Got a minor cut that won’t stop bleeding? Discover 7 effective home remedies like pressure, elevation, ice, tea bags, and even mouthwash to help stop bleeding quickly and promote healing.
Ever get a little scrape or cut and feel like it’s bleeding forever? We’ve all been there. Simple cuts, especially minor ones, usually stop on their own, but sometimes they need a little nudge. So what are some go-to home remedies for those annoying bleeds?
- 7 Home Remedies to Stop Bleeding
- 1. Pressure
- 2. Elevate the Injured Area
- 3. Ice
- 4. Tea
- 5. Petroleum Jelly
- 6. Antiperspirant
- 7. Mouthwash
- When to See a Doctor
We’re going to explore some effective home remedies to quickly stop bleeding. Stick around; it might come in handy someday!
7 Home Remedies to Stop Bleeding
Here are seven home remedies to stop bleeding:
1. Pressure
This is probably the most well-known and effective way to stop bleeding. Applying pressure involves placing a clean piece of cloth or sterile bandage directly on the wound and pressing firmly with your fingers.
Keep applying pressure to the wound until the bleeding stops. However, don’t peek every other second to see if it’s stopped. Hold that pressure firmly for a few minutes, then check. We remember one time, my brother kept lifting the bandage every few seconds and, let’s just say, it took way longer than it should have for the bleeding to stop!
2. Elevate the Injured Area
Reducing blood flow to the injured area helps stop bleeding. So, if possible, elevate the injured area.
If the wound is on your hand, raise it above your head. If it’s on your leg, lie down and prop your leg up higher than your heart. It’s simple, but surprisingly effective. We’ve noticed this really helps when our kiddo gets a boo-boo; elevation is part of our standard first aid routine now.
3. Ice
Applying ice to the injured area helps constrict blood vessels, which reduces blood flow to the area and stops the bleeding.
Put ice in a clean cloth and place it on the wound. Don’t put ice directly on the skin, though, or you risk an ice burn, which is no fun.
4. Tea
Using a tea bag can help stop bleeding due to its tannins, which help in blood clotting. Plus, these compounds act as an antibacterial, helping to clean the area and prevent infection.
Place a moistened tea bag in the freezer for a bit, then put it on the affected area. The cold, combined with the tannins, works wonders. Um, we remember reading somewhere that green tea is especially good for this because it has a higher tannin content, but black tea works too.
Speaking of natural remedies, some people swear by witch hazel as an astringent to reduce bleeding. Others use turmeric, known for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, to help cleanse the wound. Of course, it’s always a good idea to test a small area first to make sure you don’t have any adverse reactions.
5. Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly contains mineral oils that help protect the skin.
Using petroleum jelly to treat bleeding from minor cuts can be effective, but avoid applying too much, as it can trap moisture and make it difficult to clean off the residue after the bleeding stops.
6. Antiperspirant
Antiperspirant works to reduce blood flow by constricting blood vessels and also helps reduce blood flow in an attempt to stop bleeding, thanks to its aluminum chloride content.
A 2015 study found that aluminum chloride is effective at stopping bleeding. That said, who would’ve thought, right?
7. Mouthwash
The alcohol found in mouthwash acts as a natural astringent, so putting mouthwash on the wound helps to stop the bleeding faster.
After the bleeding stops, it’s important to keep the wound area clean to prevent infection. Wash the wound with cool, clean water and sterilize the area around it. And, like the doctor says, if things don’t get better, it’s time to see a professional.
When to See a Doctor
You should see a doctor in the following cases:
- If the wound is deep.
- If the injury is on the face.
- If signs of infection appear on the wound.
- If the patient feels numbness or tingling around the wound.
- If the cause of the wound is an animal bite.
Key takeaways
- Applying direct pressure and elevation are the first steps to stopping bleeding.
- Clean the wound after bleeding stops to prevent infection.
- Seek medical attention for deep or facial wounds, or if signs of infection develop.
FAQ, Myth & Facts
Can I use a spiderweb to stop bleeding?
While spiderwebs were historically used as bandages, modern medical knowledge suggests that they aren’t sterile and could introduce infection. Sticking to clean bandages is definitely the safer route.
Is it okay to use super glue on a cut?
Medical-grade adhesive is available and safe for closing minor cuts. However, regular super glue isn’t designed for skin and can cause irritation or infection. So, unless you’re using the right stuff, it’s best to avoid it.
Does putting butter on a burn help?
No, butter can actually trap heat and increase the risk of infection. Cool water is the best first step for treating a burn. After that, cover it with a sterile bandage and seek medical advice if it’s severe.
I remember cutting myself pretty badly while chopping veggies. I tried everything – pressure, elevation – nothing seemed to work! I was starting to panic when my neighbor suggested the tea bag trick. I was skeptical, but desperate, and it actually worked! I’m still amazed.
My son is a total daredevil, always getting scrapes and cuts. One time, he fell and gashed his knee pretty deep. The bleeding wouldn’t stop, and I was freaking out. We rushed him to the ER, and they were fantastic. They cleaned it up, stitched it, and gave us clear aftercare instructions. It was a huge relief.
I have a clotting disorder, so even small cuts can be a big deal. I learned the hard way to always keep a first-aid kit handy. Once, I nicked myself shaving, and it bled for ages. Now, I know to apply pressure, elevate, and use a special clotting powder my doctor recommended. It’s made a world of difference.
So, there you have it – a few simple ways to tackle minor bleeding at home. We’ve tried most of these ourselves, and they’ve definitely saved the day more than once. But hey, when in doubt, don’t hesitate to see a doc. A little knowledge and a well-stocked first-aid kit can go a long way!
