Synopsis

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

Little ironweed (Vernonia cinerea) has a history of use in traditional medicine for managing external bleeding. In various traditional systems, including Ayurveda and folk medicine in Southeast Asia, the leaves and aerial parts of the plant are crushed and applied directly to wounds to help stop bleeding. The rationale is believed to stem from the plant's reported astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, which could theoretically help constrict blood vessels and promote clotting. However, scientific studies specifically validating these hemostatic (bleeding control) effects in humans are limited. Some preliminary in vitro and animal studies have noted potential for antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity, which might provide ancillary benefit in wound care, but direct evidence supporting efficacy for external bleeding is sparse. Most references to this use are anecdotal or based on ethnobotanical surveys rather than controlled trials. As such, while Vernonia cinerea is indeed used traditionally for external bleeding, the strength of evidence supporting this indication remains modest and largely unsubstantiated by modern research.

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