Nosebleeds can be both embarrassing and painful, particularly when they occur often. Although there is no consensus as to exactly why nosebleeds happen, there are some steps you can take to lessen or end them completely. One reason nosebleeds may occur is due to foods or drugs that thin the blood. Garlic is known as a natural blood thinner, and therefore a possible reason for frequent nosebleeds.
Possible Causes
Nosebleeds have many possible causes. These include dry winter air, colds or injury, Steven Bratman writes in the book "Collins Alternative Health Guide." Faulty or weak collagen, a protein that strengthens blood vessel walls and connective tissue, may also be a culprit. Finally, anything that reduces blood clotting or thins the blood may lead to nosebleeds.
Function
According to Bratman, garlic is one of the natural substances that may increase your tendency to bleed. This is because garlic causes the blood vessel walls to relax and dilate, which reduces resistance to blood flow, James Scala notes in his book "Twenty-Five Natural Ways to Lower Blood Pressure." The material in garlic that causes increased blood flow is ajoene, which is good for lowering blood pressure but not for bleeding issues.
Prevention/Solution
If you suffer from repeated nosebleeds, see your doctor to determine the cause. Cutting out blood-thinning foods such as garlic may help, but it may only be one aspect of the problem. Garlic is found in many foods, including dressings, sauces and packaged mixes, so read labels carefully to determine if a product is free of garlic. The only way to know a food definitively does not contain an ingredient is to cook meals at home.
Time Frame
The amount of time it takes for nosebleeds to cease depends on how long you've experienced the problem and how much garlic you eat; many people also take daily garlic supplements, often on a doctor's advice. Garlic makes its way through your body within a day's time, Joan and Lydia Wilen note in their book "Folk Remedies that Work." Nosebleeds may become less frequent once garlic is no longer in the body, and may end within several days.
Considerations
Garlic is normally considered a healthy food, with benefits ranging from being an anti-fungal to aiding the heart and helping to prevent cancer, Stephen Fulder explains in his book "User's Guide to Garlic." For these reasons, it may be healthier to keep garlic in the diet than remove it. Other blood thinners, such as certain pharmaceutical drugs, vitamin E or fish oil may be the cause of nosebleeds. Your doctor can advise you on which supplements to add to or remove from your diet.
References
- "Collins Alternative Health Guide"; Steven Bratman; 2007
- "Twenty-Five Natural Ways to Lower Blood Pressure"; James Scala; 2001
- "Folk Remedies That Work"; Joan and Lydia Wilen; 1996
- "User's Guide to Garlic"; Stephen Fulder; 2005
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