
- Pregnancy & breastfeeding: safe externally.
- Children & sensitive skin: safe.
Prescription Medication Interactions:
- None.
🌿 9. Green Clay PoulticeÂ
Best For:Â Swollen, painful bruisesÂ
Herbal Actions:Â Drawing, anti-inflammatory
Ingredients:
- Green clay
- Water
How to Make (Step-by-Step):
- Mix clay with water to thick paste.
- Apply over bruise.
- Cover loosely and allow to dry.
How to Use / General Dosage (External):
- Use once daily; remove before fully dry if skin is sensitive.
Storage & Shelf Life:
- Make fresh each use.
Contraindications & Safety Notes:
- Avoid on very dry or broken skin.
- Pregnancy & breastfeeding: safe externally.
- Children: apply thinner layer.
Prescription Medication Interactions:
- None.
🌿 10. Olive Oil & Cayenne Rub (Capsicum annuum)Â
Best For:Â Old or stagnant bruisesÂ
Herbal Actions:Â Circulatory stimulant, warming
Ingredients:
- Olive oil
- Cayenne powder (very small amount)
How to Make (Step-by-Step):
- Infuse a pinch of cayenne into olive oil.
- Strain and apply sparingly.
How to Use / General Dosage (External):
- Apply once daily.
Storage & Shelf Life:
- 1 year.
Contraindications & Safety Notes:
- Avoid sensitive skin or broken skin.
- Pregnancy & breastfeeding: avoid.
- Children: do not use.
Prescription Medication Interactions:
- None topically.
🌿 11. Rose Hydrosol Compress (Rosa damascena)Â
Best For:Â Delicate areas, facial bruisesÂ
Herbal Actions:Â Cooling, anti-inflammatory
Ingredients:
- Rose hydrosol
- Soft cloth
How to Make (Step-by-Step):
- Soak cloth in hydrosol.
- Apply gently to area.
How to Use / General Dosage (External):
- Apply 2–3x daily.
Storage & Shelf Life:
- Follow product expiration; refrigerate after opening.
Contraindications & Safety Notes:
- Very gentle.
- Pregnancy & breastfeeding: safe externally.
- Children & sensitive skin: ideal choice.
Prescription Medication Interactions:
- None.
🌿 12. Cold Infused Vinegar Rub (Lavender or Rosemary)Â
Best For:Â Early-stage bruises, sorenessÂ
Herbal Actions:Circulatory, anti-inflammatory
Ingredients:
- Herbal vinegar (lavender or rosemary)
How to Make (Step-by-Step):
- Apply vinegar to cloth.
- Gently rub over bruise.
How to Use / General Dosage (External):
- Apply 1–2x daily.
Storage & Shelf Life:
- 1–2 years.
Contraindications & Safety Notes:
- Avoid broken skin.
- Pregnancy & breastfeeding: safe externally.
- Children: dilute with water.
Prescription Medication Interactions:
- None.