The nose is not only the upper part of the passage through which air enters the lungs; it also lodges the organ which furnishes the sense of smell. The outer part of the nose is not of much importance except aesthetically; it is the inner organs—the main part of the cavity which is placed above the roof of the mouth—which is the real nose.
The diseases to which the nose is susceptible are many, the chief among them being rhinitis (inflammation) which may become chronic if not treated in time. According to Ayurveda, the number of disease relating to the nose is thirty-four. About a dozen of them are various forms of inflammation and the rest pertain to tomours or boils from which pus oozes out or ful-smelling phlegm is produced. It is not uncommon for children or even adults to have an occasional nosebleed.
Causes and Symptoms Of Nosebleed
According to Ayurveda, bleeding from the nose is due to vitiation of pitta. If pitta has a tendency to go up, it may cause bleeding from the nose. In the case of a running nose, smoke from burning turmeric should be inhaled; it will encourage a copious discharge and shortly provide relief. Smoke from the root of amaltas also provides quick relief. Jaiphahla (nutmeg) and cow’s milk, sufficient to make a paste, together with 75 mg of opium should be applied to the forehead and the nose.
In case the nose is blocked and the patient is unable to eject the phlegm, a powder of equal parts of cinnamon,black pepper, cardamom, and seeks of krishnajiraka (Nigella sativa) should be sniffed to induce sneezing. Decoction of bran should be taken at bedtime in a dose of 60 ml. Six grams of garlic and an equal quantity of gur pounded together may be given at bedtime.
Home Remedies For Nosebleed
Bleeding from the nose is not usually a very serious condition. In an ordinary nosebleed, the patient should be asked to lie still, and a cold compress should be applied to his head, which should be placed at a level lower than his feet. He should be asked to inhale iced water and refrain from blowing his nose. If this does not help, a few drops of the swaras (juice) of any of the following should be dropped into the nasal passage: onions, dub grass, tender flowers of the pomegranate tree, shelled mango seeds, or jwasa (Alhagi Pseudalbagi).
In case bleeding is very severe and the patient appears to be losing too much of blood, guaze soaked with panchkshiri koshaya or alum (Phitkiri), camphor, and majuphala in equal quantities and in powder from should be dropped into the nose. Amla should be ground in buttermilk and the paste should be put in a little boiling ghee. When it is cold, it should be applied to the forehead and the outside of the nose.
