Herbal First Aid

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Banish Your Bruises

Bruises are red, blue or purple marks on the skin. Around the eyes, they’re called black eyes. Bruises occur when a fall or blow leaves the skin intact but damages the capillaries beneath it. People bruise more easily as they age because skin capillaries become more fragile.

• Apply an ice pack as quickly as possible. Ice reduces pain and swelling.o not take aspirin or use willow bark — they are anticoagulants and prolong bleeding.

• Take bromelain. This enzyme is abundant in pineapple and has anti-inflammatory action. Bromelain is available at health food stores and supplement shops (chewable varieties of bromelain supplements taste delicious), or you can eat more pineapple.

If Infection Develops

As wounds begin to heal, pain, tenderness, redness and swelling should subside. If they persist or get worse, the wound is infected. Minor infections can be treated safely at home by washing with soap and water, soaking the affected area in warm water and applying aloe, honey, lavender and tea tree oil. But if symptoms continue — especially if pus begins oozing — see a doctor.

Michael Castleman is the author of The New Healing Herbs, a scientific investigation of 100 plants used in traditional herbal medicine. Visit www.mcastleman.com for more information.

Red Flags

Consult a physician promptly for:

• Cuts that won’t stop bleeding, or those with jagged edges that won’t come together. You may need stitches.
• Wounds that contain dirt or other foreign material you cannot remove. The wound should be professionally cleaned.
• Any burn over an area larger than your hand (except sunburn).
• Burns that produce extensive blistering, or any blister more than 1 inch across.
• Any human or animal bites that break your skin. Animal bites carry considerable risk of infection.

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