Evidence supporting the use of: Turmeric
For the health condition: Abscesses

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) has been used traditionally in Ayurvedic and other traditional medicine systems for its purported wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties. For abscesses—localized infections characterized by pus accumulation—turmeric has been applied topically as a paste or consumed internally in various cultures, especially in South Asia. The rationale behind this traditional use is primarily turmeric’s antiseptic and anti-inflammatory qualities, which are attributed mainly to its principal active compound, curcumin.

While turmeric has demonstrated antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing effects in some laboratory and animal studies, direct scientific evidence specifically supporting its efficacy in treating abscesses in humans is lacking. Most of the support comes from anecdotal and traditional practices rather than robust clinical trials. In traditional medicine, turmeric is often combined with other herbs or substances and applied directly to the abscess or taken orally to ‘purify the blood’ and reduce inflammation.

In summary, while there are plausible mechanisms by which turmeric could support abscess healing (antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects), its use for this purpose is justified primarily by tradition, with minimal direct scientific validation. The evidence rating is therefore modest, reflecting tradition-backed use with limited but biologically plausible scientific support, and a lack of high-quality clinical trials specifically for abscess treatment.

More about turmeric
More about Abscesses

Other ingredients used for Abscesses

Activated charcoal
Aloe vera
bayberry
berberine
bergamot
black walnut
bromelain
burdock
chamomile
cowage seed
turmeric
curcumin
echinacea purpurea
garlic bulb
ginger
goldenseal
green tea
lavender
licorice root
magnesium
oregano
plantain
protein
scrophularia root
Trypsin
vitamin C
bentonite
xanthium (cockleburs)
papaya
shen-chu
nut grass
Clerodendrum indicum
punarnava
paederia foetida
blackboard tree
privet
boxthorne
pau d'arco
Myrrh
siler root
amber
Trichosanthes
sheep's sorrel
assam indigo
eucalyptus
Stillingia
paw paw
White oak
melaleuca alternifolia
indigo leaves
geranium
arnica
red root
ash
Asclepias cordifolia
Aquilegia viridiflora
Ardisia
Acacia
Agave
Allicin
Antirrhinum majus
Achyranthes
anamu
Abrus
Alchornea
aucubin
American Liverleaf
Aquilegia formosa
Andrographis
Alkanet
Alstonia scholaris
Ampelopsis
Asteraceae
Abuta
Alkanna
Amor seco
Arisaema
bee propolis
bai ji
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
black-eyed Susan
balsam
Butea monosperma
Barleria
Brazilian peppertree
bloodroot
bindweed
banyan
Bletilla
boxwood
bur-reed
bee products
back nightshade
Bombax
borassus palm
black root
Bassia scoparia
Boerhavia diffusa
coconut
Calendula
croton seeds
Calotropis gigantea
colloidal silver
capillary artemisia
cinquefoil
Cymbidium goeringii
Chinese raisintree
cowherb
Cynoglossum grande
celandine
California pitcher plant
Centipeda
carrapichinho
Cedrus libani
Ceanothus integerrimus
Cynodon dactylon
Chiococca alba
cocklebur
castor oil
copaiba oil
Cynanchum
Clerodendrum indicum
Casearia sylvestris
catlaw buttercup
chrysophanics
Didymocarpus
divi-divi
dragon\'s blood
Davilla rugosa
European Elder
Erigeron
elephant vine
Eupolyphaga sinensis
Erodium cicutarium
Echinacea
elephant\'s head
Euphorbia
European five-finger grass
Flueggea suffruticosa
figwort
Fomes fomentarius
Ficus simplicissima
genipap
Gnaphalium
Gumweed
garlic
giant blazingstar
gallotannin
Gugambilla
golden shower tree
Guazuma ulmifolia
honey
heal-all
Hedyotis
Hellebore
Houttuynia
hound\'s tongue
Helicteres isora
henna
Herb Robert
Hyaluronidase
Huang hua
Isatis
Immortelle
Indian fagonia
Jessica\'s sticktight
Kigelia africana
Kachnar
Kokilaksha
Kamala
Kalanchoe pinnatum
lacquertree
Lebbek
Lesser speargrass
Levant cotton
Laggera pterodonta
Lophira lanceolata
luffa
lodhtree
lac resin
Lantana camara
little ironweed
Lewis's monkey flower
mallow
Malva sylvestris
Matico
Matapalo Tree
Mahonia
Milkweed
Morning glory
marigold
Marking Nut Tree
Microcos
Macaranga indica
Naphthoquinones
Nasturtium
Nimbidin
Oak
Oldenlandia diffusa
Oxystelma
Propolis
purple Tephrosia
Plantago
Pluchea
Pink Root
Pellitory
Paris polyphylla
Peucedanum
Pentatropis capensis
Plumbago zeylanica
Patrinia
Physalis angulata
Pokeweed
Petiveria
Plectranthus amboinicus
red alder
resin
red spiderling
Rubia yunnanensis
Rhus glabra
Sanicle
Spilanthes
Sicklepod
Sesbania
Sargentodoxa
Speedwell
Spanish Needle
Sausage Tree
Smartweed
Shikonin
Self-Heal
Smooth Alder
Serrapeptase
Sangre de Grado
Solanum indicum
Sanguisorba
Sickle-leaf hare's ear
Sarcandra glabra
Stellaria dichotoma
Stereospermum
Simaruba
Skunkvine
Sandy Everlasting
Smoketree
Thymoquinone
Tannins
Thymus
Thuja
Tree of heaven
Thymol
Tayuya
Tulbaghia
Tea Tree Oil
Tagetes
Violet
Viola
Whiteweed
Witch Hazel
Waltheria ovata
Yerba Mansa
Zingiberene

