Herbs that discourage swelling and promote quick healing are good for treating bruises. Arnica, chamomile, lavender, Saint-John's-wort, or calendula should be applied as soon as possible for best results. Place crushed leaves or petals on bruised area for three hours. Parsley is another remedy for bruises and can be used as a poultice or in a compress.

Placing a slice of pineapple on a bruise can speed healing. Other things to try include orange slices, aloe Vera gel, goldenseal tea, vitamin E oil, and tea tree oil. Ice packs are helpful for soothing a bruised area and cold witch hazel compresses can also bring relief.

One recipe calls for a tablespoon of tincture of arnica flowers, Saint-John's-wort flowering tops, chamomile flowers, or witch hazel bark, mixed with 4 drops of lavender oil and two tablespoons of ice water. Soak in a clean cloth and apply to bruised area as soon as possible after injury.

Vitamin K is recommended for people that bruise easily. Add alfalfa sprouts, sea vegetables, green peppers, citrus fruits, and leafy greens to the diet. Many times frequent bruising is a sign of a more serious problem and a health care professional should be consulted.

Burns and scalds can be life-threatening. First degree burns have redness with some pain and small blisters. These burns can be safely treated at home with herbs.

Second degree burns have more serious blisters with underlying tissue damage. Third degree burns show extensive tissue damage, oozing, and charring. Serious burns require immediate medical attention. Go to a hospital or call 911 and elevate burned area above the heart until help arrives.

Minor first degree burns should be immediately cooled by rinsing with cold water for at least 5 minutes and then treated with aloe. (Aloe is also a well-known remedy for sunburns.) Another remedy for minor burns is calendula and comfrey salve. Calendula promotes growth of new skin cells and comfrey speeds tissue repair. These two herbs can actually heal skin so quickly that infection is trapped underneath the new skin. Use only on clean burns where no sign of infection is present.

Another good recipe calls for two drops of peppermint oil, two drops of lavender oil, and a teaspoon of honey. Blend, dab on burn and loosely cover with a gauze pad. Leave on for up to 8 hours. Reapply as needed until skin heals.

Vinegar compresses can be used to soothe a burn. Freshly brewed black tea or ginger juice can also be used to relieve pain. An old remedy for scalded skin is an application of egg white or raw potato.

Burn patients should drink plenty of liquids and eat antioxidant foods such as blueberries, cherries, tomatoes and bell peppers to speed healing and prevent dehydration.

* Do not take arnica internally. Never apply salves or creams to deep burns. Do not remove clothing that is stuck to the skin. Do not break blisters. Second and third degree burns need immediate medical attention. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using any herbal remedy.