Home Remedies and Herbs for Nosebleed

A nosebleed refers to when a person bleeds from inside the nose.¹ This can happen often in young children and older adults as well as due to trauma. Nosebleeds usually aren’t dangerous, and they’re very common. That’s because the nose contains small blood vessels that bleed easily.² If the nose becomes dried out, crusts can form that bleed when irritated.² That’s why nosebleeds are more common in winter when the air is dry and it’s easy to become irritated by cold viruses.² When a nosebleed occurs, it’s usually in only one nostril.² Nosebleeds are very rarely life threatening. However, if they become frequent and occur more than once per week, it may be time to see your doctor.¹

What Causes Nosebleed?

Nosebleed causes vary, but it’s usually due to irritation or dry air, which is why it’s not a huge concern in most cases.² Nosebleed causes can include:

• Irritation from allergies
• Dry or cold air
• Nose injuries
• Chemical irritants
• Deviated septum
• Picking the nose
• Blowing the nose too hard
• Overuse of nasal sprays²

If you experience frequent nosebleeds, this may be a sign of a bleeding disorder, high blood pressure, or a tumor in your sinuses. Some medications like blood thinners can be among nosebleed causes.² See your doctor if nosebleeds last longer than half an hour, occur in children under 2, cause difficulty breathing, or are the result of trauma.3

Nosebleed Symptoms

Nosebleeds can be painless and come with no other symptoms but bleeding from the nostril. However, nosebleeds can be accompanied with other symptoms like:

• Lightheadedness
• High blood pressure
• Rapid heart rate⁴

If you experience these other nosebleed symptoms, consult your doctor as it may require further treatment.

Natural Remedies and Herbs for Nosebleeds

Nosebleeds can usually be treated at home. Start by pinching your nose and sitting upright and forward to slow the blood flow and to keep yourself from swallowing any blood.³ If needed, blow your nose gently to clear clotted blood. You can prevent future nosebleeds by using a humidifier in the home and avoiding picking your nose. Other nosebleed home remedies include:

• Apple Cider Vinegar - Apple cider vinegar is a nosebleed natural remedy that will help stop the bleeding fast. Simply use a cotton ball to apply some apple cider vinegar up your nose. Place the cotton ball in your nostril for about a minute to stop the bleeding.
• Vitamin C - Vitamin C acts as a nosebleed herbal remedy that will prevent nosebleeds by helping strengthen the capillaries in your nose. Take a vitamin C supplement daily following a nosebleed to help prevent further symptoms.
• Cayenne Pepper - Cayenne pepper helps regulate blood flow to reduce future nosebleeds. Take cayenne pepper capsules, or add a teaspoon to your water each day.
• Vitamin K - Your body uses vitamin K in blood clotting, which means that adding more to your diet can help prevent frequent nosebleeds.
• Nettles - Astringents like nettles help promote blood clotting, which can reduce the chance of frequent nosebleeds. Drink it in tea daily for best results.

References

1. http://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/nosebleeds/basics/definition/sym-20050914
2. http://umm.edu/health/medical/ency/articles/nosebleed
3. http://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/nosebleeds/basics/when-to-see-doctor/sym-20050914
4. http://www.uofmhealth.org/conditions-treatments/nosebleeds