Got a medium-sized wound that’s bleeding non-stop? Stop the bleeding with black pepper! Not a new remedy but certainly an effective one, the black-pepper trick is folk medicine worth practicing. During World War II, soldiers used black pepper to stop their wounds from bleeding, and today, it’s a go-to remedy for cuts and scrapes in professional kitchens across the world.
How to Stop the Bleeding with Black Pepper
First, clean your wound with water, or use water and some gentle soap. Then, apply a generous amount of finely ground black pepper to the cut or scrape, and apply pressure. The bleeding should stop in no time. You can bandage the wound to keep the black pepper actively working. And it won’t sting!
Please use common sense. If you have a deep cut, or are allergic to black pepper, then have your wound looked at and treated by a physician.
Health Benefits of Black Pepper
Of course, the health benefits of black pepper extend far beyond wound care. One ounce of black pepper delivers:
- 79% the recommended daily value (RDV) of manganese
- 57% the RDV of vitamin K
- 45% the RDV of iron
- 30% the RDV of fiber
One ounce is a lot of black pepper, so for perspective, 1 tablespoon of black pepper is 6% the RDV of manganese.
Black pepper is celebrated for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. Research has shown that when taken internally black pepper helps to:
- Warm the body, promoting sweating and the release of toxins
- Ease digestion and help prevent diarrhea, gas, and constipation
- Break down fat cells so they can be used in enzymatic reactions
- Provide respiratory relief for coughs and colds
- Fight infections
- Neutralize free radicals that contribute to aging and disease
- Increase the bioavailability of other nutrients
