Why do cuts and scrapes eventually stop bleeding naturally?

When you get a cut, your body immediately begins a process called hemostasis. Platelets in your blood rush to the injury site and clump together, forming a temporary plug. They also release chemical signals that trigger nearby platelets to join and activate clotting factors in the blood. These clotting factors work in a cascade reaction that converts a protein called fibrinogen into fibrin, which forms a mesh of sticky fibers. This fibrin net reinforces the platelet plug, trapping red blood cells and creating a stable clot. Blood vessels in the area also constrict to reduce blood flow. The whole process typically takes two to seven minutes for minor wounds, after which the clot hardens into a scab while healing continues underneath.