Nosebleeds: Herbs That Clot, Herbs That Do Not

Nosebleeds

Best Single Herb: Bugleweed

Best Combinations: Bugleweed; golden seal; capsicum; liquid chlorophyll; grape seed/pine bark extract

Other Helpful Supplements: Vitamin C with citrus bioflavonoids; calcium

Possible Causes: Weak blood capillaries; environmental toxins/poisoning

Complementary Help: Golden seal “snuff”; liquid chlorophyll cotton ball packs; capsicum applied topically

Nosebleeds are self-explanatory. They may occur when you have an injury to your nose, of course, or when you are suffering from overly dry conditions or from hay fever or other things that make the tissues inside your nose tear easily.

Nosebleeds that occur regularly can be a problem, so be sure to consider what’s causing them. Also please get a check-up by your regular doctor if you suddenly get nosebleeds for no apparent reason; you could have a physical problem in the nasal cavity or brain.

Here’s a look at some possible causes of nosebleeds once a medical problem is ruled out:

• You could have weak blood capillaries that are easily broken. Blood capillaries should be strengthened to ensure a healthy circulatory system. We’ll talk later about some herbs that can do that.
• Hot herbs, such as ginger or horseradish, taken over a long period of time can heat up and dry out sensitive mucous tissues, causing the nose to bleed from dryness. Consider the herbs you are on if you have been taking them a long time, and stop any herbs you suspect may be causing the problem.
• Environmental toxins, such as pesticides sprayed over farms in the area, could be contributing to your nosebleeds.
• Pest-control services nearby or around your own home or office area could be irritating your nose.
• You could be exposed to harsh cleaning supplies.
• You could be overexposed to chlorine, perhaps if you work in or around a heavily chlorinated pool.
• You could be exposed to industrial chemicals.
• Lawn fertilizers could be irritating your nose.

All these things can become hazardous if you are constantly or continually exposed to them. Some people are much more sensitive than others, and everyone has an individual tolerance to these environmental pollutants; however, if you are having nosebleeds and the doctors cannot find any physical causes, consider taking a look at what is in your environment. Personally, I am very sensitive to smells, especially to unnatural chemicals. Of course, consider the source after you stop that bleeding!

Herb Lore: information related to holistic health

While living briefly near Clearwater, Florida, I suddenly came down with almost daily nosebleeds! I did not know what the problem was because I had not changed anything in my lifestyle. Then I discovered that during the time I was there, the government was spraying a toxic pesticide called malathion throughout a nearby town to kill off the spread of a tiny fruit fly. Although the pesticide was sprayed nearly 20 miles away, my nose bled daily until two weeks after the spraying had stopped!

Bugleweed for When Your Nose Hits the Grindstone

Bugleweed (Lycopus virginicus) is an herb historically used for the respiratory and nervous systems. It has strong astringent properties and may help stop bleeding because it contracts tissues. Taken internally, bugleweed has been used to tone the heart muscle, aid heart palpitations, tone an overgrowth of the thyroid, calm anxiety, and ease coughing.

If you use this herb as a tea, it is recommended that you use the fresh herb. This may be because the herb is a member of the mint family, and the fresh herb may make it more tasty. The fresh herb can also be applied externally for bleeding cuts or noses. Bugleweed is not recommended for use during pregnancy.

About overcoming an ailment with herbs

Bugleweed is an herb you can remember for nosebleeds because a “bugle” is a type of a horn. Some refer to the nose as a honker, a horn, or even a bugle!

Nosy About Herbs

Herbs that strengthen the blood capillaries include an extract from grape seeds and pine bark and are known as proanthocyananidins (commonly referred to as Pycnogenol®, the trade name for the proanthocyananidin bioflavonols from the pine bark). These substances have a powerful effect on strengthening blood capillaries. When capillaries are easily broken, you can bruise very easily because any light bang or smack can break these delicate blood vessels. Strengthening the blood capillaries, then, can help prevent easy bruising.

Citrus bioflavonoids work in a similar way to grape seed and pine bark. These can be found as extras with vitamin C tablets and can sometimes be purchased as a single supplement. Some herb companies may add extra vegetable citrus bioflavonoids along with the grape seed or pine bark extracts.

Calcium serves as the tissue and bone knitter in the body, and can help bleeding wounds mend. An herbal or vitamin source of calcium should be considered if you are having regular nosebleeds.

Liquid chlorophyll is the blood of the plant, and its makeup is similar to our hemoglobin (red blood cells); see post “Bad Breath (Halitosis): A Refreshing Remedy,” for more on chlorophyll. I have had many herbalists tell me that they keep extra liquid chlorophyll around in a pantry to stop bleeding in emergencies. Taken internally, liquid chlorophyll can build up the red blood count and help filter out air pollution from the air we breathe. This is especially helpful internally if you believe external pollution is to blame for your nosebleeds. Chlorophyll may help protect you on the inside as well.

Warnings about the use of herbs

If you bruise easily, also get checked for anemia. This could also be an indication of possible liver problems or kidney dysfunction.

Here are some external uses for herbs that can be used to stop a nosebleed in its tracks:

• Extract of capsicum, soaked on a cotton ball and placed in the nose. This herbal remedy will probably sting, but the hot herb serves to kind of sear the flesh wound and will usually stop bleeding on contact.
• A cotton ball soaked in liquid chlorophyll and placed in the nose. This remedy will not sting, but it may take a moment to work. Apply pressure, and be sure to stand over a sink to catch any dripping chlorophyll. Like human blood, this green pigment of plant blood will permanently stain clothing and carpets.
• Golden seal powder has been used to help stop bleeding, too. Wet your finger, dip it in some of this herb powder, and place it in the nostril that is bleeding.

Overall, it is important to get your nose to stop bleeding first with any of these remedies. Later, in post “An Herbal First Aid Kit,” we will go over some more of these herbs so you can be prepared anytime for these unexpected nuisances. In the meantime, keep your nose clean, and let’s get on with the next set of remedies!

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