Natural Blood Thinners: Research-Based Guide for Safe Alternatives
By Dr. Shubham Pandey +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Shubham Pandey
Last updated: Apr 25, 2024Click to rate this article!
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By Dr. Shubham Pandey +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Shubham Pandey
Last updated: Apr 25, 2024Table of Contents
Blood thinners are key for managing health issues linked to blood clot formation. They help avoid severe problems like deep vein thrombosis, stroke, and heart attack. However, people are always looking out for more natural and risk free methods that aid in tackling their health conditions and there are certain remedies out there that are said to act as natural blood thinners too. In this article, we’ll cover in detail about these. We’ll discuss about the benefits and downsides of these natural blood thinners, and also their possible interaction with other drugs. But keep in mind to always enquire with your healthcare provider before using any natural alternative.
Did you know?
Blood thinners are nothing but anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs. These drugs keep blood clots from forming which can cause heart attacks, strokes, and other perilous situations in those who are at a risk of forming these clots. So, before we step into the world of natural alternatives, let’s see how these medications function. Below we have discussed how blood thinners work.
There are two main types of blood thinners: anticoagulants and antiplatelets. Anticoagulants slow down the creation of blood clots. Antiplatelets stop blood platelets from sticking together to form clots. Both help blood flow smoothly through the body. Because of this the blood thinners can help reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. They do this by making blood clot formation less likely.
Like all medicine, blood thinners may have side effects. These are listed below.
It’s vital to keep a close watch on these side effects. Any worries must always be conveyed to your healthcare provider without fail.
Blood thinners can interact with other medications, supplements, or some food types. This can lead to unwanted things like more bleeding risk or less effect of the blood thinner. Always check with your healthcare provider about what you’re eating and taking along with blood thinners.
Certain natural items have shown possible blood-thinning traits. But caution must be taken to never replace prescribed blood thinners with natural items. Also, don’t take them without asking your healthcare provider. Below we have listed the natural items with proposed blood-thinning properties.
Turmeric is a yellow spice used a lot in Asian food. It’s known for many potential healing traits, especially due to its curcumin content.
Curcumin is the main active part of turmeric. Various studies have shown that it acts as an anticoagulant. It does that by inhibiting clotting factors and stopping blood clots from forming.
Turmeric and curcumin supplements may offer possible health benefits. But, always ask your healthcare provider before adding them to your regimen. This is more crucial if you’re already on blood-thinning medicines. Be careful about the dose and possible interactions with other medicine.
Ginger is a root related to turmeric. It holds salicylate, a natural chemical. This chemical acts like aspirin and stop blood clotting. Also ginger has something called gingerols. These show antiplatelet and anticoagulant effects in some research. Again, caution must be practiced and individuals must not use ginger in place of prescription drugs and one must always discuss it with their health care providers.
Ask your healthcare provider before using ginger as a natural blood thinner. This is important, especially if you’re using prescribed blood thinners or other medications.
Cinnamon holds a chemical named coumarin known for anticoagulant properties.
There are two key types of cinnamon: Cassia and Ceylon. The first one has plenty of coumarin while the second does not. So, if you want it for its blood-thinning traits, pick Cassia over Ceylon.
Cinnamon offers possible health benefits. But, a long intake of large dosages may harm the liver. Check with your healthcare provider before adding lots of cinnamon to the diet or taking cinnamon pills. This is more important if you’re already on blood thinning medicine.
Cayenne peppers, with high levels of salicylates, also have blood thinner properties. They may also help in reducing blood pressure and stopping clotting. Capsaicin present gives cayenne peppers their spicy taste. It is proposed to have blood-thinning traits. It may promote circulation and reduce blood clotting.
Ask your healthcare provider before including cayenne peppers in your food or before taking them in pill form. It’s vital to see if they’re safe for you, especially if you’re taking prescribed blood thinners or other drugs.
Vitamin E has strong antioxidant qualities. It is proposed to act as a mild anticoagulant.
Research suggests that vitamin E may stop platelet grouping and help fibrinolysis. These outcomes avoid blood clot creation.
It’s vital to speak with your healthcare provider before a large intake of Vitamin E or its supplements. They may interact with prescribed blood thinners or other medications.
Garlic is an ingredient used worldwide. It is said to possess mild antiplatelet traits.
Allicin is found in garlic. It proposed to stop platelet grouping in an unchangeable way. This disrupts clot formation.
Garlic offers possible health benefits. But, always ask your healthcare provider before heavy garlic consumption or its supplements use. More so if you’re already on blood thinning medications.
Ginkgo biloba is a Chinese plant and often-used herbal pill, may have effects on blood circulation.
Research suggests that ginkgo biloba may be able to stop platelet grouping. It may act as a natural blood thinner, assisting overall blood circulation.
Consult your healthcare provider before using ginkgo biloba as a natural blood thinner. This point is more crucial if you’re already taking prescribed blood thinners or other drugs.
Grape seed extract is known for its potential antioxidant traits. It may act as a natural blood thinner too. Antioxidants in grape seed extract protect cells from damage caused by oxidation. This harm is a factor in heart disease.
Ask your healthcare provider before grape seed extract becomes part of your regimen. Particularly if you are also taking prescribed blood thinners or other drugs.
Dong quai, a Chinese herb, is proposed to have mild blood-thinning abilities.Dong quai, or “female ginseng,” was used as a blood tonic in Chinese medicine. It has coumarin, known to have anticoagulant traits.
Consult with your healthcare provider before using Dong quai. Especially if you’re already taking prescribed blood thinners or other drugs.