Other health conditions supported by turmeric

Abdominal Pain
Abrasions
Abscesses
Acid Indigestion
Acne
Adenitis
Afterbirth Pain
Age Spots
Aging (prevention)
Allergies (food)
Allergies (respiratory)
Alzheimer's Disease
Anal Fistula or Fissure
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Arteriosclerosis
Arthritis
Asthma
Autoimmune Disorders
Backache
Bites and Stings
Bladder Infection
Blood Clots (prevention of)
Blood in Stool
Body Odor
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Bursitis
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Carbuncles
Cartilage Damage
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Chest Pain
Chicken Pox
Cholera
Cholesterol (high)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Circulation (poor)
Circulation (to the brain)
Cirrhosis of the Liver
Cold Sores
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Colic (adults)
Colitis
Colon (atonic)
Colon (spastic)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (lymphatic)
Congestion (sinus)
Conjunctivitis
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Contagious Diseases
Convalescence
Convulsions
Corns
Cough (damp)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cradle Cap
Cramps (menstrual)
Cramps and Spasms
Crohn's Disease
Cuts
Cystic Breast Disease
Cysts
Dandruff
Debility
Dementia
Denture Sores
Depression
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diaper Rash
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Diphtheria
Dislocation
Diverticulitis
Duodenal Ulcers
Dyspepsia
Edema
Endometriosis
Enteritis
Epstein Barr Virus
Eye Infections
Eye Problems
Eyes (red or itching)
Eyesight (poor)
Fat Metabolism (poor)
Fatigue
Fatty Liver Disease
Fever
Fibroids (uterine)
Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Fibrosis
Free Radical Damage
Fungal Infections
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Gall Stones
Gangrene
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Giardia
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Glaucoma
Goiter
Gonorrhea
Gout
Halitosis
Hangover
Hashimoto's Disease
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Headache (tension)
Heart (weakness)
Heavy Metal Poisoning
Hemochromatosis
Hemorrhoids
Hepatitis
Hernias
Herpes
Impetigo
Indigestion
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Influenza
Injuries
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Itching
Itching (rectal)
Jaundice (adults)
Jaundice (infants)
Jock Itch
Kidney Infection
Knees (weak)
Laryngitis
Leaky Gut Syndrome
Leprosy
Lesions
Leucorrhea
Leukemia
Lice
Ligaments (torn or injured)
Liver Detoxification
Lupus
Lyme Disease
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen)
Lymphoma
Macular Degeneration
Malaria
Mastitis
Measles
Melanoma
Memory and Brain Function
Mental Illness
Metabolic Syndrome
Migraine
Mood Swings
Multiple Sclerosis
Mumps
Muscular Dystrophy
Nephritis
Nerve Damage
Neuralgia and Neuritis
Oral Surgery
Ovarian Pain
Overacidity
Pain (general remedies for)
Paralysis
Parasites (general)
Pets (supplements for)
Phlebitis
Pleurisy
PMS Type P
PMS Type S
Pneumonia
Polyps
Psoriasis
Rheumatic Fever
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Scabies
Scars / Scar Tissue
Sciatica
Scratches and Abrasions
Senility
Skin (infections)
Slivers
Snake Bite
Sprains
Staph Infections
Stiff Neck
Stye
Tendonitis

