Home Remedies for Nose Bleeds

As a common health issue, a nosebleed can be anything from an inconvenient nuisance to a frightening, ongoing phenomenon. Luckily, nearly all remedies for nosebleeds can be undertaken at home and typically all it takes is a little pressure and time to stop the bleeding.

Apply Pressure

• Hold a tissue and clamp both sides of your nose with your index finger and thumb. Keep your head upright while continually applying pressure, so the blood doesn't drain down the back of your throat. After five minutes, release the pressure and see if the nose bleed has stopped.

  If it hasn't, you can try a widely-renowned nosebleed home remedy that's safe, noninvasive, and a little shocking. If you have a companion with you while your nose is bleeding, ask them to take a set of large metal keys (or anything else large, metal, and cold) and press them against the back of your neck when you're not expecting it. Remind them to please use the dull edge of whatever object you choose. After the initial shock of the cold metal, your nose should stop bleeding within a minute or two.

Tissue Paper Treatment

• If the above methods don't work, take a small piece of rolled up tissue paper (about the thickness of a pencil, though not as long) and place it snugly between the gum and inner lip above your top teeth. As you continue to apply pressure to your nose, let the tissue paper rest there for a few moments until the bleeding stops.

Apple Cider Vinegar

• For centuries, people have used apple cider vinegar to effectively stop nosebleeds using this simple method: Dip a cotton ball in the apple cider vinegar until it's properly soaked (but not dripping). As you bring the cotton ball to the bleeding nostril, inhale as deeply as possible, breathing in the vinegar scent. Place the soaked cotton ball into the front of your nostril and let it sit for a few moments. Remove and repeat if necessary.

Precautions

• While nosebleeds are not uncommon and can signify nothing more than a dry nasal passage or irritation to the membranes, they can also be an indicator of a more serious illness or, by themselves, can be life threatening.

  If you experience a nosebleed that continues for more than 10-20 minutes without stopping, seek emergency care, especially if you are taking drugs such as Warfarin (also known as Coumadin) or are on chronic aspirin therapy. These drugs thin the blood and prevent clotting, and a nosebleed under these circumstances could lead to significant blood loss. In addition, seek emergency care if you experience light headedness, dizziness, trouble breathing, or you are vomiting blood.

  In addition, if you experience recurrent nose bleeds in a short amount of time (more than three in a one-week period), speak with your doctor as soon as possible. Occasionally, recurrent nosebleeds signify unidentified and untreated hypertension.