Feverfew, coming from the daisy family, is proposed to show mild antiplatelet qualities. Feverfew is said to avoid platelet grouping and clot setting.
Before trying feverfew consult your healthcare provider. More so, if you’re already taking prescribed blood thinners or other medicines.
Bromelain, sourced from pineapple, may have blood-thinning abilities. Studies show that bromelain may stop clot formation by hindering blood clotting protein production.
Consult your healthcare provider before adding bromelain to your food routine or before taking it as a supplement. Especially if you’re already on prescribed blood thinners or other drugs.
Aloe vera holds many potential health benefits, including small blood-thinning ones.
Aloe vera contains salicylates, like ginger and cayenne pepper. These chemicals in aloe vera may mildly act as anticoagulants and reduce blood clot formation.
Before heavy intake of aloe vera, ask your healthcare provider or before taking it as a supplement. More so if you’re already on prescribed blood thinners or other drugs.
Evening primrose oil, a herbal pill, is said to possess slight blood-thinning effects.
Studies say that evening primrose oil may stop blood clotting. It doesn’t allow platelet grouping.
Consult your healthcare provider before using evening primrose oil or before taking it as a supplement. More so if you’re already on prescribed blood thinners or other medicines.
Melatonin, a sleep-regulating hormone produced by the body, it is proposed to reduce blood clots with its antiplatelet effects. Research suggests that melatonin may have mild anticoagulant traits. It stops platelet grouping and aids overall blood circulation.
Before adding melatonin pills to your routine. Check with your healthcare provider. More so if you’re already taking prescribed blood thinners or other drugs.
Although the above-mentioned natural products have shown blood-thinning properties in studies, more large-scale human research is needed to confirm these.
Also, never stop or taper your medication by yourself when to plan to include any of these remedies. Always discuss with your healthcare provider before initiation as they could suggest best whether or not you would need to continue with your medication when using these products and at what dose.
Research has found that pine bark extract contains substances called proanthocyanidins, which can help stop blood from clotting too much by preventing platelets from sticking together. Studies also show that taking pine bark extract might be a good way to prevent blood clots and make blood flow better, and it doesn’t seem to cause any big problems.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D
Vitamin K-rich food may interact with some blood-thinning medicines as vitamin K is needed by the liver to produce proteins called clotting factors (II, VII, IX, and X) without which blood cannot form clots. There for these foods may reduce the actions of blood thinners.
Green vegetables like kale, spinach, and collard greens hold much vitamin K.
Some fruits, like avocados, kiwis, and blackberries, have good amounts of vitamin K too.
Using natural blood thinners along with prescribed ones, needs close watch by a healthcare provider. Only this can ensure a safe yet powerful management plan that answers any possible interactions between medications and the natural choices explored in this article.
Regular tests and check-ups of blood to find out the blood clotting, bleeding time, thrombin time, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen test, and CBC can help decide the best course. They also show any necessary changes needed in the management plan.
Your healthcare provider may suggest changes to your diet or medicines, depending on the blood-thinning effects of natural options and their interactions with prescribed blood thinners.
Recently I read about bilberry, a berry similar to blueberries that has substances called anthocyanins that can stop blood from clotting too much and prevent platelets from sticking together. This may also help lower the chance of blood clots forming and reduce the risk of heart problems.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
Natural blood thinners like turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon, may offer possible health benefits. Viewing them as an alternative support for heart health is great. But, solely banking on these may not give you ample protection like prescribed blood thinners. Hence, it is vital to always ask your healthcare provider before considering natural blood thinners for your management plan. They need to go well with your prescribed drugs, and there must be no negative interplays. By teaming up closely with your healthcare provider, we can create a safe and useful plan.
While on blood thinners, it’s crucial to avoid activities that increase the risk of bleeding, such as heavy lifting or contact sports. Additionally, refrain from consuming excessive amounts of alcohol and be cautious with sharp objects to prevent injuries that may lead to bleeding complications.
Blood thinners do not directly lower blood pressure. They primarily help prevent blood clot formation and reduce the risk of stroke or heart attack by interfering with the clotting process. However, some medications used as blood thinners may have indirect effects on blood pressure through their interactions with other medications or physiological processes.
Blood thinners themselves do not directly cause a feeling of coldness. However, some individuals may experience increased sensitivity to cold due to the effects of blood thinners on circulation, which can lead to a perception of feeling colder than usual. It’s essential to consult a healthcare professional if experiencing any unusual symptoms while on blood thinners.
Blood thinners themselves typically do not directly cause fatigue. However, some individuals may experience fatigue as a side effect of certain blood thinning medications or due to underlying health conditions for which blood thinners are prescribed. It’s essential to discuss any unusual symptoms with a healthcare provider to determine the cause and appropriate management
Drinking alcohol while on blood thinners can increase the risk of bleeding and other complications. It’s advisable to limit alcohol consumption and consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance based on individual medical history and the specific blood thinner being taken.
Blood thinners themselves typically do not directly cause weight loss. However, some individuals may experience changes in weight due to factors such as improved circulation or changes in dietary habits or physical activity levels while on blood thinners. It’s essential to discuss any significant changes in weight with a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause.
Missing a dose of blood thinners can increase the risk of blood clot formation and related complications, such as stroke or heart attack. It’s crucial to follow the prescribed dosing schedule closely and consult a healthcare provider immediately for guidance if a dose is missed, to determine if a makeup dose is necessary and to avoid potential risks.
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