Summary
When an area of the body is hit hard, the blood vessels
near the surface are broken and blood is lost into the
surrounding tissue forming what soon becomes a discolored
area called a bruise. Bruising may also occur with
some medical treatments or for some that bruise easily from
just a slight or unnoticed bump. A severe bruise may
include excess blood leakage that will cause the
discoloration to extend below the area of the injury as
gravity exerts its force. Bruising may also be
accompanied by swelling and pain from the injury.
Bruising is more common in women and older adults.
For older adults this happens as the fat layer under the
skin decreases and the skin becomes thinner and not as
pliable. Minor bruising is not a serious problem but
if there is severe bruising after a blow or fall it may be
an indication of a more serious problem that needs
attention.
[search helps: hematoma,
contusion, ecchymosis, purpura, petechia]
Oils, blends & products
recommended:
Oils & Blends:
Deep Blue, geranium, helichrysum, lavender
Essential oils based
products:
Also consider:
Cypress, lemongrass, myrrh, rosemary
Suggested protocols:
The more quickly cold is applied to the area, the less
bruising there will be. If this cold compress is coupled
with essential oils that constricts blood vessels and
relieves pain a much more successful outcome will be
achieved. Geranium constricts and lavender is an excellent
analgesic. Always protect the skin by not placing ice
directly on the area and do not leave it on the area
continuously. It is recommended that 15 minutes on and 15
minutes off is the most that ice should be applied.
After the first 24-48 hours when swelling has
stopped, the constriction of blood vessels should be
replaced with a method of increasing blood circulation to
heal and reduce the bruise more rapidly. Alternating hot and
cold compresses with helichrysum or other essential oils
will speed the process. Apply the helichrysum, 1 -
3 drops, neat every
few hours.
Some suggested blends are:
•
5 drops helichrysum
• 4
drops lavender
• 3
drops cypress
• 3
drops lemongrass
• 3
drops geranium
Or also consider:
•
6 drops clove
• 3
drops peppermint
• 2
drops marjoram
• 4
drops Roman chamomile
• 2
drops geranium
• 2
drops cypress
Experiences and Testimonials of others
Teressa - I use peppermint for bruising!
It works great. I dropped a half size dutch oven pan
on my foot and the it immediately started to bruise. I
dumped peppermint on it and not only did the bruising go
away, but the pain was quickly gone. The oven hit my
right foot then bounced and rolled on to my left foot.
My right foot injury seemed so sever, that I ignored the
left foot. The next morning my left foot had a bigger
bruise than my right one that I had put peppermint on!!!
TaLaisa - My Mom has inherited very
droopy eyelids, they were sagging to the point of affecting
her vision. The eye doctor decided to do surgery, to lift
the eyelid. The timing was terrible. She is off track for
school but didn't have the allotted 6 weeks healing time to
recover before school started. She is diabetic and bruises
easily and bruises take months to go away. Needless to say
she was worried about the big black eyes she'd be sporting
for back to school night at the beginning of August.
I convinced her (lovingly, of course) to let me get her
some oils. I spoke to Tamalu, who gave me great suggestions
but also reminded and empowered me that I could help. The
minute my Mother got home from surgery I gave her geranium,
deep blue and lavender and told her to put them on at least
twice a day and as often as she felt like it. She's been
putting them on faithfully for the last eight days. One eye
is completely clear of bruising and the other eye is very
close. She has marveled at the fact that neither ever turned
that dark blue color that fades to yellow and ends up
traveling down the affected area. She told me that she's
also been putting the oil on the spots on her arm and hand
where they put in the IV line, fast healing on both areas as
well. It's really remarkable that what the doctor told her
took most average patience 6 weeks to heal from and may take
her twice as long, has progressed so rapidly toward nearly
healed in less than two short weeks.
Megan - Being TaLaisa's sister I have
been witness to this amazing recovery. I have been so
impressed and thrilled with the results I have been seeing
with the progress being made in my Mom's recovery!
Jessica - I have
two friends that recently had surgery. One of them has
severe bruising as a result, the other has scarring on her
shoulder. What oils are great for combating both
situations?
Carla - Birch works very well for
bruising. I have actually prevented bruising when I applied
it after crashing into a table in the middle of the night.
The real hero would be helichrysum. I used it on my black
eye after an eye procedure. It is also amazing with
scarring. My sister had a neighbor use it on her had which
was crippled through scarring. She was able to regain use
in her hand.
Pat - Here are a couple of bruising
blends that work really well, don't forget to be consistent
and aggressive in applying these oils. One treatment will
not eliminate the bruising.
Blend #1:
•
5 drops Helichrysum
• 4
drops Lavender
• 3
drops Cypress
• 3
drops Lemongrass
• 3
drops Geranium
Blend #2:
•
6 drops Clove
• 3
drops Peppermint
• 2
drops Marjoram
• 4
drops Roman Chamomile
• 2
drops Geranium
• 2
drops Cypress
Helichrysum is especially beneficial in healing bruises
when applied neat on location. 1-3 drops on bruised area 2-5
times a day.
Ready, Set, Grow
