I don’t know about you, but I have always been prone to bruises. Be it bumping on furniture or maybe after an extreme workout, bruises would just pop out of nowhere. Sometimes they drive me nuts, especially when they take forever to heal and you have some event or occasion to head out to. That’s why I’ve been fortunate to find essential oils as a natural remedy to at least speed up recovery processes. Today, I am going to show how essential oils can help cure bruises and how they are used to speed up the process.
However, all this often takes ages. And that’s where essential oils come into play.
Why use essential oils for bruises?
- Reduced inflammation: The affected area is soothed by essential oils, such as lavender and helichrysum, which reduces the swelling associated with a bruise.
- Improvement of blood circulation: Some oil helps in improving the flow of blood, which results in healing fast.
- Pain relieving: The essential oil can also relieve any pain that might be caused by your bruise, which will make the recovery process more bearable.
Countless numbers are instances when bruising has taken place, and one does feel grateful to the power of essential oils, which heal the blemishes so fast. This is just one of the many easy natural remedies a person can do right from the comfort of their home.
Best Essential Oils for Bruises
- Helichrysum Oil
Setting bruises, helichrysum oil is one of my favorites. It is noted for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties, and it works miracles on swollen and discolored skin. The first time I tried the oil, I had a nasty bruising on my leg from hitting the corner of a coffee table. I was able to apply some diluted helichrysum oil, and throughout a couple of days, that bruise began ‘in a lot quicker’ fashion than usual.
You can use this by mixing a few drops of helichrysum oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil. Massage this gently into the bruise two to three times daily.
- Oil of Lavender
The next powerhouse for healing bruises is lavender oil. It smells amazing and, according to repute, is full of soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. I always have a bottle of lavender oil with me at all times; I drastically use it not only for bruises but for cuts and burns, too, or even for relaxation.
This can be used by diluting the lavender oil in a carrier oil and gently applying it to the bruised area. In just days, you will start to see the bruising go down in terms of swelling and discoloration.
- In vitae Frankincense Oil
It is normally used in skin care for healing and anti-inflammation. Used for larger bruises, it seems to help with the healing time; it’s also great at trying to avoid scarring, which can sometimes occur with deeper bruises.
Just mix a few drops of it with some carrier oil and massage it into the skin. You will be amazed at how fairly quickly it acts.
- Arnica oil
Arnica oil is nowhere near as well-reputed as lavender or frankincense, but boy, this causes magic on bruises. That’s because it has been considered a treatment for injuries with swelling since ancient times. If I have something a bit more serious, then I immediately reach for arnica oil. It helps both with the pain and discoloration.
Because arnica oil is a bit too strong, make sure you are diluting the said oil with some other carrier oil if you use it directly on your skin.
- Cypress Oil
Cypress oil is great for improving circulation, really the key to helping bruises heal. This helps the body to reabsorb the blood that’s trapped under the skin faster. I have tried cinnamon oil for stubborn bruises that just don’t want to go away, and it does hurry them along.
One more time, cypress oil should be first diluted in some other carrier oil before application on the skin.
How to Use Essential Oils for Bruising Recovery
Dilute the oil.
Essential oils are very concentrated; you’ll always want to dilute them in carrier oil. I always use coconut or almond oil because they’re both light and absorb into the skin. A general rule of thumb is to mix about 10-12 drops of essential oil with one ounce of carrier oil.
Apply the oil.
Once your oil is diluted, gently massage it into the bruised area. Be very gentle and don’t press on bruises too hard, since they can successfully be a bit painful to the touch. I like to use small, circular motions to help the oil absorb better into the skin.
Practice regularly
I prefer the application of this oil two to three times daily. You’ll notice the bruise will fade faster, and also the pain or discomfort will reduce faster.
Safety Tips When Using Essential Oils
- Always perform a patch test: I always perform a patch test of any new oils on a certain area of the skin for unwanted reactions.
- Dilute, dilute, dilute: too strong on the skin, these undiluted essential oils irritate. Always mix them with base oil before application.
- Know where to avoid: Do not apply essential oils to your eyes, nose, or broken skin, as these may be irritated by certain oils.
My Personal Experience with Essential Oils for Bruises
By the end of the week, it barely appeared. I wouldn’t believe how fast it worked. From now on, every time I get a bruise, I go to my essential oils.
When to Seek Medical Attention for Bruises
In any case, whether it is lavender, helichrysum, or frankincense, using essential oils is a great way to fasten natural processes of healing. They reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and, in general, help your body take care of whatever might be hurting sooner. I have used them so many times, and they never disappoint.
The next time you have a bruise, why not try essential oils? You will be astounded at your discovery with frequent use.
And if you’re curious about more holistic treatments, I recommend checking out Step Above Massage for expert advice and professional care.
FAQ’s
Can essential oils make a bruise disappear?
Although they cannot make the bruise disappear instantly, using essential oils promotes the speeding up of the process. Oils with active ingredients, such as lavender and helichrysum, lower swelling and improve circulation, which allows the bruises to heal faster. Indeed, I have bruises that have faded out of view way quicker when consistently applied.
How many times a day do I apply an essential oil to a bruise?
For the best results, use essential oils two to three times per day. I find that when I make a point of doing applications regularly, I get the best results. Be sure to lightly massage the oil into the bruise and remember to dilute it first.
Can essential oils be used on the most sensitive skin?
Yes, but with care. Always perform a patch test on a smaller area before using it on the main area. Being one with sensitive skin myself, I’d have to say most of these oils don’t feel too strong, provided they’re well diluted, especially lavender or frankincense.
Which is the carrier oil best used against bruises?
I mostly use coconut oil, as it absorbs well and doesn’t leave an oily layer on. Almond and jojoba oil are great options, too. They help dilute the essential oil added and nourish the skin.