Don't be fooled by the face paint, roller derby is a seriously rough sport. Even with the gear, injuries are bound to happen. One of the most common injuries from derby are bruises, AKA "derby kisses". Now, there's normal everyday bruises and then there's roller derby bruises. I'm talking 50 shades of purple, huge bruises. Although, it does make for a pretty hardcore battle wound, there are ways aid the recovery after a bout. 

1. Ice

Apply ice to reduce swelling and numb the pain for several minutes. 

2. Parsley

Crush fresh parsley and apply it to the affected area. Parsley is rich in vitamins and can help reduce infalmmation and make the bruise fade quicker. 

3. Arnica Cream

Arnica a great tool to have in your derby bag for easy and natural relief. It has antimicrobal and anti-inflammatory properties that will promote good blood circulation which will flush away the harden blood that is causing the red and blue discoloration.

4. Cayenne Pepper & Vaseline

Mix one part cayenne pepper with 5 parts melted (a few seconds in the microwave). Rub the concoction on the affected area.

5. Lavender Oil

Put a few drops of lavender oil in cold water. Soak a wash cloth in the water and apply it to the bruise (with very gentle pressure). Lavender will reduce swelling and cold water with relieve pain. 

6. Mullein Flowers

Put 1/4 cup of olive oil in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. Add mullein flowers and allow them to steep in the oil until it reaches room temperature. Apply the oil to the bruise to decrease swelling and let the bruise fade quicker. 

7. Citrus

Eat or drink citrus or take tablets to increase your vitamin C intake. Vitamin C will help strength the walls of your blood vessles. 

8. Pycnogenal

Pycnogenal is a potent antioxidant made from the bark of pine trees. This natural supplement is rich in proanthocyandins and red pigments that will strengthen the blood vessels. 

9. Bilberry 

Bilberry is another potent antioxidant that can reduce bruises by stabilizing collagen, increasing vitamin C levels and strengthening capillaries.

10. Witch Hazel

Add 1/2-1 cup of witch hazel to a warm bath. This will speed up the healing process by improving blood circulation.

When to See the Doctor: 

• If your bruise has large ammounts of swelling, especially around the joints or shins. This could be a serious sprain or even a fracture. 
• If you get a lot of bruises after very little contact. This could mean a bleeding disorder.

Wearing properly fitted gear can certainly help reduce the chances of bruising, but it's pretty unlikely that you will make it through an entire derby season without bruises. That is the nature of the game. When it does happens to you, don't go straight for the over-the-counter medication. Try some of these effective natural rememdies to take care of them. You may even find that they provide better relief.