Natural treatments for nosebleeds
Natural treatments for nosebleeds encompass various remedies aimed at addressing both the symptoms and underlying causes of this common condition. Nosebleeds can result from dry air, colds, injuries, or even the use of corticosteroids, which may weaken the blood vessel walls. Among the principal natural treatments, citrus bioflavonoids—plant compounds found in citrus fruits—have shown promise in clinical studies for reducing capillary fragility and, consequently, nosebleeds. Other suggested treatments include bilberry and oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), which may strengthen collagen and support blood vessel integrity, although robust evidence specifically linking them to nosebleed prevention is limited.
Vitamin C is vital for collagen health, though supplementation may not directly reduce nosebleeds unless a deficiency is present. Additionally, traditional remedies like shepherd's purse and cayenne pepper have been used for their potential hemostatic properties, but scientific backing is lacking. Practical preventive measures, such as humidifying the environment, using saline sprays, and applying lubricants inside the nostrils, can also help keep nasal passages moist and less susceptible to bleeding. Overall, while various natural options exist, consultation with a healthcare provider is advisable for persistent or recurrent nosebleeds, especially if related to underlying health issues.
Natural treatments for nosebleeds
- DEFINITION: Treatment of bleeding of the nose.
- PRINCIPAL PROPOSED NATURAL TREATMENT: Citrus bioflavonoids
- OTHER PROPOSED NATURAL TREATMENTS: Bilberry, bromelain, oligomeric proanthocyanidins, proteolytic enzymes, shepherd’s purse, vitamin C, cayenne pepper
Introduction
A nosebleed can arise from many causes, including dry winter air, colds, injuries, or nose cleaning. In many cases, no cause can be identified with certainty.
Sometimes, nosebleeds arise more frequently because of faulty or weak collagen, a strengthening protein in blood vessel walls and the surrounding connective tissue. Collagen problems may lead to nosebleeds in people who take corticosteroids and those with a condition called fragile capillaries. Corticosteroids, including nasal steroids used for allergies, can thin the collagen in the mucous membranes lining the nose. In fragile capillaries, weak or defective collagen in blood vessel walls may contribute to bleeding. People with such collagen problems may have problems with bleeding gums, heavy menstrual periods, and bruising, in addition to nosebleeds.
Rarely, the cause of nosebleeds and other bleeding lies in the blood itself. Anything that reduces blood clotting may lead to nosebleeds. Drugs such as warfarin (Coumadin) or heparin and the regular use of aspirin decrease the blood’s tendency to clot. (Persons taking such medications who begin to experience nosebleeds should consult their doctor.) Even natural substances such as ginkgo, policosanol, high-dose vitamin E, and garlic may increase the tendency to bleed.
Conventional treatments for nosebleeds include various maneuvers for stopping acute bleeding. These might include changing positions, pinching the nose, and applying a cold compress. Using a humidifier, saline spray, and petroleum jelly on the inside of the nose are also traditional natural treatments. The diagnosis and treatment of any underlying problems follow these. Sometimes, a physician can prevent future nosebleeds by cauterizing the responsible blood vessel.
Principal Proposed Natural Treatments
One supplement that may help prevent nosebleeds is citrus bioflavonoids. Bioflavonoids (or flavonoids) are plant substances that bring color to many fruits and vegetables. Citrus fruits are a rich source of bioflavonoids, including diosmin, hesperidin, rutin, and naringen.
A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of ninety-six people with fragile capillaries found that a combination of the bioflavonoids diosmin and hesperidin decreased symptoms of capillary fragility, such as nosebleeds and bruising. In this six-week trial, participants (41 percent of whom had problems with nosebleeds) took two tablets daily of the bioflavonoid combination or placebo. Those who received bioflavonoids had significantly greater improvements in their symptoms and capillary strength compared to those taking a placebo. However, the researchers did not state how much the nosebleeds improved.
Other Proposed Natural Treatments
Oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) are bioflavonoid-like compounds found in large amounts in grape seed and grape extract products. Test-tube studies have found that OPCs protect collagen, partly by inhibiting an enzyme that breaks it down. One rather poorly designed double-blind study of thirty-seven people, most of whom had fragile capillaries, found that OPCs were more effective than placebo in decreasing capillary fragility; however, the study authors left many questions unanswered in their report, making it hard to determine how seriously to take their results, and they did not address nosebleeds specifically.
Related chemicals called anthocyanosides are present in high concentrations in the herb bilberry. Like OPCs, anthocyanosides may strengthen capillaries through their effects on collagen. Proteolytic enzymes (such as bromelain) are also thought to help stabilize capillaries. However, no studies have directly addressed the potential value of either of these treatments for nosebleeds, and their suggested use is based on theoretical reasoning.
Vitamin C is vital for the development of normal collagen. People with scurvy (severe vitamin C deficiency) may bleed easily from the nose and develop spontaneous bruises and other bleeding symptoms. However, there is no evidence that vitamin C supplementation helps decrease nosebleeds in the absence of true scurvy, a rare condition in the twenty-first century.
The herb shepherd’s purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) has been traditionally used as a topical application to control nosebleeds, although scientific evidence of its effectiveness is lacking. The herb should not be used during pregnancy because it is thought to stimulate uterine contractions. Cayenne pepper contains hemostatic properties, which may help stop minor nosebleeds. Mixing a pinch of cayenne pepper in water and applying it to the nose with a cotton swab may stop bleeding.
There are a number of preventative measures that can be taken apart from supplements to prevent nosebleeds. For example, injecting a spray of saline solution several times a day into each nostril will help in this regard. The solution can be created by boiling a teaspoon of table salt with a quart of tap water. During the colder winter season, a light coat of petroleum jelly or an antibiotic ointment applied to the nasal membranes will keep them lubricated and less prone to irritation. Other measures include operating a humidifier in a bedroom at night. Smokers may find that quitting cigarettes will prevent the nose from drying out.
Bibliography
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