posted May 12, 2007 11:55 AM         

Here are some peoples' thoughts -- Note: they are not doctors

Best article on treatment: http://www.organicnutrition.co.uk/articles/bruises.htm

Bruise Treatments

Applying a cold compress or ice pack will reduce swelling.

Elevating the bruise above heart level will reduce swelling as well.

Applying a compression bandage (such as an ACE bandage) will restrict blood flow and keep the swelling down, but may hinder proper healing.

Use Arnica cream on the bruise to hasten healing. Arnica is a herb that will help the body flush out the trapped blood.

Apply melted chocolate directly to the bruise and wrap it in gauze overnight. Clean it off the next morning.

Apply vitamin E and/or K cream directly to your bruise.

If you’re bruise is excessively painful or accompanied by headaches, nausea, or disorientation you should see your doctor immediately. This may indicate a more serious injury!

The best thing ever for bruises is arnica gel, ointment or spray. It's homeopathic, and can be found in any health food store. The sooner you apply to a bruise, the faster it is able to heal it, but it does work on old ones, too. Also, you can take it internally: Arnica Montana tablets.

Mint is an antidote to homeopathic medicine. Do not use anything with mint within a half hour before or after using homopathic medicine. Homopathic medicine is very effective and very safe. You can even give it to babies.

I had a bruise on my face once before and I used a Vitamin K cream I found at Sally Beauty Supply.

bruises are just blood that has pooled under the skin from broken capillaries right under the skins surface. Just apply ice for 10 mins on and 10 mins off for a couple of hours and they should fade. If you don't have an ice pack then use frozen peas putting the bag back in the freezer when it is "off" time.