Nosebleed

Most nasal bleeding, or epistaxis, occurs from a plexus (congregation) of blood vessels at the root of the nose.

Why Me?

  • Nosebleeds can occur secondary to infection such as sinusitis or with violent attacks of sneezing.
  • Trauma, such as a punch to the area, will start a bleed.
  • The number one cause of nose bleeding in children is picking the nose.
  • Nose bleeding can be a symptom of high blood pressure.
  • Blood-thinning drugs, including aspirin and heparin, may be a contributor.

What To Do

Diet

  • If you are prone to nosebleeds, eat plenty of vitamin K rich foods including green leafy vegies and alfalfa. Vitamin K is necessary for clot formation.
  • Eat probiotic foods including miso and yoghurt to improve bowel microflora. Vitamin K can be produced by these micro-organisms.

Herbs and Supplements

  • Drink one or two cups of yarrow or nettle tea. You could also pack a cooled, cooked nettle leaf up your nostril.
  • Plug nose with gauze soaked in distilled witch hazel (from the chemist).
  • Take a bioflavonoid supplement each day, particularly rutin which strengthens blood vessel walls.
  • Drink herbal tisanes containing bioflavonoid rich herbs such as rosehips, elder and hibiscus.

Other Steps

  • Learn some conflict resolution skills.
  • Pinch the top of the nose between thumb and forefinger for five to 15 minutes.
  • Ice the area.
  • Don’t swallow the blood, it will make you want to vomit. Bend forward and catch the blood in a bowl or tissue.

At a glance

Good food
Green leafy vegies, alfalfa.
Food to avoid
Aspirin.
Remedies to begin
Plug nose with gauze soaked in witch hazel or a nettle leaf, yarrow tea.
Lifestyle
n/a.
MindBody
A bleeding nose could be a need for recognition.