Nosebleed, or epistaxis, as it is known medically, though alarming in appearance, is a relatively benign condition that affects over 45 million Americans. Nosebleeds often appear during the dry and cold autumn and winter months and can be caused by common colds, sinus infections, allergies, excessive use of nasal sprays, environmental irri­tants, and injuries. Hypertension, drug use, and taking over-the­counter medicines can also cause nosebleeds. The nasal cavities are lined with millions of tiny blood vessels, and they can bleed when in­jured. Most of the blood is released through the nostrils, but some can escape down the throat, causing an upset stomach. Acute nonstop or chronic nosebleeds require a visit to an ear, nose, and throat specialist for cauterization to stop the bleeding.

In Chinese medicine, bleeding has many origins. Nosebleeds can result from pathogenic heat in the blood, sinus infections, and spleen network weakness that leaves you deficient in bioflavonoids and prone to weakened blood vessels. When aggravated by anger, frustration, and bitterness the liver energy can flare upward and cause nosebleed. This is closely associated with nosebleeds caused by high blood pressure. An unhealthy diet can produce heat in the stomach, which manifests with gum inflammation and nosebleeds. In acute cases, we try to stop the bleeding with topical and oral herbal therapy coupled with acupunc­ture to lower pressure in the blood vessels. In chronic cases the best approach is to identify and address the underlying condition, whether the culprit is hypertension, allergies, or lifestyle.