10 Simple Home Remedies for Bruises

Ice causes blood vessels to constrict, which slows or stops additional blood from seeping under the skin. That means less discoloration, less swelling, and less pain. Never apply ice directly to the skin — wrap it in a cloth first, and keep it on the bruised area for no more than 15 minutes at a time.

Take the cold compress up a notch by soaking a cloth in cooled chamomile or lavender tea. Both have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that can help reduce swelling and ease discomfort. Reapply every few hours.

Arnica — also known as wolf's bane — is a popular at-home remedy for bumps and bruises. It helps reduce inflammation, ease pain, and is thought to promote healthy circulation. It comes as a gel or tincture and can be applied directly to the bruise a few times a day. Even in diluted form, keep it away from broken skin to avoid irritation.

Vitamin K supports blood clotting, which can reduce the severity of a bruise. You can apply a vitamin K cream directly to the bruise twice daily, eat more foods rich in it — like leafy greens and fish — or take a supplement. One important note: if you take blood thinners, skip this one, as vitamin K can interfere with how they work.

Bromelain is a natural enzyme found in pineapple with strong anti-inflammatory properties. It can help with surface bruises and is even thought to help heal bone bruises. If your doctor gives the go-ahead, take bromelain supplements until the swelling, discoloration, and pain subside. Eating more pineapple is another easy way to boost your intake.

Comfrey has long been used as a home remedy for bruises. Start with a cold compress made from chilled comfrey tea, then switch to a warm version as healing progresses. To make it, stir one tablespoon of dried comfrey herb into one and a quarter cups of hot water and steep for about 15 minutes before soaking your cloth.

While cold is best right after an injury, heat helps later in the healing process. A few days in, a warm compress can improve circulation and help the bruise fade faster. A hot water bottle or a cloth soaked in warm water works well, as does a heating pad — just make sure to wait a few days before applying any heat.

St. John's wort oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can help a bruise heal and take the edge off the pain. Apply the oil to the bruised area several times a day until it fades. You can also make a tea by steeping two tablespoons of dried St. John's wort in a cup of hot water for 20 minutes. If you take any medications — particularly for anxiety — check for interactions first, as this herb can interfere with several common drugs.

Apple cider vinegar's natural anti-inflammatory properties make it a handy home remedy. Soak a cloth in a mixture of water and ACV and apply it as a compress. For a more unconventional option, soak an onion in the vinegar and apply it to the bruise — the combination may help soothe pain and inflammation. Either way, only use these methods on unbroken skin.

Certain essential oils can boost circulation and help disperse the pooled blood beneath the skin. To make a simple healing blend, combine five drops of calendula oil, two drops of fennel oil, one drop of cypress oil, and four teaspoons of grapeseed oil. Rub it gently into the bruise once a day.