Natural remedies for nosebleeds

Even though nose bleeding isn't a symptom of a serious condition, there are some natural remedies that can help stop it. Let's find out what they are so you can try them.
Natural remedies for nosebleeds
Maricela Jiménez López

Reviewed and approved by the doctor Maricela Jiménez López.

Last update: 24 August, 2022

Nosebleeds, also known as nasal hemorrhages, and medically as epistaxis, is a common condition that can appear at the worst times, according to studies carried out by the Ochsner Clinic Foundation. The bleeding might a source of much alarm, but it’s rarely a symptom of anything serious.

It’s usually the result of an injury, nasal allergies, or other problems that affect the blood vessels lining the nose. While it’s neither painful nor there are other discomforts, there are a few natural remedies to stop them. Do you know them?

What are the causes of nosebleeds?

A woman suffering from nosebleeds.

Nasal hemorrhages can appear when the mucous membrane of the nose dries and hardens, and this leads to cracking. This same condition is really common in those taking blood thinners and the elderly, whose blood takes longer to clot. It’s also a common side effect among those patients who consume anticoagulant medications.

Other common causes of nosebleeds are:

  • Rhinosinusitis, according to this study carried out by Hospital Clínico Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
  • The forceful blowing of the nose
  • Blows or hits to the nose
  • Nasal allergies, according to this research conducted by the University of Oxford, which offers the alternative treatment of a saline solution
  • High altitudes, as per this study by the Command Hospital in Kolkata, India assures
  • Drug use, according to this research carried out by the Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile.
  • Hypertension, as per this study conducted by the Hospital Clínico Martín Chang Puga in Camagüey, Cuba.

Remedies for stopping nosebleeds

A nurse applying one of the remedies to stop nosebleeds.

One of the first things you should do while dealing with a nosebleed is to sit upright and lean forward. An upright position reduces vascular pressure while bending forward keeps the blood from flowing down your throat.

If the blood doesn’t stop, then you must see a doctor as soon as possible. Keeping the above in mind, you must also resort to some natural remedies. Here are some:

Recommendations to prevent nosebleeds

Indeed, nosebleeds are due to many reasons. Despite this, there are some preventive measures that can help minimize the risk of their reoccurrence. If you have them often, then consider the following:

  • Increase your water consumption to avoid dehydration. The nostrils lose lubrication and can crack in dehydrated organisms. Thus, hydration is very important to keep us healthy, according to what studies say about it.
  • Avoid excessive exposure to air conditioning. Air conditioners dry the natural air and make nosebleeds more likely, according to this data offered by the Manual of Otolaryngology of Salvat.
  • In case of sinusitis, cold, or conditions that affect the nose, rub the inside of the nose with a little petroleum jelly or, as per the above manual, spray it with a saline solution to keep the nasal passages moist.
  • Increase your vitamin C consumption, a vital nutrient for strengthening the capillary walls caused by toxins. Or, after undergoing surgery, according to this research.

When to seek medical attention

A woman trying to stop a nosebleed.

When to seek medical attention

Nosebleeds are rarely a warning sign that something is wrong. However, when they occur frequently and for no reason, it’s very important to see a doctor to rule out a major health problem, such as leukemia or a blood problem.

However, even if it passes quickly and without apparent sequelae, it’s advisable to see a doctor- not as an emergency, but to rule out what could have caused the event. You should know that epistaxis is always a symtom of something.

In this sense, a complete history with oral and pharyngeal examination is required. It includes a complete blood count, coagulation study and x-ray of the perinasal cavities. It’s necessary to determine if it’s anterior or posterior, recurrent or isolated and if the factors that originated it are local or respond to some systemic disorder.

It’s recommended to go to the doctor immediately when the bleeding lasts 20 or more minutes, the blood loss is a lot, or if it is due to an injury caused by a blow or an accident.


All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.


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This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.