11 Natural Remedies for Scrapes & Bruises

Scrapes and bruises are a part of everyday life - especially in the summer with all the outdoor activities going on. Some of us, it seems, whether we’re accident prone or adventurous or maybe a little bit of both, get scraped up daily.  While there are many handy over-the-counter remedies to clean cuts, reduce swelling, prevent infection and promote healing, there are twice as many natural remedies which accomplish the same thing - without all the synthetic chemicals.  Nature really does take good care of us! 

Let’s look at some natural remedies for scrapes and bruises:*

1. Witch hazel. This plant is actually a deciduous shrub and the bark and leaves are an astringent which can be used to disinfect and to clean skin.  It’s also commonly used to treat sore muscles and swollen tissue. 

Aloe vera (Photo credit: olgaberrios)

2. Aloe vera is a common treatment for sunburns and rashes. A succulent plant grown in warm, tropical climates, it protects and moisturizes the skin - and is also great for treating burns.

3. Arnica Gel, which comes from a perennial in the sunflower family, is excellent for treating muscle aches and bruising, as well as arthritis pain. 

4. Raw garlic.  Despite the very unique and strong aroma, garlic cloves can be used as an antiseptic to disinfect cuts and scrapes.

5. Comfrey, a perennial flower, is used to treat sprains, strains, bruises and broken bones.  The roots of the flower are ground into a poultice and placed on the injured area.

6. Yarrow leaves, when dried and ground into a powder, can be uses to disinfect cuts and scrapes and to stop bleeding.

7. Lavender essential oil, when combined and diluted by jojoba oil or olive oil, relieves pain, burns and bee stings. 

8. Tea tree essential oil, when diluted with jojoba or olive oil, is an antiseptic and antibiotic.  It is great for cleaning minor cuts. 

Thyme. (Photo credit: Vietnam Plants & The USA. plants)

9. Thyme essential oil, when diluted with a base oil like olive or jojoba has both antimicrobial and antiseptic properties.  Use it to clean minor cuts and scrapes and to soothe bruised and sore muscles.

10. Castor oil can be used to treat bruising and reduce swelling. 

11. Calendula oil is used to soothe rashes and minor scrapes. 

In addition to these 11 natural remedies, homeopathic remedies can be designed to treat swelling and bruising, and flower essences can be used to reduce stress and alleviate shock symptoms.  Mother Nature has provided you with a number of gentle and safe first aid remedies.  Create your natural first aid kit today and take advantage of all the healing power that nature has to offer!

* Note: Information provided above should not be considered medical advice. You should consult a qualified medical professional before using any natural remedy.