Nose bleeding, medically known as epistaxis is one of the most common problems and for someone who experiences it frequently, it can be very irritating.
The mere sight of blood dripping down your nose can be quite intimidating. There are two types of nose bleeds, i.e. anterior nose bleed and posterior nose bleed.
Anterior nose bleed occurs when the blood vessels in the front part tend to rupture. Whereas, the posterior nose bleed occurs when the blood vessels that are slightly closer to the throat get ruptured.
The bleeding in this case may continue upto 20 minutes. Anterior nose bleeding is much more common and can be cured with home remedies, while posterior nose bleeding may need medical attention.
So, if you experience nose bleeding frequently, these home remedies are tailor-made for you.
Causes of nose bleeding
The inner nose is packed with tiny blood vessels and makes for one of the most sensitive parts of the body. When these vessels experience disruptions, blood tends to start flowing from the nostrils. Here are some reasons that may cause nose bleeding.
- Dry, heated indoor air
- If you are living in a dry, hot, low-humidity climate
- Upper respiratory infections
- Harsh nose picking or nose blowing
- Injury in the nose or face
- Allergic reactions
- Excessive usage of nasal sprays
- Inserting foreign objects in the nose
- Blood thinners
- Chemical irritants
Below are home remedies for nose bleeding
These basic and usual ways to stop sudden nose bleeding can come handy. Here’s what you should do immediately.
1. Cold compress
One of the most effective remedies for nose bleeding included cold compress. Holding a cold compress against your nose for a few minutes can help constrict the tiny blood vessels in your nose that are bleeding. The coldness will encourage the nose’s interior blood vessels to narrow.
2. Pinch the nose
The easiest way is to pinch your nose as it sends pressure to the bleeding point in the nasal septum that helps the blood to stop flowing immediately. All you need to do is to sit straight with your head tilted slightly forward. Using your thumb and index finger, pinch the soft part of your nose. Do this for about five to 10 minutes. Make sure you are breathing from your mouth. Release the pressure gently and sit quietly for about five minutes. Repeat till the blood doesn’t stop flowing.
3. Vitamin K
Vitamin K rich foods like kale, spinach, mustard greens, broccoli, cabbage, et al are involved in the formation of collagen that helps in creating a moist lining inside your nose. This vitamin helps keep the blood vessels in good condition preventing them from rupturing easily. For a long-term cure, loading up on vitamin K-rich foods helps a lot. Green leafy vegetables facilitate blood clotting.
4. Vitamin C
Getting enough vitamin C foods on a daily basis may help make the blood vessels stronger so they are less vulnerable to rupture and cause a nose bleed.
5. Apple cider vinegar
One of the best home remedies is apple cider vinegar as the acid in the vinegar helps constrict the blood vessels, thus stopping the bleeding. All you need to do is to dip a cotton ball in the vinegar and place it in the affected nostril for about five to 10 minutes. This remedy should work in the first attempt itself.
6. Saline water
Dryness in the nasal membranes, especially during winters is one of the most common causes of nose bleeding. In order to solve this problem, soothe and moisturise the nasal membranes with saline water. Take a bowl, add some water to it and stir it well. Put a few drops of this solution in your nose to moisten the inner lining of the nasal passages.
7. Cayenne pepper
Cayenne works as a cell stimulant and regulates the pressure of the blood flow, which means it helps get rid of the heavy pressure from the haemorrhaging area. Take a teaspoon of cayenne powder and mix in warm water and drink up as soon as the bleeding starts. It is said that it helps stop the blood immediately.
