Why do people put raw meat on black eyes?

Answer 1

That was a trend started back when refridgerators were kept cold with only big blocks of ice delivered to them...the ice was extremely important to keep the items in fridge cold...the meat was used then as a bag of ice is now. They couldnt spare the ice for a black eye but could use cold meat...and cook it or return to fridge.

Answer 2

Forget the old adage about putting a steak or a piece of raw meat on a black eye. No scientific evidence supports this claim. In addition, there is a danger in putting potentially bacteria-laden meat on a mucous membrane or an open skin injury. Black Eye Treatment Self-Care at Home Rest and ice applied early after the injury help to decrease swelling and pain. * Ice helps to decrease swelling by constricting blood vessels, by decreasing fluid accumulation, and by cooling and numbing the area. Apply ice for 20 minutes an hour every hour while awake, for the first 24 hours. Ice should not be applied directly to the injury. To avoid potential cold injury to the site, wrap the ice in a cloth or use a commercial ice pack. A bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a cloth makes a good ice pack. * Protect the area from further injury. Stay away from athletic or other possibly injurious activities until after the eye has healed.

Answer 3

It probably comes from olden days when people didn't have cold compresses and when "men were men" and used raw meat on their faces after a fight. I always use raw meat after every fight. It keeps me feeling manly about getting hurt, brings the swelling down and I can eat the meat later just the way it is...raw...just what a man needs.

Answer 4

Just serves as a cold compress. Works well, except there is the issue of bacteria on the raw meat.

Answer 5

coz raw meat is cold
put something cold on a black eye and it will reduce the swelling

Answer 6

Not only as a cold compress, but the meat forms nicely around the facial bone structure, whereas a cold pack or even frozen vegetables don't fit as nicely.

Answer 7

The meat draws out the excess water buildup around the eye. It being cold has nothing to do with it.

Answer 8

Anything cold will reduce the swelling. A frozen bag of vegis or Ice pack will do the same thing.

Answer 9

its just because its cold and relieves swelling, but it doesn't have to be raw meat, an ice pack or frozen peas would work just as well.

Answer 10

It's all about getting the swelling down. You could really use anything frozen. like veggies. Meat is nothing special...