Nose bleeds are never fun, and if you’re someone who deals with them frequently, you know how irritating they can be. Hot, dry homes and climates can bring on nose bleeds, as can picking or injuring your nose, and allergic reactions. Luckily, there are natural nose bleed remedies you can try at home to get your nose to stop bleeding fast. Take a look at 7 effective ways to stop nose bleeds at home.
What Causes Nose Bleeds?
Nose bleeds may be caused by a number of different factors. The inner nose contains a large amount of tiny blood vessels and is one of the most sensitive parts of the body. When the vessels are disrupted and burst, a nose bleed occurs. Common reasons for nose bleeds include upper respiratory infections, injury to the nose, picking the nose, an allergic reaction, excessive use of nasal spray, blood thinners or a foreign object being pushed up the nostril.
Nose bleeds can also be caused by dry, heated indoor air or if you live in a dry, hot, low-humidity climate. Nose bleeds are more common during winter months when the air is dry from household heaters. They can also happen when you switch from the cold outside environment to the warm indoors, which results in changes in the nose and can cause bleeding.
When Should I Worry About Nose Bleeds?
While most nose bleeds can be stopped at home, consult a doctor if the bleeding doesn’t stop (persists for longer than 30 minutes), if there’s a large amount of blood lost, or if you feel weak or faint. If you have more than two nosebleeds per week, it’s also time to see a doctor about them.
How to Prevent Nose Bleeds?
1. Use a Humidifier
Humidifiers add moisture to the air and keep your mucus membranes from drying out. Use one at night in your bedroom to prevent nose bleeds while you sleep. Make sure to clean out your humidifier regularly and according to the manufacturer’s instructions, as they can attract bacteria and mold due to moisture and heat.
2. Up Your Vitamin K Intake
Vitamin K aids in blood clotting and helps keep your blood vessels in good condition. Foods rich in vitamin K include leafy greens like spinach, broccoli, kale and mustard greens. You can also take a vitamin K supplement, but you shouldn’t take vitamin K if you’re on blood thinners.
3. Eat/Drink More Vitamin C
Vitamin C is integral to collagen production and helps repair your blood vessels. Collagen helps create a moist lining inside your nose, keeping it from becoming too dry. Drink and eat vitamin C rich foods such as oranges/orange juice, bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, strawberries, pineapples and kiwis.
4. Drink Lots of Water
Being well hydrated will help stave off nose bleeds, especially when the air is particularly dry. 8 glasses of water a day is always recommended, but try to drink even more during the driest times of year and in the driest places.
7 Nose Bleed Remedies
1. Blow Your Nose
For older children and adults, you’ll want to blow your nose at the onset of a nose bleed to remove any clots that may have formed in the nostrils. Note that this will temporarily increase bleeding and is not necessary for young children.
2. Pinch Your Nose
Sit, bending forward slightly at the waist and grip the soft parts of the nostrils at the base of the nose. Apply pressure to both sides. Refrain from lying down or tilting the head back, as this can lead to swallowing blood, choking or vomiting. Squeeze your nostrils for 10 minutes (children should squeeze for 5) and remember to breathe through your mouth.
3. Use a Cold Compress
Applying a cold compress to the bridge of your nose can help slow your nose bleed by constricting the blood vessels. Place ice cubes in a plastic bag (or use a bag of frozen vegetables). Run a wash cloth under cold water and place it over the bag of ice or frozen veggies. Leave it on your skin for about 20 minutes and repeat if necessary.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar seals broken blood vessels in your nose, helping to stop the bleeding. Soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and place it in the affected nostril for five to 10 minutes. This should stop the bleeding completely.
5. Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne’s natural blood-clotting abilities make it a great nose bleed remedy. It regulates the pressure of the blood flow, helping to get rid of any pressure from the bleeding area. Mix a teaspoon of cayenne pepper with a cup of warm water and drink it as soon as the bleeding starts.
6. Coriander
Coriander has cooling and soothing properties that can help stop a nose bleed by balancing the pressure of blood in the vessels. Using a dropper, apply two to three drops of coriander oil or fresh coriander juice into the inner linings of your nose. You can also try applying a paste of fresh coriander leaves on your forehead.
7. Don’t Pack Your Nose
It can be tempting to stick cotton pads or tissues up your nose to try to stop the bleeding, but this can end up making it worse because it irritates the vessels further and doesn’t add enough pressure to stop the bleeding. Use a tissue or damp washcloth to catch blood as it comes out of your nose.
Nose bleeds can be a serious pain, especially if you deal with them frequently, but rest assured they can be remedied at home by trying these tips and tricks.
