IS IT true that if you put a tea bag on a cut it draws out infection?

Answer 1

I have heard the same thing so it must be true...

Answer 2

It is the tannin in regular black tea that you are thinking about. Tannin has proven itself to be bactiostatic and bacteriocidal in testing at Oxford? I believe it was. (staph aureus was the bug of choice, I believe).

A warm tea bag may act as a poultice allowing the pore to open up and the pressure of the bag should gently push the pus out. It would have to stay on the area for quite a while for the tannins to work as well. I am not certain, though.
If it is a deep infection, such as an abscess, I would not rely on a poultice, severe infections should be addressed by a qualified nurse or physcian.
Hope that answered your question- dd

ps Spider webs help stop bleeding a lot better, so use that instead.
p.p.s the study was done at oxford and it was Staph aureus, it is also being looked at to help treat herpes simplex and uses in HIV treatment.

Answer 3

I donlt think Tea bags draw out infection; but the tannins in tea leaves will kill the surface infection.

Another good hern is either plantago or plantago major (which ever variety grows in your area. The common names are plantain or wide leaf plantain.

If you get an insect sting, or a cut, chew up a leaf of plantain and place the leaf over the injury. This will prevent infection because both types of plantain are high in natural supphur.

Answer 4

The tannins in tea are "drawing" and shrink swelling but not very good bacteriostats. Usually a tea bag is used to help stop bleeding.

Wikipedia says "Tannins may be employed medicinally in antidiarrheal, hemostatic, and antihemorrhoidal compounds."

If a wound is full of pus, I would open it with a sterile knife and use very warm epsom salt water to draw out the infection for about 20 minutes. Then treat with Goldenseal Root powder - a very good antibacterial. Let dry, then cover loosely with sterile gauze.

Answer 5

It helps stop the bleeding. It does not draw out infection. Place PLAIN tea bag in cold water saturate completely squeeze out the water and place on/in wound. No flavored teas they will sting.

Answer 6

Tannins in tea can in fact fight some infections by the action you described. It can also be used as an anti-odor fighting remedy in shoes by using the same process of extraction.

Answer 7

I've never tried it myself, but I've always heard that it works. Here's a website which gives a little more info on the use of tea and other items:

http://www.health911.com/remedies/rem_wound.htm

Answer 8

No.