Nosebleeds are common occurrences for many people. According to Dr. Prateek Nayak, an ENT and a head and neck surgeon, one in seven people experience them. The nose has very small blood vessels and can bleed out easily. For many, nosebleeds are caused by dry, irritated nasal passages. Irritations such as allergies, sinus and dry air can cause the nose to dry out and break open and bleed. Nosebleeds can be scary for some people and irritating for others. However, they are not life threatening and some helpful home remedies can offer relief.
Apple Cider Vinegar
If you have a nosebleed, a cotton ball soaked in apple cider vinegar and gently placed in the nostril can stop the bleeding quickly. The properties in the apple cider vinegar can help the blood clot and stop the nosebleed.
Essential Oils
According to Patricia Davis, author of Aromatherapy: An A-Z, cypress oil is common oil used for the circulatory system and can help with a nosebleed. Simply rub a few drops around the nasal area and the nosebleed will stop. Lavender oil can be helpful when dealing with a nosebleed. By adding one drop to a tissue, wrapping the tissue around a small piece of ice and placing it under the top of your lip for a few minutes, the nosebleed should stop. Next time you have a nosebleed, try soaking a cotton ball in ice water and adding two drops of lemon oil. Take the wet cotton ball and gently place it in the nose to stop the bleeding.
Herbs
A variety of herbals can help with nosebleeds. Cayenne pepper can help stop a nosebleed because it has the ability to travel quickly within the circulation system and can aid in coagulation. To relieve a nosebleed, place 1 tsp. of cayenne pepper in a cup of hot water and drink it. Goldenseal is an herb that can help slow down a nosebleed. Put a spoonful of goldenseal tea leaves into a pint of hot water, allow the tea to steep and when the mixture has cooled, gently sniff a few drops of the mixture.
Helpful Hints
You can stop a nosebleed by placing a drop of lemon juice in both nostrils--the citric acid can help stop bleeding. It may burn a little for some people, but it will not cause any damage to the nose. Place a cold compress or ice on the nose for several minutes as the cold constricts blood vessels and reduces the bleeding. Remember to keep your head elevated when you have a nosebleed--do not lay down.
Apply Pressure
Applying pressure to stop a nosebleed can be very effective in stopping the flow of blood. You can do this by tipping your head slightly forward and taking your fingers and gently plugging your nose closed. By applying pressure, you stop the flow of blood. You can also do this by using a tissue or cloth to apply pressure until the nosebleed has stopped.
References
- E-Medicine: Nosebleeds
- Home Remedies for You: Nosebleed Treatment
- "Aromatherapy: An A-Z"; Patricia Davis; 1999
