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

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Synopsis

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

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is used in traditional medicine systems, such as Ayurveda, to support the healing of styes (hordeolum), primarily due to its well-known anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Historically, turmeric paste has been applied topically or turmeric mixed with warm milk has been consumed to "purify the blood" and promote healing of minor skin and eye infections, including styes.

The active compound, curcumin, is recognized in laboratory studies for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, which could be theoretically beneficial for a stye—a localized bacterial infection of an eyelid gland. However, there is a lack of robust clinical trials directly examining turmeric or curcumin for the treatment of styes in humans. Most of the supportive evidence is anecdotal, derived from traditional practices, or extrapolated from general studies on turmeric's properties.

Therefore, while turmeric is justified by tradition for stye management, and there is a plausible scientific rationale, the direct evidence supporting its effectiveness for this specific use is limited. It is important to note that self-treatment of eye infections is not recommended without medical supervision, as complications can arise. Turmeric should not be applied directly to the eye. Seeking medical care for persistent or severe styes remains the standard recommendation.

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Other health conditions supported by turmeric

Abdominal Pain
Abrasions
Acid Indigestion
Acne
Adenitis
Afterbirth Pain
Age Spots
Aging (prevention)
Allergies (food)
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Anal Fistula or Fissure
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Cartilage Damage
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Chest Pain
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Circulation (poor)
Circulation (to the brain)
Cirrhosis of the Liver
Cold Sores
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Colic (adults)
Colitis
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Contagious Diseases
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Convulsions
Corns
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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
Endometriosis
Enteritis
Epstein Barr Virus
Eye Infections
Eye Problems
Eyes (red or itching)
Eyesight (poor)
Fat Metabolism (poor)
Fatty Liver Disease
Fever
Fibroids (uterine)
Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Fibrosis
Free Radical Damage
Fungal Infections
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Gall Stones
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Jaundice (adults)
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Knees (weak)
Laryngitis
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Leprosy
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Memory and Brain Function
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Stiff Neck
Stye
Tendonitis
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Backache
Blood Clots (prevention of)
Blood in Stool
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Edema
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