Khaberni - Despite the widespread use of turmeric in traditional medicine for thousands of years, health experts confirm that applying it directly to open wounds is not an effective way to stop bleeding, but may increase the risk of contamination and infection.
Turmeric contains "curcumin", known for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, which has made it the focus of a number of studies related to wound healing.
According to the VeryWell Health website, lab research and animal studies have shown that curcumin may help accelerate wound healing and stimulate blood clotting, especially when used in specialized medical creams or ointments for first aid.
A review of 19 clinical trials also indicated that topical curcumin products, like gels and therapeutic dressings, contributed to improved wound healing speed and symptom relief in most cases, although the studies focused on medically treated products, not raw turmeric powder.
Researchers believe the effectiveness of curcumin is due to several factors, most notably its ability to reduce inflammation, combat bacteria, and support the production of collagen necessary for skin repair, in addition to its antioxidant properties that help in tissue regeneration.
On the other hand, doctors advise against relying on turmeric for direct bleeding treatment, emphasizing that the most important step when injured is to clean the area well with water and soap, then press on the wound with a clean bandage until the bleeding stops.
Medical assistance should be sought immediately if the bleeding is severe or persistent, or if there are signs of infection such as swelling, redness, increased temperature, or discharge from the wound.
