Haridra (Turmeric) Powder for Wound

The term wound is confined to external and superficial injuries including incised wounds, lacerations, abrasions, puncture wounds, contusions and mild haematoma. If not severe and complicated, wounds can be successfully managed with simple traditional medical care making use of Haridra.

Method of preparation

• Decoction of turmeric for washing wounds is made by boiling 10 grams of powder in 200 millilitres of water till one fourth liquid remains.
• Paste for application over the wound is prepared by mixing 5 to 10 grams of turmeric powder in an equal amount of clean water.

Dose and mode of administration

Haridra may be used simultaneously for washing the wound, application as paste on wound and orally in the following ways and dose schedule:

1. For oral use the dose of turmeric powder for adults is 2 to 5 grams and for children it is 1 to 2 grams or juice of fresh turmeric in the dose of 10 to 20 millilitres for adults and 5 to 10 ml for children. It is administered twice daily with water or honey.
2. Wash the wound twice daily with turmeric decoction.
3. Apply a thin paste of turmeric over the wound and keep it for 8 to 10 hours and then remove by gently washing the affected part with luke warm water. Alternatively, the wound is dressed with gauze soaked in turmeric decoction or juice or mixture of turmeric and mustard oil or honey. A new dressing should be used after cleansing the wound.

Indications and uses

• External and internal use of turmeric is indicated in acute and chronic wounds with not much damage to the tissues.
• Sepsis, allergic reaction, inflammation and skin discoloration around the wound are also manageable with oral use and topical application of turmeric.

Precautions and safety aspects

1. Due care must be taken to keep the wound clean and dry. It is advisable to use turmeric decoction for washing the wound.
2. Frank bleeding and pus discharge from the wound should be attended to properly.
3. Treatment with turmeric may be stopped if it does not yield beneficial effects in a couple of days.
4. Being regularly used as a food item, turmeric is considered safe and no toxic or adverse effects are reported of its long-term use. However, its oral use in children and pregnant women should be done under medical supervision. It is safe for the baby if a nursing mother is taking this medication.
5. Persons receiving aspirin and warfarin should take turmeric with caution since their combination may cause bleeding.
6. Side effects with turmeric may occur with use of more than the recommended doses. In that case, it may cause stomach upset or other gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhoea.
7. As turmeric is bitter in taste and may induce nausea or vomiting, it is better not to consume the powder on an empty stomach.
8. Persons suffering from bile duct blockage, blood-clotting disorder and stomach ulcers should not take turmeric in excessive quantity.

Reference – Traditional Herbal Remedies for Primary Health Care