Herbal Treatment for Internal Bleeding

Internal bleeding has a range of causes, including injury, ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, urinary tract infections, hormonal imbalance and uterine fibroids. Herbs can treat the underlying disease and, in some cases, stop the bleeding naturally. You should consult your health care provider for a diagnosis of the cause before starting herbal treatment.

Herbal Actions

Herbs that may cure internal bleeding act in several ways. Anti-hemorrhagic or styptic herbs can prevent and stop excessive internal bleeding in some cases. Some herbs affect female reproductive organs and regulate excessive bleeding from fibroids and menstruation. Herbs that heal an irritated gastrointestinal tract may also stop bleeding from certain diseases. Check with a qualified practitioner for advice about dosage and preparation of herbs to cure internal bleeding.

Wild Geranium

Wild geranium, Geranium maculatum, is a woodland herb with pink flowers. Herbalists use the roots to stop bleeding and treat diarrhea, hemorrhoids, gum diseases and gastrointestinal problems. Wild geranium is rich in tannins and is highly astringent and styptic. In their 2001 book, “Herbal Remedies,” naturopathic doctors Asa Hershoff and Andrea Rotelli recommend it for bleeding in the digestive tract due to ulcers, Crohn’s disease or diarrhea and for excess vaginal bleeding 1. Do not use this herb if you are constipated or pregnant.

Birthroot

Birthroot, Trillium erectum, is a North American herb with tiny, dark red flowers. Traditional healers use the roots and rhizomes to treat hemorrhage, excessive menstrual bleeding and bowel problems. The plant is high in tannins and saponins and has anti-inflammatory and anti-hemorrhagic actions. Hershoff and Rotelli state that birthroot is useful for internal bleeding from fibroids, menopausal bleeding and uterine prolapse. Do not use this herb during pregnancy.

Yarrow

Yarrow, Achillea millefolium, is an ancient European herb noted for staunching wounds. In his 2003 book, “Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine,” clinical herbalist David Hoffmann, FNIMH, AHG, cites its use for uterine hemorrhage and profuse menstruation 2. The active chemicals include volatile oil, sesquiterpene lactones, tannins and flavonoids, and yarrow has astringent and anti-inflammatory actions. Hershoff and Rotelli also recommend it for internal bleeding from the lungs, bladder, bowels and internal injuries. Do not use yarrow if you have allergies to plants in the Aster family.