Ouch!

When working outside in the garden, or around the house, I always find myself bumping in to something that causes scrapes or bruises.

In the Victorian Era most people could not afford a doctor. Instead, they had household handbooks, which came complete with home remedies. The remedies had worked for centuries, having been passed down from mother to daughter.

One of the remedies for bruising to prevent the area from discoloring is to brew a tea from one large tablespoon of oregano and and a cup of boiling water. Let it set for 10 minutes and then strain it. Wrap the wet oregano in a piece of cloth and apply it to the bruise. Save the liquid and refresh the oregano leaves as needed.

Another tip from 1890 states: The best treatment of bruises is the application of water, of such temperature as is most agreeable. The degree of temperature varies with the temperature of the weather and the vigor of the circulation. On a hot day, use cool or cold water. If the circulation is low, use warm water. The bruised parts may be immersed in a pail of water, and gently pressed or manipulated with the hand or soft cloth for ten minutes, or even longer in severe cases. Then wrap up the parts in cloths wet with cold water, and keep quiet. This treatment keeps down the inflammation, and in nine cases out of ten proves a speedy cure.