We often write about the benefits of natural remedies. That’s because there is a surprising amount of very good research supporting plant-based therapies. Despite a common belief among many health professionals that such approaches are unscientific, there are randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to support quite a few herbal medicines. It is important to remember, however, that nearly any compound that has desirable effects might also have some effects that are unwanted. Several readers describe a frightening nosebleed as a consequence of treatment with turmeric.
Turmeric and A Frightening Nosebleed!
Q. I am positive that turmeric causes nosebleeds. I took it for one week and then the nosebleeds started. They were absolutely terrifying. I have never had nosebleeds before. It occurred to me that perhaps the turmeric was responsible.
I stopped taking it and the nosebleeds stopped immediately. I mentioned it to my doctor, and she did not think the turmeric was responsible. I am not going to take the risk. No more turmeric for me!
This is not the only such story. Here is another case of a frightening nosebleed linked to turmeric:
“My husband was taking turmeric for its anti-inflammatory properties and it gave him good relief from his daily nagging arthritis pain. Then he got a frightening nosebleed that was hard to stop. We went to an urgent care center but were eventually able to stop the bleeding on our own.
“The only thing we could attribute it to was the turmeric. He has not had another nosebleed since stopping the turmeric.”
Turmeric Fights Inflammation:
A. Turmeric is the yellow spice used in curry. This herb also gives yellow mustard its distinctive yellow color. Both turmeric and its active ingredient curcumin (pronounced ker-KYOO-min) have anti-inflammatory activity. That is why it is frequently used to ease arthritis pain (Drug Research, Aug. 3, 2020).
Curcumin and turmeric have been reported to have anticoagulant activity (Journal of Cellular Physiology, June, 2018; International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, Nov. 2015). That means they can prevent blood clots. It is not clear whether this activity can be used therapeutically.
In some susceptible people, these natural products may also make bleeding more likely. This could explain why you and many other readers have reported a frightening nosebleed while relying on such dietary supplements for pain relief. Anyone taking a prescription anticoagulant should probably avoid both turmeric and curcumin to prevent bad bleeding episodes.
Beware Interactions with Anticoagulants:
People taking prescription blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin) together with turmeric may be especially prone to problems. Some have reported dangerous increases in their INR readings, a measure of the anticoagulation effect of the medicine.
Warfarin & Curry:
One person wrote:
“I am taking warfarin. I had an elevated INR after I had two meals of curry in an Asian restaurant. After I stopped eating curry, my blood work returned to normal.”
Don’t Mix and Match:
We warn readers taking warfarin to avoid adding either turmeric or the more concentrated compound curcumin to their regimen, as it could result in dangerous bleeding. It is not clear, however, whether the turmeric on its own could increase anticoagulation, or whether this effect is due to its impact on the metabolism of the warfarin. A study in rats showed that curcumin increased the blood levels and activity of both warfarin and clopidogrel (Plavix) (Planta Medica, July, 2013).
On the other hand, a study carried out in Italy in humans did not find an interaction between the brand name curcumin formulation Meriva and aspirin, clopidogrel, ticlopidine (Ticlid) or dabigatran (Pradaxa) (European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences, Aug. 22, 2019). Although reassuring, we would still urge caution given the number of people who have reported a frightening nosebleed. Here are a few other examples:
Carole found that turmeric and clopidogrel posed a problem:
“After a diagnosis of ‘possible silent strokes,’ I was prescribed clopidogrel every day. I noticed after several self trials that when I took turmeric I got bleeding when blowing my nose.”
Gina had uterine bleeding that went away after stopping turmeric:
“I’m post-menopausal and was having uterine cramping and bleeding. The doctor scheduled me for all sorts of testing including a DNC. I stopped taking turmeric two weeks before my procedure. Everything went well, and the cramping and bleeding stopped.
“About 2 months afterwards, I went back on the turmeric. Guess what? I began bleeding again. I then realized that it was all because of the turmeric.”
Deborah had a really frightening nosebleed that kept recurring:
“Last summer I took curcumin for two months. I do not take any other medications. I started getting horrible nosebleeds. I never in my life had an issue with nosebleeds. These were massive. I had to have my nose cauterized three times.”
Ellen worries about a really serious bleeding problem:
“I have had great success with turmeric. But it also has given me nosebleeds. This tendency toward bleeding has me worried about hemorrhagic stroke. Don’t want that, so I have stopped taking turmeric. I bet there have been no studies of this.”
People’s Pharmacy Perspective:
We suggest that readers on anticoagulant medication avoid taking turmeric or curcumin as supplements so they don’t end up with a frightening nosebleed. Others may need to judge by their own experience whether they are susceptible to such a side effect. If you suspect potential bleeding problems, ask your health care provider to test your blood. There are ways to determine if bleeding times are edging towards the danger zone.
Please share your own experience with turmeric or curcumin in the comment section below. If you would like to learn more about the benefits and risks of turmeric and many other healing plants, we offer our book, Spice Up Your Life: How Everyday Kitchen Herbs & Spices Can Lengthen & Strengthen Your Life. It is available online at this link. If you prefer to reduce your mailing expenses you can send a check for $19.95 ($15.95 plus $4 shipping) to:
- Graedons’ People’s Pharmacy (Dept SUYH)
- PO Box 52027
- Durham, NC 27717-2027
