Happy Living Tip: Make a Bruise Disappear Fast
November 18, 2007 by Sara Ost
Filed under First Aid, Happy Living Tip, Misc.
I’m not a clumsy sort of sapiens, but nevertheless I seem to acquire a lot of bruises. So, I gave up the bar fights, hoping that would help, but I still manage to have at least one bruise happening on any given limb. I’ve learned two tricks, and I’m passing them along to you. Son magicos!
Ice It
As soon as you bump your knee or hip or tail bone (that’s always a fun one, isn’t it?), immediately apply a cold pack or ice or those frozen vegetables you don’t have any intention of ever eating. If you notice a bruise and don’t remember how you got it, that’s all right; go ahead and ice it for a few minutes anyway.
Arnica It (rolls off the tongue, I know)
Arnica gel is often used for muscle aches, but it also helps reduce inflammation. A bruise is just a cluster of inflamed, damaged capillaries, so rubbing down with arnica gel a few times will help the bruise quickly clear up. Note: the American Cancer Society is less than impressed with arnica.
- Photo: Sheeshoo
That’s cool … I’ve always done the ice thing — well usually frozen peas — but I’ll have to try that gel on the next black eye…
Arnica rocks! I am a big fan of the gel, cream or you can even get pellets that you can take under your tongue. These are great after a big clumsy fall or even better, BEFORE a big clumsy fall. Wait, how does that work, you ask? Well, if your like me, you know you’re gonna bite it when you go snowboarding or skiing (because you are really terrible at snow sports and your friends convince you it will be “fun” even though your terrified of heights). Before your first run down the HUGE bunny hill is the perfect time to pop a few Arnica pellets and let the “good times” roll clumsily downhill. You’ll be less sore than you would’ve been sans Arnica.
Plaket I’ve always done the ice thing — well usually frozen peas — but I’ll have to try that gel on the next black eye…