Bruises: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

A bruise is a localized area of discoloration caused by blood leakage into the surrounding tissues, typically resulting from trauma or injury.

The causes of bruises include physical blows, falls, or blows to specific areas of the body. Prolonged bruising can lead to inflammation, swelling, and potentially, the formation of scar tissue. Herbal remedies such as arnica, calendula, and ginkgo biloba can be used to alleviate bruising through topical applications and medicinal preparations like ointments and tinctures.

However, it is essential to exercise caution when using these herbs, as some individuals may be allergic or have interactions with other medications, and consult with a healthcare professional before using herbal remedies.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of bruises, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of bruises?

The main causes of bruises are direct blows or trauma to the skin, which causes blood vessels to rupture and leak blood into the surrounding tissue.

This is often due to injuries such as falls, collisions, or blows to a specific area of the body. Additionally, bruises can also occur due to overexertion or strenuous physical activity, which can cause micro-trauma to the blood vessels. Bruises can also be caused by medical conditions such as hemophilia or vitamin deficiencies, which can affect blood clotting and increase the risk of bruising.

Furthermore, bruises can also be caused by underlying health conditions such as thrombocytopenia or platelet disorders, which can affect the blood's ability to clot and heal.

• Trauma: Trauma is a common cause of bruises as it results in the damage of blood vessels and the surrounding tissues, leading to blood leakage into the surrounding tissues, which causes the formation of bruises.
• Blood Clotting Disorders: Blood clotting disorders, such as hemophilia, are a cause of bruises due to the inability of the blood to form clots properly, leading to prolonged bleeding and bruising.
• Aging: Aging is a cause of bruises as the skin and underlying tissues lose their elasticity and firmness, making them more susceptible to damage and bruising.
• Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis is a cause of bruises due to the weakening of the bones, making them more prone to fractures, which can cause bruising and bleeding into the surrounding tissues.
• Vitamin C Deficiency: Vitamin C deficiency, also known as scurvy, is a cause of bruises due to the essential role of vitamin C in the synthesis of collagen, a protein that is necessary for the repair of damaged tissues.
• Cirrhosis: Cirrhosis is a cause of bruises due to the scarring of the liver, which can lead to portal hypertension and the formation of varices, which can cause bruising and bleeding.
• Hypertension: Hypertension is a cause of bruises due to the increased pressure in the blood vessels, which can cause them to rupture and bleed into the surrounding tissues.
• Cancer: Cancer is a cause of bruises due to the invasion of cancer cells into the surrounding tissues, which can cause damage to blood vessels and the formation of bruises.
• Infections: Infections, such as sepsis, are a cause of bruises due to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which can cause damage to blood vessels and the formation of bruises.
• Medications: Medications, such as anticoagulants, are a cause of bruises due to their ability to inhibit blood clotting and prolong bleeding.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for bruises?

The main medicinal herbs used for bruises are Arnica montana, Calendula officinalis, Aloe barbadensis, Hamamelis virginiana, Hypericum perforatum, Ginkgo biloba, Echinacea purpurea, Vaccinium myrtillus, Aloe vera, Plantago lanceolata.

Arnica montana's flavonoids and sesquiterpenes exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, reducing swelling and pain. Calendula officinalis's triterpenoids and carotenoids promote wound healing, tissue repair and collagen synthesis. Hamamelis virginiana's astringent properties help reduce bleeding, while Hypericum perforatum's flavonoids and phenolic acids exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Other herbs, such as Ginkgo biloba's flavonoids and terpenoids, Echinacea purpurea's alkylamides and Vaccinium myrtillus's anthocyanins, Aloe vera's glycoproteins and Plantago lanceolata's flavonoids, may also contribute to pain reduction and tissue repair.

• Arnica montana: Arnica montana helps with bruises due to its anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant properties, which reduce swelling and promote blood flow, allowing the body to heal and break down blood clots more efficiently.
• Calendula officinalis: Calendula officinalis helps with bruises through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce oxidative stress and promote tissue repair, accelerating the healing process and minimizing scarring.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis helps with bruises due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which reduce swelling and promote wound healing, also providing a protective barrier to prevent further irritation and infection.
• Hamamelis virginiana: Hamamelis virginiana helps with bruises through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which reduce swelling and oxidative stress, promoting tissue repair and accelerating the healing process.
• Hypericum perforatum: Hypericum perforatum helps with bruises due to its anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant properties, which reduce swelling and promote blood flow, allowing the body to heal and break down blood clots more efficiently.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba does not directly help with bruises, but its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may aid in the overall healing process by reducing oxidative stress and promoting tissue repair.
• Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea purpurea does not directly help with bruises, but its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may aid in the overall healing process by reducing oxidative stress and promoting tissue repair.
• Vaccinium myrtillus: Vaccinium myrtillus helps with bruises due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce oxidative stress and promote tissue repair, accelerating the healing process and minimizing scarring.
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera helps with bruises due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which reduce swelling and promote wound healing, also providing a protective barrier to prevent further irritation and infection.
• Plantago lanceolata: There is limited evidence on the effectiveness of Plantago lanceolata in treating bruises, however, its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may aid in the overall healing process by reducing oxidative stress and promoting tissue repair.

What are the main herbal preparations used for bruises?

The main herbal preparations used for bruises are Tincture, Decoction, Cream, Salve, Poultice, Ointment, Gel, Capsule, Compress, Suppository.

Tincture is used for internal consumption to reduce inflammation and promote healing due to its high concentration of bioactive compounds. Decoction is used for external application to treat bruises by reducing swelling and pain with the help of hot water extraction of herbal ingredients. Topical preparations like Cream, Salve, Ointment, Gel, and Suppository are used to apply anti-inflammatory and antiseptic herbs directly to the affected area, promoting faster healing and reducing the risk of infection.

Compress and Poultice are used for external application to increase blood flow and reduce swelling, often in combination with herbal preparations.

• Tincture: A tincture made from the plant Arnica montana helps with bruises by reducing inflammation and promoting the healing process due to the presence of sesquiterpene lactones, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Decoction: A decoction prepared from the roots of the plant Hamamelis virginiana helps with bruises by reducing swelling and inflammation due to the presence of astringent tannins, which constrict blood vessels and promote the healing of damaged tissue.
• Cream: A topical cream made from the plant Calendula officinalis helps with bruises by promoting wound healing and reducing inflammation due to the presence of triterpene saponins, which have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
• Salve: A salve prepared from the plant Plantago major helps with bruises by reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing due to the presence of mucilages, which form a protective barrier on the skin and soothe irritated tissue.
• Poultice: A poultice made from the plant Stachys officinalis helps with bruises by applying a direct application of the plant's anti-inflammatory compounds to the affected area, reducing swelling and promoting healing.
• Ointment: An ointment made from the plant Hypericum perforatum helps with bruises by reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing due to the presence of naphthodianthrones, which have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
• Gel: A gel prepared from the plant Aloe barbadensis helps with bruises by reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing due to the presence of aloin, which has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
• Capsule: A capsule made from the plant Centella asiatica helps with bruises by reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing when ingested, due to the presence of triterpene saponins, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Compress: A compress made from the plant Echinacea purpurea helps with bruises by applying a direct application of the plant's anti-inflammatory compounds to the affected area, reducing swelling and promoting healing.
• Suppository: A suppository made from the plant Symphytum officinale helps with bruises by delivering a direct application of the plant's anti-inflammatory compounds to the affected area, reducing swelling and promoting healing when inserted rectally.