|
|
|
|
Bruising |
| Bruising occurs when blood vessels under
the skin rupture as a result of a blow or bump. Blood spills into
the underlying tissue resulting in pain and swelling, as well as the
familiar black and blue marks. |
| For most of us bruising is merely an
inconvenience, however, as we age it can become more of a problem.
As we grow older our skin becomes thinner and blood capillaries more
fragile, leaving us less protected and more vulnerable to injury.
Some elderly people develop a condition called purpura senilis. In
these cases the person will bruise with even the slightest touch to
the skin and the bruises can last for months. |
| To help ease the pain of a new bruise,
experts recommend applying an ice pack on and off for the first 24
hours. A bag of frozen peas is ideal, or frozen witch hazel if you
have it. The next day apply a hot water bottle (not too hot) or warm
compress. This will help to encourage reabsorption of the blood and
bring faster relief. |
| It is possible to help yourself become
less prone to bruising. However if you bruise very easily, you
should see your doctor first to check that there is no underlying
health problem. |
|
How to Help Avoid
Bruises
A
diet high in bioflavonoids has been shown to keep blood
vessels and capillaries strong and healthy. |
 |
Eat a healthy
wholefood diet including plenty of dark green vegetables,
onions, garlic and buckwheat. |
|
Eat plenty of fresh
fruit, including citrus fruits, apples, blueberries and
cherries. They are all high in
bioflavonoids. |
|
Drink green tea - it
is also high in
bioflavonoids | |
|
| Supplements Worth Considering |
|
Vitamin C - 2000mg -
4000mg daily - helps prevent bruising by keeping veins, capillaries and skin tissue,
strong and healthy. |
|
Vitamin K - helps
strengthen blood vessel walls. Alfalfa tablets are a good
source of vitamin K |
|
Bioflavonoids - In a
study the bioflavonoid rutin was found to help reduce bruising
by strengthening capillaries. |
|
Bilberry extract -
rich in bioflavonoids - helps to keep blood vessel walls
strong. |
|
Experts recommend
applying a cream or lotion containing Vitamin C to the skin
topically. They say this can help make the skin less prone to
bruising, reducing the
number and severity of bruises.
This is especially helpful for
the elderly who tend to bruise very easily. |
|
German Commission E
Monograph has approved the following herbs as helpful for
bruises, all to be applied externally: Comfrey
herb and leaf, Comfrey root, Peruvian
Balsam, St. Johns Wort, Sweet
Clover. |
|
Witch Hazel applied
topically helps to soothe bruising. For extra soothing power,
keep an ice-cube tray of witch hazel - clearly marked - in the
freezer and apply to bruise as soon as
possible. | |
| |
