Evidence supporting the use of: Turmeric
For the health condition: Abscesses
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.
Other ingredients used for Abscesses
Activated charcoalAloe 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 PainAbrasions
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