Do you ever find bruises that seem to appear out of nowhere? Maybe it’s from bumping into the coffee table or spotting a random purple mark you can’t explain. Bruises can be such a hassle, but don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! If you’re a fan of natural remedies and essential oils, you’re going to love this DIY bruise gel. It’s simple to make, super effective, and packed with healing ingredients to help speed up recovery and ease discomfort. Let’s dive in!
This homemade gel features arnica oil as the star ingredient, combined with three amazing essential oils that work wonders:
- Helichrysum: Known for reducing the size of bruises—goodbye, purple blotches!
- Frankincense: Helps with swelling and speeds up recovery time.
- Lavender: Not only does it relieve pain, but it also reduces inflammation, improves blood flow, and supports healing.
This gel works like magic to boost your skin’s natural healing, minimize swelling, fade discoloration, and even soothe irritation. Plus, it’s lightweight, absorbs quickly, and won’t leave your skin feeling greasy. Bonus tip: pair it with an ice pack for even more relief!
Whether you’re new to making your own remedies or a DIY enthusiast, this recipe is a total game-changer. There’s something so empowering about creating your own solutions, and this bruise gel is a tried-and-true way to support recovery—and feel great about the process while you’re at it! Give it a try—I promise, you’ll love the results!
Ingredients for Homemade Bruise Gel
Here’s what you’ll need to create a simple, all-natural bruise remedy. These ingredients are carefully chosen to soothe discomfort, reduce swelling, and support your body’s natural healing process—all without relying on harsh chemicals or synthetic additives.
(note: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)
Arnica Oil
Arnica oil is a natural remedy for healing bruises, easing pain, reducing discomfort, and boosting blood flow to speed up recovery. It helps restore bruises’ color, reduces inflammation, and comes packed with anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antibacterial, and antifungal properties—a true multitasker!
Research supports its effectiveness. A 2021 review found arnica gel relieves pain and inflammation as well as popular over-the-counter creams. A 2017 analysis showed combining arnica with cold compresses reduces swelling and bruising, while a 2010 study proved arnica ointment outperformed a placebo for treating bruises.
With a proven track record among both alternative medicine practitioners and physicians, it’s no wonder arnica is the star ingredient in my homemade bruise gel. Nature’s little healer, indeed!
Helichrysum Essential Oil
Helichrysum is an absolute game-changer for your skin! Did you know it’s anti-inflammatory, supports circulation, fights infections, and even helps reduce the appearance of scars? Plus, it works to maintain healthy skin cells—pretty amazing, right?
Here’s something even cooler: research suggests that helichrysum essential oil can help speed up the healing of bruises by accelerating their resorption. How does it work? It’s believed that italidiones, powerful compounds in helichrysum, break down hematomas (aka bruises) through a process called fibrin chelation. Fibrin is a protein that stabilizes bruises and helps the healing process when blood vessels are damaged. So essentially, helichrysum gives your body a boost in clearing up those pesky bruises faster!
And it doesn’t stop there! Studies also show that helichrysum essential oil support skin regeneration, reduce inflammation and swelling, and aid wound healing. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties are like the ultimate skin-care sidekicks, working behind the scenes to keep your skin happy and healthy.
Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense is a natural resin that’s been treasured for centuries—and it’s easy to see why! Packed with boswellic acids, this incredible ingredient is known for its powerful anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. It helps boost blood flow, reduce swelling, and support your overall well-being.
But that’s not all—frankincense essential oil works wonders for your skin, too! It protects, regenerates, and repairs skin cells, making it a go-to for speeding up healing on bruises and wounds. Research shows it can block key inflammatory pathways like 5-lipoxygenase and leukotriene synthesis, which really amps up its healing abilities. Plus, its antioxidant properties help fight oxidative stress, further speeding up bruise treatment. Plus, frankincense stimulates fibroblast activity and helps form granulation tissue, both crucial steps in the healing process. No wonder this ancient remedy is still so popular today!
For more details, check out these studies: Study 1 and Study 2.
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil is great for bruises. Its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties ease pain, reduce inflammation, and improve blood circulation to support healing. Plus, it soothes and calms the skin, providing holistic care for bruise recovery.
Did you know that lavender oil can help wounds heal faster? Research from 2016 found wounds treated with lavender oil healed quicker than untreated ones, with noticeable improvements at 4, 6, 8, and 10 days!
Here’s how it works: applying lavender oil boosts type I and III collagen, essential for wound healing. By day 4, fibroblast cells (which produce collagen) start repairing the skin. By day 7, collagen shifts from type III to type I, strengthening the skin. Lavender oil also increases TGF-β, which helps fibroblasts transform into myofibroblasts, speeding up wound contraction. Nature’s healing power at its best!
Solubol (dispersant)
Why do you need a dispersant like all-natural Solubol? It’s simple—oils and water just don’t mix on their own! Their different molecular properties keep them apart, but that’s where dispersants work their magic. They reduce surface tension, breaking the oil into tiny droplets so it blends evenly with water. Amazing, right?
Solubol is a gentle yet super effective emulsifier that lets you create water-based mixtures with up to 20-25% oil. Want to give it a try? It’s easy! Just follow the 4:1 ratio—mix 4 drops of Solubol for every 1 drop of essential oil. This ensures your oils disperse evenly without changing their natural, beautiful aroma and therapeutic properties.
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe is not just a simple plant—it’s a powerhouse of natural healing properties that have been used for centuries to treat bruises.
