A nosebleed can be stopped simply and effectively by soaking a plug of gauze or cottonwool in cold water (iced if possible) with a drop or two of essential oil of Lemon, and inserting this as far up the nostril as possible. Oil of Lemon is a haemostatic (i.e. it stops bleeding by speeding up the rate at which blood forms clots).

Get the victim to lie down in a quiet place, and put an icy-cold compress at the back of the neck - maybe with a few drops of oil of Lavender added. If the bleeding continues, get more qualified help, as the amount of blood lost can be serious.

Most nosebleeds result from minor injuries, but they may also be a symptom of high blood pressure or other serious disorders, so anybody who has nosebleeds frequently needs more than the first-aid help described here, and the cause of the bleeding must be sought and treated.