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Natural Remedies for Swelling from Injury

| Modified on Jul 29, 2024
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Natural Remedies for Injury Swelling

Injuries can cause sudden pain and swelling. The swelling itself can cause additional pain as the fluids that are causing the swelling increase pressure. Natural remedies for swelling include apple cider vinegar, ice and onions!

A variety of injuries and accidents can precipitate swelling. Sports injuries, falls, sprains and accidents can all cause swelling at the site of trauma. This inflammation is the body’s response to the injury and has protective value, but when the swelling is excessive it causes pain and even other complications. Preventing swelling by beginning immediate treatment is easier to do than reduce swelling once it has begun. But natural remedies can be used to prevent swelling and reduce swelling.

First of all, make sure that a home treatment is appropriate for the injury. While you do not want to be the first one to the emergency room for a stubbed toe, neither do you want to be the last person to get medical help for a broken bone.

Some of these remedies are appropriate to use during transport to seek medical attention. A family member or friend can keep ice on an injury to reduce pain and swelling, for example.

Ice

Applying ice will help with pain and swelling. A bag of frozen peas or blueberries makes a nice ice pack. It is always wise to be prepared ahead of time for injuries by keeping ice packs or a rice sock in the freezer.

Elevation

Keeping the injured part elevated helps to prevent swelling. For example, if an ankle is sprained, the leg/ankle should be elevated.

Apple Cider Vinegar

A cloth soaked with apple cider vinegar can be used as a compress to reduce swelling and pain. This can be used overnight.

Castor Oil

Castor oil can be massaged onto a swollen area to reduce pain and swelling. This is best done after ice has been applied.

Onion

Raw onion makes a great poultice to reduce pain, swelling and risk of bruising. Chop an onion. Wrap it in a towel or cloth. Apply this poultice to the injured site and secure with an ace bandage.

Geranium Essential Oil

Geranium essential oil can be used straight (neat) directly on the area of injury to prevent bruising and swelling.

Arnica

If you have a topical arnica oil or salve, apply this to the area of injury. Arnica should not be used on broken skin.

Rest

Resting the injured area is important to allow healing to take place and reduce the risk of further injury.

Always keep an eye on a person who has had an injury. If the person has serious pain, unusual behavior, vomiting or any other unusual symptoms, seek medical attention.

Have you tried one of these remedies for an injury? Do you have a remedy to add? We would love to hear from you!

Additional Pages of Interest:

Edema
Sports Injuries

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
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Arnica and Plantain Poultice

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Posted by Mama to Many (TN) on 07/01/2021
 ★★★★★

Saturday night my adult daughter accidentally (of course) slammed the car door onto two of her fingers.

I immediately put water on to boil to soften my dried plantain leaves, ones I harvested and stored for such a time as this.

As soon as my daughter came in I gently rubbed some arnica cream onto both fingers.

Meanwhile, I used the boiling water to rehydrate several leaves in a mug. After a couple of minutes, I rinsed the leaves in cool water, placed them on the counter, and used a rolling pin to flatten them out and further release their healing properties.

I wrapped her fingers with the cool leaves. I covered those with some plastic wrap and then attached it all with cohesive tape. As soon as the plantain leaves were on her fingers her pain was less.

I encouraged her to keep the plantain on her fingers all night and to be sure to sleep with her hand on pillows above the level of her heart to keep swelling to a minimum.

The next morning she removed the poultices on her fingers. She had good mobility and little pain or bruising. The two cuts on her fingers had already begun to close up and heal. (The cuts were small. I did not put arnica into the cuts as arnica is not meant for broken skin.)

She never needed any more treatment. She had a little bruising on the fingers, I think where I didn't get any arnica cream.

Plantain is amazing. It took her breathtaking pain to a very manageable level in a minute. I have seen this happen before. That is why I always harvest the fresh plantain leaves this time of year. I put them on a cookie sheet in a room with a fan until they dry out. Then I store them in my herb cabinet til needed.

Dried plantain leaves, even the chopped kind, will work similarly if you don't have a source to harvest fresh plantain leaves.

