How to Stop a Nosebleed

Ok, obviously if the nose is crooked, or the bleeding came from an impact or direct cut (such as the 5 year old with a bloody fingernail), you should assume that the nose is broken or cut, which may require medical attention. As with a cut, a twisted piece of tissue plugged into the nostril with some Vaseline on it usually does the trick. But, for some nosebleeds caused by dry air conditions, allergies, or irritation due to cold and congestion, I've found a quick remedy for about  90% of nosebleeds. I've tested it on myself and my 3 children, as well as seen it work on other people I've encountered with an untimely nosebleed. It's easy-ready?

Blow your nose. Once. As hard as you can. Plug the side that's not bleeding, and hold a tissue tight over the other side.  Careful, this can be messy.

Crazy, huh?

This may seem like blowing will only push out more blood. And that's the point. Blood vessels have elastic fibers that are designed to close the flow of blood if they are cut. A persistent nosebleed is often caused by a small clot or booger lodged in the open blood vessel which keeps it flowing. By blowing hard one time(not over and over which may irritate it worse) you can dislodge the obstruction and allow the blood vessel to close and clot. This trick has saved me hours of cleaning up bloody messes and acres of toilet paper over years of allergies and children. It stops 9 out of 10 chance nosebleeds.

Need help getting out blood stains?