In many cases, bruises are more of an annoyance than a severe medical issue. Most bruises will heal on their own over the period of two weeks. However, the uncomfortable pain and inflammation associated with bruising is something you may not want to get rid of as soon as possible. There are things you can do to reduce the pain and visibility of a bruise. Below are 11 remedies with common home items that you can use to reduce bruising. 

1) Ice

Whenever you sustain an injury, your first instinct is likely to grab an ice pack, and that’s usually a good instinct to act on. When you place an ice pack on a bruise, you cool the blood vessels in the area, which reduces blood flow. Reducing blood flow can prevent larger amounts of blood from leaking into surrounding tissue. To properly apply ice, you’ll want to leave the ice pack on your skin for 10 minutes at a time with 20 minute intervals in-between each application. 

2) CBD Oil

While there are many traditional methods for healing a bruise that you may already be aware of, CBD oil may be one you haven’t yet considered. Because bruises result in pain and swelling, CBD is well-suited for the job. Studies have found that CBD has anti-inflammatory properties along with the ability to help manage pain. You can use a topical CBD product, such as a cream or patch to release CBD directly into the area where the bruise exists. The CBD oil will then interact with the cannabinoid receptors in that area to help reduce the pain and inflammation caused by the bruise. 

3) Heat 

It might seem odd that applying both cold and heat to the body could help, but the two opposites work best at different times. Ice packs work best while the bruise is forming. If the bruise is already formed, applying heat would actually be more beneficial than applying ice. Applying heat increases circulation and blood flow, which can work to clear away the trapped blood. Heat can also help to loosen tense muscles and relieve pain. You can use a heating pad or soak in a hot bath to apply heat to the bruised area. 

4) Elevation

You can raise the bruised body part above your heart to reduce blood flow in that area. Elevating the bruise will help to drain the trapped blood away from the bruised area. Elevation also helps to relieve pain and swelling by reducing the blood flow and pressure. 

5) Pineapple 

Pineapples contain an enzyme mixture known as bromelain, which is found in the stem, fruit, and juice of the plant. Studies have found that bromelain can help to reduce swelling and inflammation. You could eat pineapple, or apply a bromelain cream to receive the benefits associated with bromelain. 

6) Compression

Cold helps to reduce the blood flow of the blood vessels, but compression can help to reduce blood leakage as well. Wrapping the bruised area in an elastic bandage can squeeze the tissue in that area to restrict the blood flow in the vessels. 

7) Comfrey

Comfrey is actually a common plant used for medicinal purposes. Comfrey cream is often used to treat inflammation and skin problems. It can be used to treat inflammation caused by bruising. 

8) Arnica

Arnica is an herb that can be consumed orally or applied via an ointment or gel. Arnica anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it well-suited to help with bruises. 

9) Vitamin K

Vitamin K aids in blood clotting. Studies have found that vitamin K can reduce the severity of bruising when applied via a cream. 

10) Vitamin C

Vitamin C has actually been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. You can take vitamin C supplements, but it’d be better to use a cream or gel containing vitamin C to help reduce the inflammation. 

11) Aloe Vera

Like CBD oil and many of the other vitamins above, Aloe Vera has been found to help reduce pain and inflammation. You can actually get creams or gels that contain both Aloe Vera and combinations of vitamin C, vitamin K, arnica, and CBD oil.