I hope you don't ever need this remedy. But if you do, now you know what to do! :)

~Mama to Many~

Replied by GertJr
(Madison)
09/27/2022

I injured my knuckle and needed surgical repair. This was done Aug 15, over a month ago. It is still swollen and I can't bend it as far as it should go. I've been massaging it, icing, using dmso, and stretching it manually trying to get it better but no luck. Any suggestions? And, at what point do I reach out to the dr and ask what's up?

Rob
(Kentucky)
09/27/2022

GertJr… I would try Dit Da Jow. I have used eastmeetswest dit da jow for over 15 years on some nasty bumps and bruises and swelling with great results.. Dit Da Jow Liniment https://eastmeetswestditdajow.com/shop/page/2/

GertJr
(Madison)
10/03/2022

So, Rob, how long does it take for this stuff to do anything? I went out the next morning and picked up the Plum Dragon brand Dit Da Jow liniment and am using it more than the label says to and, nothing. I do exactly as the label says to apply it, only changing the frequency from 3-4 times a day to about every 2 hours. Nada. How long to know if it will help?

Cayenne

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Posted by Carin (Grenada, West Indies) on 12/24/2017
 ★★★★★

Cayenne pepper was a miracle treatment.

Something fell on my foot and started swelling after about 2 hours, causing intensive pain. Applied cayenne pepper together with white vaseline and just elevated my feet. Within 4 hours I was able to walk on that foot after application of the above with rest.

Magnesium Oil

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Posted by Jen (MPLS, MN) on 12/17/2022
 ★★★★★

SWOLLEN FEET & LEGS FIX!!

I was diagnosed with T1 diabetes at the age of 4yrs old. I'm now 47yrs old and I haven't suffered from any drastic complications yet but I'm starting to experience swollen legs and feet. Mostly due to being on my feet for way too long.

I tried drinking more water and elevating my feet. It helped at first, but it didn't take long and I was back to square one. It's very scary to look down at your legs and see that your ankles have disappeared. And my favorite 👟 shoes no longer fit.

My Mom had come across a bottle of Magnesium spray for swollen legs at a health care store, like GNC, so I gave the spray a whirl...

I couldn't believe how well it worked!! I took a bath and shaved my legs first and then sprayed my entire calf and foot 🦶. It doesn't take long until you notice a big difference. I'm not sure how long after but I remember looking down at my ankles and being blown away by how well it does work!!

Replied by alwayslearning
(Jeanne)
12/17/2022

Jen, good for you! In addition you might search knowthecause.com, and TV show with that name on cable TV. We have learned a lot from the site, its delicious free recipes, and watching the 1/2 hour shows, taping them and watching later.


Link between Diabetes, even diabetes 1, and fungus, yeasts, Candida and such seems to be pretty clear, and using the foods, where one feeds one's taste buds, but starve the yeasts, is amazing. Best to you, Jeanne

Replied by ORH
(TEN MILE, TN)
12/18/2022

JEN,,,,, at 86, have been down this trail several times in my life..... going to clinics having my legs wrapped, etc., etc. Bought a bed that has a zero gravity position that raises your head and feet and allows gravity to rid you of fluids while you sleep. It works and I am in CHF, PROSTATE AND BONE CANCER, as some on EC know. I am using Vanderbilt as my consultant, but I call the shots.

I have cured cancer twice in my life and doing several natural protocols that I will mention. You have to do the research. These cancer protocols are: RIFE MACHINE, CDS, BETA GLUCAN, FENBENDAZOLE, BAKING SODA, COFFEE ENEMAS, FOOT DETOX, NEAR INFRARED SAUNAS, OZONE SAUNAS, DMSO AND OTHERS.

What is coming soon are the MED BEDS, which are just high tech extensions of the Rife Machine from the 1930's.

