Nosebleeds are common because your nose has numerous blood vessels located close to the surface, where they are easily damaged. The Family Doctor website states that the two leading causes of nosebleeds are nose dryness and nose picking. In many cases, these two factors occur together, as you are more likely to pick your nose when your nose mucus is dry and lumpy. Some herbal medicines are known for their ability to help treat or prevent nosebleeds.
About Nosebleeds
Nosebleeds, though usually not serious and relatively easy to arrest, often cause a significant amount of bleeding. Although dry air and nose picking are the two most common causes of nosebleeds, other possible causes include nose trauma, colds, allergies and cocaine use. Less likely causes of nosebleeds include hypertension, infections and atherosclerosis, notes the Family Doctor website. In most cases, nosebleeds can be treated at home by leaning forward and applying gentle pressure to the soft part of your nose.
Effective Herbal Medicines
According to nutrition researcher Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," nosebleeds are significantly more common in children than adults. Nasal membranes that become sore from dryness, states Balch, may benefit from the following herbs: aloe vera gel, calendula ointment and comfrey ointment. Ground oak bark, another herbal medicine, is both soothing and healing to your nasal mucous membranes. Witch hazel is a helpful herb in treating passive hemorrhages and mucous membrane irritations.
Featured Herb
Witch hazel is one of the most commonly used herbal medicines for nosebleeds. Witch hazel possesses styptic action, which means that it helps stop passive bleeding through its ability to cause tissues to contract or tighten. Witch hazel, notes Balch, is applied topically and has healing properties. This herbal medicine has also been used to treat hemorrhoids, inflammation in the mouth and phlebitis -- a condition in which blood clots form in the deep veins of the legs.
Considerations
In most cases, nosebleeds are not serious. However, if your nosebleed continues for more than 20 minutes, you should seek medical attention immediately. A nosebleed that follows a traumatic injury -- such as a car accident -- is sometimes indicative of internal bleeding. If you suffer frequent nosebleeds, you may have an underlying condition that requires medical intervention, such as leukemia, a blood clotting disorder or tumors in your nasal passages. Always discuss procedures, risks and alternatives with your doctor before using herbal medicines.
References
- FamilyDoctor.org: Nosebleeds
- KidsHealth: Nosebleeds
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
Member Comments