Did you know aloe vera contains a powerful substance called aloesin? This incredible compound has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the purple pigmentation from bruises, making it a great natural remedy for those pesky marks that stick around too long. Aloe vera isn’t just about bruises either—it’s been widely researched for its ability to promote wound healing, possibly by stimulating collagen production and aiding in tissue regeneration. This means it might help your skin bounce back faster after cuts, scrapes, or burns.
Its natural anti-inflammatory effects also make it a fantastic option for speeding up bruise healing. In fact, some studies suggest that aloe vera can help reduce swelling and redness caused by minor injuries or irritation. And the magic doesn’t stop there. Aloe vera gel is packed with natural compounds called anthraquinones, which have well-documented anti-inflammatory benefits. One specific compound, “rhein,” has been studied for its unique ability to calm inflammation and support the body’s natural healing process. These anthraquinones work together to soothe and repair damaged skin, making aloe vera a true gift from nature.
And let’s not forget aloe’s cooling and hydrating properties, which add an extra layer of comfort while it works its magic. Whether it’s a bruise, a burn, or just irritated skin, aloe vera is one of the most versatile natural remedies out there.
How to Make Homemade Bruise Gel
Step 1: Combine the Oil-Based Ingredients
In a small glass bowl, thoroughly blend the following ingredients until well mixed:
- 1 teaspoon of arnica oil
- 40 drops helichrysum essential oil
- 25 drops of frankincense essential oil
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
Step 2: Add 1 Tablespoon of Solubol (Dispersant) and Mix Thoroughly
Ever heard the phrase “oil and water don’t mix?” That’s exactly the challenge when incorporating essential oils into water-based DIY projects like gels, lotions, or sprays. The good news? Solubol is a natural, skin-safe dispersant designed to evenly mix essential oils into water-based ingredients—perfect for the aloe vera gel we’ll be adding in the next step.
To use Solubol effectively, follow a simple ratio: 4 drops of Solubol for every 1 drop of essential oil. For this bruise gel, we’re working with 75 drops of essential oils (equivalent to 3/4 teaspoon). That means we’ll need 4 times the amount of Solubol, which comes to 3 teaspoons, or 1 tablespoon. Add it in and mix thoroughly to ensure everything is well combined.
Step 3: Add 1/3 Cup of Aloe Vera Gel and Mix Thoroughly
Gently stir the ingredients together using a spoon until the mixture achieves a smooth, gel-like consistency. Take your time to ensure everything is well combined.
Step 4: Transfer to a Bottle
Using a funnel, carefully pour your finished gel into a 4 oz bottle. Store the bottle in the refrigerator to extend its shelf life. The cool temperature not only preserves the gel but also provides a soothing, refreshing sensation when applied!
click here for free printable recipe</a<
How to Treat a Bruise: A Step-by-Step Guide
Recovering from a bruise involves two key phases: minimizing the initial swelling and promoting recovery. Follow this guide to effectively manage and heal your bruise.
Phase 1: Minimize Swelling (First 1-2 Days After Injury)
The primary goal during the first 48 hours is to reduce swelling and minimize the size of the bruise. Here’s how:
1. Elevate the Affected Area
If possible, keep the bruised area elevated above heart level to decrease blood flow to the injury. This helps reduce the amount of blood pooling, which can lessen the severity of the bruise.
2. Apply Ice
Use an ice pack immediately after the injury to slow blood flow around the area. Apply ice for 20 minutes at a time, repeating throughout the day. The cold causes blood vessels to constrict, limiting blood leakage and reducing the bruise’s size significantly.
3. Use Bruise Gel
Gently apply a thin layer of bruise gel directly to the injured area to reduce swelling, pain, and discoloration.
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- Massage the gel into the skin for a few seconds to aid absorption.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after application.
- Reapply the gel up to 3 times a day.
4. Repeat Consistently
Continue icing the injury throughout the day and regularly reapply the bruise gel to maximize results.
Phase 2: Promote Healing (After 48 Hours)
Once the initial swelling subsides (after 1-2 days), the focus shifts to recovery. Follow these steps to help your body heal and fade the bruise faster:
1. Switch to Warm Compresses
Replace ice with heat therapy. Use a warm compress or heating pad to increase blood flow to the area. Improved circulation helps break down trapped blood while carrying away excess fluid from the bruise.
2. Reapply Bruise Gel
Continue applying a thin layer of bruise gel up to 3 times daily, gently massaging it into the skin each time. This enhances absorption and further reduces discoloration.
3. Monitor Progress
You should notice the bruise fading within a few days, with full healing typically occurring in about a week.
Important Notes and Precautions:
- Patch Test First
If you’re using the bruise gel or its ingredients for the first time, conduct a patch test. Apply a small amount to a discreet area (e.g., inner forearm) and wait 24 hours. Check for any irritation or redness before applying it to the bruise.
- Avoid Open Wounds
Do not apply the gel to cuts, scrapes, or open wounds, as it may cause stinging or discomfort.
- Keep Away from Eyes and Mouth
Avoid contact with your eyes, nose, or mouth. Wash your hands thoroughly after applying the gel.
Where to get supplies?
This website contains affiliate links. This means that should you click on certain links, and then subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission. The price is exactly the same for you as it would be without the affiliate link.
click here for free printable recipe
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Please note: Products mentioned in this article have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products and information on this page are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This website is not a substitute for professional care. Always consult your medical doctor regarding your medical care. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
Disclaimer: Please know that this website contains affiliate links. This means that should you click on certain links, and then subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission. The price is exactly the same for you as it would be without the affiliate link.