Melatonin Lotion

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Posted by Art (California) on 07/19/2024 2325 posts
 ★★★★★

Melatonin Lotion Helped Reduce Ankle And Foot Swelling From An Unknown Cause

Recently I was talking with a friend who has ongoing ankle swelling that their doctor is trying to determine the cause of and has narrowed it down to heart or liver, but can't determine a treatment until that cause is pinpointed. I suggested to my friend that they try melatonin lotion on their feet and ankles in the meantime to try and reduce the inflammation, pain and swelling that is making it difficult and painful for them to stand or walk.

After 2.5 days they showed me that their ankle swelling had reduced significantly and one ankle and foot looked almost normal while the other was noticeably reduced using two applications sparingly applied per day. This is the most relief they have gotten for their swollen ankles and feet and my friend is very happy to finally get some relief!

Art

Replied by RSW
(OH)
07/26/2024
★★★★★

Hi Art,

I have been having a swollen left foot for the past four - five months, at least. The rheumatologist had me to go get a scan to see if a blood clot might be in my leg, since it was only swollen in one foot. Thankfully, no clot was found. I have tried several lotions/creams, but nothing has worked. The rheumatologist and my regular doctor had no suggestions, but both noted the swelling. I have been wearing loose scandals or flip flops because my shoes won't fit over the swelling. I was reading the posts recently and saw the melatonin lotion suggestion. I tried it, and in about five days, the swelling has gone down a lot! Still some in my ankle, but my toes and the front of my foot has diminished enough to wear my regular tennis shoes or scandals, finally! That lotion worked wonders for me, also, just a others had posted. Thank you!

Art
(California)
07/26/2024
2325 posts

Hi RSW,

You're welcome!

Thank you very much for the feedback on your results of using melatonin lotion (ML) for your swollen foot and ankle! Being able to wear tennis shoes and sandals again is great!

I'm very happy to hear that melatonin lotion helped reduce your foot and ankle swelling of your left leg! Your report adds confirmation to my friend's report of significantly reduced swelling of both feet and ankles as well as the elimination of the accompanying pain which made it difficult to stand on their feet or walk.

I would be interested in hearing if your doctor is able to determine the cause of the swelling. Please keep us updated!

Art

RSW
(OH)
07/29/2024

Hi Art,

About three years ago I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, in almost every part of my body. I tried natural remedies for two years or more, but I just felt terrible every day, and finally agreed to take toxic meds, like Methotrexate and prednisone. My short term memory is shot, but I am praying that it will leave as quickly as it came. The sooner, the better! I have trouble walking because it's in my legs and feet, and just about everywhere else (ironically, it seems not to be in my hands, an area most commonly targeted by RA, so I am thankful for that! ), but I have been having better days lately, and hope to feel better at some point. My foot was swollen, I am assuming (as are my doctors) because of the RA.

Art
(California)
07/29/2024
2325 posts

Hi RSW,

What alternative remedies have you tried for RA? Did any help at all?

I would be interested in knowing if the melatonin lotion (ML) helps or hurts your RA affected joints when applied to a sore joint. It is known to help osteoarthritis, but little is known about RA and melatonin. I have heard both positive and negative reports, so it seems to be individual in nature when it comes to RA.

Art

Onion

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Posted by Mama To Many (Tn ) on 12/01/2016
 ★★★★★

The other day my five year old was running up a flight of wooden steps. He feel and hit his shin very hard. (It hurts just to hear about it doesn't it?)

He was crying and miserable. I put a frozen rice sock on it but after a while removed that and was shocked to see how large a goose egg was on his shin. He was still crying and didn't want to put weight on his leg. I was starting to wonder if he had cracked his shin bone. I was considering taking him for an x-ray and then I remembered onion. A slice of raw onion works really well for goose eggs.

I cut a slice of fresh onion and applied it to the goose egg, covered it with plastic wrap and then cohesive tape. This did even seem to bring pain relief pretty quickly. He ate dinner and played and a few hours later I removed the onion poultice. I was thrilled to see that the swelling was reduced. He was able to walk around.

I put castor oil on the leg with a sock for overnight. The next morning he still has some swelling but was running around as normal. He said it didn't hurt. He has almost no bruise at all. (I would expect a dreadful purple bruise.)