Products containing turmeric

Pure Encapsulations AI Formula
Designs For Health ArthroSoothe™
Metagenics Axis Endo™ Mango
Douglas Laboratories Ayur-Curcumin (Turmeric)
Pure Encapsulations Balanced Immune
Integrative Therapeutics Clinical Nutrients HP
Metagenics CoQ10 ST®-100 mg
Metagenics CoQ10 ST-100 mg
Metagenics CoQ10 ST-200 mg
Integrative Therapeutics Curalieve
Integrative Therapeutics Curalieve
Designs For Health Curcum-Evail® 400
Designs For Health Curcum-Evail® 400
Pure Encapsulations CurcumaSorb
Pure Encapsulations CurcumaSorb Mind
Integrative Therapeutics Curcumax Pro
Pure Encapsulations Curcumin
Pure Encapsulations Curcumin
Pure Encapsulations Curcumin 500 with Bioperine
Pure Encapsulations Curcumin 500 with Bioperine
Designs For Health Detox Antiox™
Integrative Therapeutics Detoxication Factors
Integrative Therapeutics Detoxication Factors
Designs For Health Detoxification Support Packets
Pure Encapsulations Digestion GB
Pure Encapsulations Digestion GB
Metagenics EstroFactors®
Pure Encapsulations Glucosamine/MSM with Joint Comfort Herbs
Pure Encapsulations Glucosamine/MSM with Joint Comfort Herbs
Integrative Therapeutics Glutamine Forte Drink Mix
Metagenics Golden Fusion®
Pure Encapsulations Heartburn Essentials
Pure Encapsulations Heartburn Essentials
Designs For Health ImmunoMod-A™
Designs For Health Inflammatone™
Designs For Health Inflammatone™
Designs For Health Inflammatone™
Pure Encapsulations Joint Complex
Pure Encapsulations Joint Complex
Vitabase Life's Essentials Plus
Pure Encapsulations Ligament Restore
Pure Encapsulations Ligament Restore
Pure Encapsulations Lipotropic Detox
Pure Encapsulations Liver G.I. Detox
Pure Encapsulations LVR Formula
Pure Encapsulations LVR Formula
Pure Encapsulations Memory Pro
Pure Encapsulations Memory Pro
Designs For Health Migranol™
Pure Encapsulations NeuroMood Pure Pack
Pure Encapsulations NeuroPure
Designs For Health OcuForce™
Douglas Laboratories Optimized Curcumin With Neurophenol™
Pure Encapsulations Phyto-4
Pure Encapsulations Phyto UltraComfort
Metagenics PhytoGanix® Tropical Fruit
Integrative Therapeutics Pro.Som
Integrative Therapeutics ProThrivers Wellness Flav Complex
Pure Encapsulations PureDefense Collagen with Bone Broth
Vitabase Quercetin Plus
Metagenics Rapid Relief
Metagenics Rapid Relief
Pure Encapsulations SP Ultimate
Pure Encapsulations SP Ultimate
Vitabase Super Fat Burner
Metagenics Testralin®
Integrative Therapeutics Theracumin HP
Integrative Therapeutics Theracurmin HP
Pure Encapsulations Thyroid Support Complex
Vitabase Turmeric Extract
Douglas Laboratories Turmeric Max-V
Douglas Laboratories Ultra Protein Green
Pure Encapsulations Ultra Pure Pack
Pure Encapsulations UltraDetox 10-Day Pure Pack
Metagenics UltraFlora® 3 in 1 Daily Probiotic
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360°® Chocolate/Orange
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360° Mango
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360° Mango
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360° Orange
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360° Original Spice
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360° Pineapple/Banana
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360° Pineapple/Banana
Pure Encapsulations UltraNutrient®
Pure Encapsulations UltraNutrient®
Pure Encapsulations UltraNutrient®
Vitabase Vision Support
Metagenics Wellness Essentials Brain Health Daily Packs
Metagenics Wellness Essentials Men's Vitality Daily Packs
Pure Encapsulations Women's Nutrients