Herbal Nutrition Chronicle

Bruises; black and blue marks, usually appear from bumps or an injury that involves the rupture of small blood vessels causing discoloration of underlying tissues without a break in the overlying skin. The bruise gradually changes color from blue to green to brownish yellow as the body conducts its healing.

There are factors that may cause or make individuals susceptible to bruising more easily than they should. These factors include anemia, heavy smoking, hemophilia (blood clotting disorder), leukemia, malnutrition, menstruation, overweight and obesity, vitamin C deficiency and use of anti-clotting medicine.

Exercise sometimes causes micro-tears in the blood vessels below the skin. When the tears occur, blood seeps out into the tissues and then a bruise appears.

If you think that you are bruising easily and can not figure out the cause, you should talk to your doctor about it. Sometimes bruises are a sign of an illness. Some disorders of the blood can cause unexplained bruises.

The following nutrients, natural substances and remedies may be beneficial.

Nutritional Supplements

Vitamin C with bioflavonoids help to prevent bruising by supplying oxygen to the injured cells and strengthening capillary walls. Take 3,000 - 10,000 milligrams daily in divided doses.

Vitamin D plus calcium and magnesium help protect the skin and is needed for blood cell formation. Take 400 - 800 IU vitamin D daily, take 2,000 milligrams calcium daily and 1,000 milligrams magnesium daily.

Vitamin E improves circulation in body tissues. Start with 400 IU daily and slowly increase to 800 IU daily. Do not exceed 400 IU daily if taking anticoagulant medicine.

Vitamin K is necessary for blood clotting and healing. Take as directed on label.

Natural Remedies

Alfalfa supplies beneficial minerals and vitamin K, which is needed for healing. Take in tablet form and follow directions on label.

Arnica and calendula both help to speed the healing of bruises and act as anti-inflammatories, although arnica is the more popular alternative. The chemicals in the herbs will increase circulation, washing away blood and damaged skin cells that collect under the surface of the skin. Massage a dab of arnica or calendula cream or ointment onto the bruised area three times daily. Do not use arnica on open wounds or broken skin; it interferes with healing.

Onions. It seems that the same chemicals that cause your eyes to water can be absorbed through the skin. A slice of yellow onion placed on a fresh bruise for 15 minutes can help stimulate the lymphatic flow, flushing away excess blood. Apply immediately after the bump or impact to increase the efficacy of this treatment.

Bromelain, an enzyme that has anti-inflammatory properties will help reduce swelling and the redness of a fresh bruise. Sit, relax and have a tall, cool glass of pineapple juice.

Comfrey is an age-old remedy for a variety of skin ailments. It contains allantoin, which encourages skin repair. It is useful for treating bruises and sprains. Apply ice to the bruise, brew some comfrey tea and soak sterile gauze in it. After icing for about 20 minutes, apply you comfrey compress.

Crush and chop a handful of chilled parsley sprigs and apply them straight to the bruise. Parsley goes straight to work taking the color out of the bruise, often within 24 hours.

The herbs dandelion and yellow dock are good sources of iron. Other beneficial herbs include aloe vera gel, burdock root, ginkgo biloba, horsetail, peppermint essential oil, rose hips, shepherd's purse and stinging nettle.