I am including a picture so you can visualize how the poultice is applied. (I covered the entire onion section with plastic wrap and blue cohesive tape.)

I hope you never need this remedy, but do not underestimate the healing in an onion! :)

~Mama to Many~


Turmeric

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Posted by Pcline (Springfield, Ohio) on 06/08/2009
 ★★★★★

Turmeric has controlled almost all of my health issues! I am amazed! It was given to me by a relative when I fell on the ice, to prevent swelling and inflammation in my injured knee, and while it appeared to make a difference (I continued to be able to walk, and the pain and swelling abated quickly) the most wonderful thing that emerged was that I realized about a week later that the my whole sinus/allergy issue was clearing up. I had been taking at least one Zyrtec and often either more Zyrtec or other sinus medication every day for over 18 years to keep the ever-lurking migraine away. I could not have gone more than 24 hours without taking the Zyrtec or a headache would start creeping up and my sinuses would begin to swell shut. First I saw, after taking turmeric for about a week, that I did not need any "back-up" medication, then I tried missing a Zyrtec, and to my complete amazement, I felt GREAT! No headaches! I can breathe! I cannot believe it.

I take at least a heaping teaspoon of turmeric (from the spice section of the grocery, although I am looking for it in bulk now) stirred in water as soon as I get up, and one in the evening. If I begin to feel any swelling during the day, such as when I am exposed to household dust, I take another teaspoon right away, and it eliminates the "headache creep". I stay ahead of the allergies this way, but if I cannot get turmeric when the swelling starts, and it begins to cause headaches, when I can get to the turmeric, I may have to take several teaspoon doses before it alleviates, leaving a half-hour or so before I take each additional dose, but IT WORKS! It has ALWAYS EVENTUALLY WORKED. I have not had to take more than three additional doses to stop what used to be RAGING migraines, causing me to have to go to bed and be debilitated for hours afterward.

I feel marvelous, but the additional benefits have been that I realize that my arthritis in my knees is all but gone! I can walk up stairs most of the time without noticing any discomfort at all!

Finally, most astonishingly, I (and everyone I know who has begun to take this) have begun to LOSE WEIGHT! I determined after a bout of intestinal virus to eat less food at a time. (After all, I had not been able to eat anything for 3 days, so this was a good time to break a habit) This was just before I started taking turmeric. With the addition of the turmeric, I feel, I was able to eat less. Nothing else has ever made a difference in my being able to eat less and not feel ravenous and deprived. In just over 3 months, I have lost 48 pounds!!!! And I feel energetic, fabulous, lively and alert! I cannot say what actual physical role turmeric plays as a weight loss aid, but I don't care. I am 53 years old and feel better than I have in YEARS!

I have begun to try turmeric on everything that occurs. I got a spider bite and it began to itch and sting immediately. I washed it right away and put a band-aid with moistened turmeric on it and in minutes, the pain and itch left, no sign of any bite. My family jokes that I would try to revive the dead by sprinkling some turmeric on them, but I cannot believe what a difference just taking turmeric has made with me.

Replied by Jerry
(Ny)
11/18/2017

Thanks for your post, I will try it this way,, I tried in on occasion and just a sprinkle on my food..now I will try the spoon..i had surgery a year ago and now phlegm and face swelling had been occurring...thanks again.

Turmeric
Posted by Sandy (In the sticks, Nevada) on 11/24/2007
 ★★★★★

Turmeric helped shrink a terrible bone bruise on my shin. I started taking turmeric to help my joints -- I'm not sure it is helping with that yet -- but it has helped shrink and reduce the swelling of the worst bruise. On the day before Father's day this year, my horse slipped in a creek, landed on my leg and then stood up on my leg! Ouch! Nothing was broken and after a few weeks most of the black and blue color disappeared from my foot and leg. All around my lower shin bone there was tenderness and a hard swelling (about 3 inches in diameter all around the damaged area) and this has persisted until the last few weeks when I upped my turmeric intake. The hard swelling has almost disappeared and the tenderness has decreased also. I have been taking three 500mg capsules twice a day for about two weeks now.


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