Nosebleeding, or epistaxis, is characterised by bleeding from the nasal cavity and may result from local trauma, mucosal inflammation or systemic conditions. In Ayurveda, nasal bleeding is considered under Nasagata Raktapitta, associated with aggravated Pitta and vitiation of Rakta Dhatu. Durva (Cynodon dactylon) and Dhanyaka (Coriandrum sativum) have traditional relevance in this context through their attributed haemostatic and Pitta-pacifying properties.
Traditional rationale and proposed role
The Ayurvedic rationale for these preparations is based on their distinct properties and methods of preparation.
|
Preparation |
Traditional properties |
Proposed role |
|
Durva Swarasa |
Raktastambhana, Pitta-shamana |
Traditionally used to check bleeding and address Pitta-associated manifestations. |
|
Dhanyaka Hima |
Cooling, Pitta-shamana |
Traditionally used as a cooling preparation in Pitta-related conditions. |
Durva Swarasa is the expressed juice of fresh Durva, whereas Dhanyaka Hima is a cold infusion prepared from Dhanyaka. Classical Ayurvedic descriptions provide a rationale for Durva in Raktapitta.1
Clinical considerations and relevant applications
- Assessment of bleeding: The frequency, duration, severity and source of bleeding should be evaluated. Recurrent episodes may be associated with nasal trauma, mucosal disease, hypertension, coagulation abnormalities or medicines affecting haemostasis.
- Traditional application: Durva Swarasa and Dhanyaka Hima have distinct traditional roles and should not be considered interchangeable. Their preparation and route of administration should be clearly specified.
- Management of active bleeding: The patient should sit upright, lean forward and pinch the soft part of the nose continuously. Persistent bleeding may require topical vasoconstrictors, cautery or nasal packing.2
Conclusion
Durva Swarasa and Dhanyaka Hima represent distinct Ayurvedic approaches to Nasagata Raktapitta, with Durva traditionally associated with Raktastambhana and Dhanyaka with Pitta-shamana. These principles provide a traditional rationale for their use, although direct clinical evidence for either preparation in epistaxis remains limited. Their role should be considered alongside appropriate clinical assessment and established management of nosebleeding.
References:
- Ankit, Manju, Vats S. Scientific overview of Raktapitta: an Ayurvedic perspective on hemorrhagic disorders. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2025;10(7):169-173. Accessed November 3, 2026. https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/4502/7803
- Tunkel DE, Anne S, Payne SC, Ishman SL, Rosenfeld RM, Abramson PJ, Alikhaani JD, Benoit MM, Bercovitz RS, Brown MD, et al. Clinical practice guideline: nosebleed (epistaxis). Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2020;162(1_suppl):S1-S38. doi:10.1177/0194599819890327. https://aao-hnsfjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1177/0194599819890327