Does raw meat really help a black eye?

Question

I have personally never seen anyone apply raw meat to a black eye, mainly because I've never been around someone who got one (a black eye, that is). Do people actually do this, or is this some kind of tv and film myth? And if so, what is it about raw meat that would help a black eye or make a difference?

Picking the best answer is really tough mainly because everyone's response is pretty much saying the same thing. So it comes down to a process of elimination.

As a rule, I will never choose a best answer from those that consist of four or less words, even if they are right. I did afterall spent more time formulating my question, not to mention that everyone else also spent more time trying to help me out.

Because I'm a vegetarian, I was very tempted to choose Jenniferaboston's response, however, I think that the unsanitary and bacterial conditions of raw meat is certainly a convincing enough reason for its being a poor choice for a black eye injury. So I went with the response that focused on that specifically.

But thanks so much to everyone for sharing your thoughts and your time!

Answer 1

It's just the coldness of it because it helps reduce swelling. Ice is much better alternative as it is more sanitary since raw meat is full of bacteria.

Answer 2

It's a TV thing. People dont actually do that. However, the cold from the meat helps the injury. You could just as easily save a cow and use a bag of frozen veggies! :)

Answer 3

Raw meat is cold (assuming you're planning on keeping it fresh enough to cook and eat!) and soft enough not to hurt the bruised eye.
Other than that, raw meat has no special properties that would help a black eye.

Answer 4

The cold temp of most raw meat is actually what does it. A bag of frozen peas would do the same thing.

Answer 5

It's not raw meat, it's just something cold which can conform to the eye. A frozen bag of peas works just as well.

Answer 6

Yep, supposedly there's some sort of chemical/biological occurance that draws the blood to the surface.. somehow, it reduces the swelling.. and you've got a nicely tenderized steak when you're through with it on your face.. My dad used to do this for my brothers... put a steak on their MANY blackened eyes. Then he'd cook up the steak for them.. kind of a right of passage, I suppose. But, really, the salt in your skin (and, tears for those bad bruises) does tenderize the steak. so, it;s a win-win, right?

Answer 7

It is only the cooling effect of the cool meat that helps. A cool compress would do the same thing

Answer 8

It helps but just because it is usually cold. An ice pack has the same effect.

Answer 9

Id say no, its just the coldness from the meat that helps.

Answer 10

You just need something that is cold that will fit on the area...a bag of frozen peas is just as good.