A contusion appears when a body part is crushed against a hard object without a cut, causing swelling, bruising, and pain, especially if a nerve, tendon, or vein is involved.

First steps: cold and rest
Apply a cold compress or ice pack for 10–15 minutes every 2–3 hours during the first 24–48 hours to reduce inflammation and pain.

Herbs and gels

• Damp cabbage leaf under a dressing: reduces swelling.
• Arnica gel or juniper gel (3% essential oil): helps resorb the bruise.
• Alcoholic gel prepared by your pharmacist: 10% arnica mother tincture, 3% meadowsweet, 0.5% camphor or thyme oil.
• For hot bruises: cream with comfrey, devil’s claw, and peppermint.

Homemade poultice
Ingredients: 8 g arnica flowers, 2 g mustard flour, 40 g flax flour, 150 g green clay.
Mix 2 tablespoons of the blend with 50 ml water to form a paste, then apply on the contusion under a cloth or dressing.

After 24–48 hours: gentle massage
Massage lightly with arnica gel or vegetable oil to stimulate circulation and accelerate bruise resorption.

Internal support

• Vitamin C and bioflavonoids: strengthen capillaries.
• Bromelain (pineapple extract): natural anti-inflammatory.
• Vitamin K: supports bruise healing.

Practical tip: start with cold, then use natural treatments and the poultice. This relieves pain, limits inflammation, and speeds recovery.