Essential oils are natural oils that are typically extracted from plants using various methods. These oils also have the characteristic odour of the plant it was extracted from. These oils have many uses, but today, we’ll talk about the essential oils for bruises.
What Is A Bruise?
First, let’s get to know what a bruise is. Bruising is caused mainly by impact injuries and are characterized by bluish or reddish marks of various sizes on the skin. The size of the bruise depends on the area of impact on the skin.
The colour of the bruise depends on how fresh and deep the injury is. When you get a bruise, it’s because the impact has damaged the underlying blood vessels and skin tissue.
Athletes are no strangers to bruises, especially those partaking in full-contact sports. However, bruises can also be caused by accidental impact injuries from falling on hard surfaces.
Essential Oil for Swelling and Bruising
Essential oils can be beneficial for bruises, as they can quickly reduce swelling and speed up the healing process.
Generally, essential oils may be too irritating for the bruised skin to be applied directly. But the good news is that these oils can be diluted, mixed with lotion or carrier oils.
The following is a list of some of the best essential oils for treating bruises and swelling, most of these have also been tested in the lab and yielded positive results.
Another vital point to remember when using essential oils is never to use them internally. If the bruised skin is not unbroken, then refrain from immediately using essential oils.
1. Arnica
Arnica extracts are one of the most popular remedies in all herbal medicine. Arnica is also used as a pain reliever in homoeopathic medicine.
Extracted from the flower of Arnica Montana, the arnica essential oil is an excellent remedy for healing bruises. The Arnica oil speeds up healing time, reduces the size of the bruise and quickly brings back normal skin tone to the affected area.
Apply about 4 to 5 drops of diluted arnica essential oil on the bruised skin twice a day.
2. Lavender
Another popular name in natural remedies and also known for its brilliant aroma is Lavender.
An advantage of lavender essential oil is that it is widely available. Application of Lavender oil on the bruise post-injury will help reduce the discolouration of the skin and relieve pain. It also reduces inflammation of the area.
Apply 2 – 3 drops of undiluted Lavender oil and massage gently. If it needs to be diluted, apply five drops of oil.
3. Rosemary
Obtained from the Rosmarinus officinalis or Rosemary flower, this essential oil can work with just one treatment. The antioxidant found in Rosemary oil may help greatly with bruises. It is useful for reducing pain in multiple studies.
When applying Rosemary essential oil, always make sure it is diluted with a carrier oil as the direct application can be too irritating for the skin. This can cause problems as the bruised area is already sensitive.
4. Frankincense
Frankincense (Boswellia spp.) is a recommended essential oil for swelling and bruises. The anti-inflammatory qualities of this essential oil help reduce pain and swelling fast.
Studies have found that frankincense essential oil works almost as well as any over the counter spray.
This oil can be applied twice per day in doses of 3-5 drops.
5. Helichrysum
Another tried and tested essential oil is the helichrysum essential oil. Obtained from the Helichrysum italicum, also known as the everlasting flower, this essential oil is believed to have anti-hematomal qualities.
This oil reduces bruise size and appearance, relieving inflammation.
A minimal amount, about three drops, is all it needs for its work when applied in 12-hour intervals.
6. Geranium
Geranium essential oil is believed to speed up healing by increasing circulation in the bruised area. Although it has no apparent effect on inflammation, it promotes the growth of healthy tissue.
Geranium oil is too strong to be applied when undiluted. However, applying a diluted geranium essential oil to the wound have been shown to produce results quickly.
7. Turmeric
Turmeric is another excellent essential oil for swelling. Turmeric essential oil is beneficial for reducing the swelling that occurs in the bruised area. Turmeric is known to have anti-inflammatory properties. Read more about the Health Benefits of Turmeric and Curcumin on the Body and Skin.
Apply diluted turmeric essential oil once or twice a day if the pain persists.
8. Lemongrass
Another great essential oil for swelling and pain is Lemongrass (Cymbopogon) oil. This oil is known for its analgesic properties, thus helps reduce swelling and pain in the bruised area.
Apply about five drops of diluted lemongrass oil 2 – 3 times a day for best results.
9. Wormwood
Artemisia absinthium is known for its wound healing and pain-relieving qualities in herbal medicine. Wormwood essential oil is thus quite potent for reducing pain in the bruised area of the skin.
Again this oil can be too strong to be applied directly to the skin. It may not suit everyone as well. Thus it’s best to start with 1 – 2 drops of diluted wormwood essential oil and gradually increase it to 5 drops.
Essential Oils Can Even Be Combined
One good thing about essential oils is that they can be combined. The essential oil can be too irritating for the skin to be applied directly, especially over sensitive bruises. Thus these oils are combined with lotions and other oils to make application easier.
But the combinations do not end here, as more than one essential oil can be combined with carrier oils or lotion.
Possible combinations of essential oils
1. Lavender and/or Geranium with Witch hazel lotion
This combination is excellent for very inflamed bruises with a lot of swelling.
2. Frankincense and Turmeric
This combination of essential oils was the subject of a study and showed very positive results. The frankincense and turmeric worked together to very quickly reduce the pain in the bruised area and even helped in reducing the bruised appearance.
3. Lavender with Arnica ointment
This combination is beneficial for quickly relieving pain and can be applied generously without any irritation.
Conclusion
Summarizing everything, it can be said that some essential oil can be good for bruises and excellent natural remedies and can complement treatment by medicine in more severe cases. But make sure If your skin is allergic to any of the oils, stop using them immediately and contact your skin doctor.
