Definition

Hemorrhage or bleeding from the nose.
Back to Top

Causes

Commonly caused by physical injury, such as a blow to the nose. Excessive dryness (causing the nasal membranes to crack, form crusts, and bleed), sudden change in atmospheric pressure, scratching with the fingernail, or blowing the nose too forcefully can also cause injury to the nasal lining.
Back to Top

Symptoms

There are 2 types of nosebleeds: anterior and posterior. A posterior nosebleed primarily affects the elderly, especially if they have high blood pressure. This nosebleed comes from the rear of the nose and runs down the back of the mouth into the throat no matter what position the person is in. If severe, it can flow in both directions. This type of nosebleed requires the care of a doctor.

The anterior nosebleed is the common type and flows from the front part of the nose. If one stands or sits, the flow of blood comes out of one or both nostrils. When lying down, it may go back into the throat. This nosebleed can be frightening, but is not serious unless it can not be stopped and the bleeding is heavy.
Back to Top

Treatment

To stop an anterior nosebleed:

1. blow all the clots out of both nostrils.
2. sit up in a chair and lean forward (do not tilt the head backward).
3. put a small piece of gauze inside the nostril(s), then pinch all the soft parts of the nose together between thumb and index finger. Hold for 5 minutes.
4. apply crushed ice or cold washcloths to the nose, neck, and cheek.
5. if the bleeding has stopped, lie back and refrain from any activity for a few hours and any vigorous exercise for at least 2 days.
6. if the bleeding does not stop with this treatment, see the doctor immediately.

Herbs

• Adder's tongue
• Alfalfa
• Aloe vera
• Alum, wild root
• Anemone, Canada
• Bayberry bark
• Bee balm
• Bergamot, wild
• Beth root
• Buckthorn
• Celandine
• Comfrey
• Cranesbill, spotted
• Daylily
• Goldenseal
• Horseweed
• Kale
• Lobelia, great
• Lycium, root
• Marshmallow root
• Moss, club
• Myrtle, wax
• Mugwort, western
• Nettle
• Oak, white
• Peony, tree
• Witch hazel
• Yarrow

Recommendations

When bleeding is controlled, apply a small amount of vitamin E; open a capsule and apply inside the nose. If unavailable, use a small amount of petroleum jelly and pack with gauze.

Vitamin K is essential for normal blood clotting. Sources are alfalfa, kale, and all dark green leafy vegetables.

When the nasal membranes become sore from dryness, use comfrey ointment or aloe vera.

If you have recurrent nosebleeds, see the doctor.
Back to Top

Suggestions

Try increasing the environmental humidity.

Sometimes a blood thinner such as Coumadin, Heparin, or aspirin may cause nosebleeds.

Small children may have a blood vessel close to the surface area in the nose and reduced moisture in the atmosphere will cause this vessel to bleed intermittently. A doctor can use a cold cautery method of silver nitrate stick to seal the vessel and end the occasional bleeding.
Back to Top

Bibliography

• Back to Eden, by Jethro Kloss; pgs., 246, 400.
• The Herb Book, by John Lust, pgs., 43, 70-71.
• Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants, by Steven Foster and James A. Duke, pgs., 28, 40, 134, 144, 162, 164, 184, 186, 210, 218, 220.
• The Nature Doctor, by Dr. H.C.A. Vogel; pgs., 5, 27, 48, 578.
• The Complete Medicinal Herbal, by Penelope Ody, pg., 30.
• Indian Herbalogy of North America, by Alma R. Hutchens, pgs., 1, 10, 34, 74, 104, 206, 307.
• Planetary Herbology, by Michael Tierra, C.A., N.D., O.M.D., pgs., 188, 189, 269, 323, 352.
• The Yoga of Herbs, by Dr. David Frawley & Dr. Vasant Lad, pgs., 12, 14, 29, 32, 152, 166.
• Prescription for Nutritional Healing, by James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C., pgs., 253.
• Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary, pg., 1136.

Back to Top