Natural blood thinners are substances that lower the capacity of the blood to create clots. Blood clotting is a pivotal process; however, it becomes an issue if the blood clots a lot.
This can result in potentially life-threatening complications. Individuals with certain medical conditions like congenital heart defects may need meds for blood thinning to lower their risk of strokes and heart attacks.
These meds work in two ways. The antiplatelets prevent the blood cells from sticking to each other and clotting while anticoagulants slow down the clotting process.
Speaking with your physician before you try any blood thinning remedies is pivotal since they may not work as optimally as prescribed meds. Some of them may even interfere with your prescribed therapy.
Below, check out the best natural blood thinners.
Natural Blood Thinners: Foods, Supplements, and Vitamins
- Ginger
This anti-inflammatory spice may cease the blood clotting process with its natural acid known as salicylate.
Aspirin is a synthetic derivative of salicylate and it’s one of the most powerful blood thinners.
Fresh or dried ginger used in baking, juices, and cooking may help you gain its anticoagulant effects.
- Turmeric
Often called the golden spice, turmeric has long been used for culinary and medicinal purposes.
Its active ingredient, known as curcumin, possesses anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant characteristics.
In a 2019 review published in EPMA, turmeric was found helpful for the prevention of blood clotting.
However, it also advises extra caution when combining turmeric and blood-thinning meds. Feel free to add this spice to soups, curries, tea, etc.
- Cayenne pepper
These peppers are rich in salicylates and may be effective blood thinners.
In a 2019 study, cayenne pepper extract was found beneficial in slowing down blood clots in type O+ blood samples.
This pepper is quite spicy so most people can tolerate it in smaller amounts only. Another way to consume them is through supplements which can be found online or in health stores.
This spice may also help with hypertension, poor blood flow, and pain.
- Garlic
Besides being an indispensable plant in food and cooking, garlic is also popular for its healing properties.
It possesses antimicrobial and antibiotic properties.
And, in a study from 2018, garlic showed antithrombotic effects on laboratory mice.
This agent is a substance able to lower the formation of blood clots.
- Ginkgo biloba
Popular in Chinese medicine, the leaves of the Ginkgo biloba tree have been used for thousands of years.
This herbal supplement is also consumed to alleviate blood disorders and memory-related issues.
In a study from 2019, several compounds of Ginkgo were able to block thrombin, an enzyme linked with blood clots.
But, these are mostly studies done with animals. More research done with humans is necessary to see if the same effects will take place.
- Vitamin E
This vitamin lowers blood clots in several ways. The effects depend on the amount of vitamin E that’s taken.
But, people who take blood thinning meds should avoid large doses of this vitamin or over 1500 IU daily.
It may be smarter to get this vitamin from foods, rather than supplements. Foods rich in it are sunflower oil, sunflower seeds, spinach, almonds, peanut butter, whole grains, etc.
- Melatonin
This hormone is naturally produced by the body for the regulation of the circadian rhythm.
It can also be found in supplement form as a treatment for sleep problems.
According to studies, it may also influence blood clotting. In a research review from 2020, it was found capable of stopping the clumping of platelets that can form clots.
- Grape seed extract
According to some evidence, the extract from grapes may hold certain benefits for the heart and blood.
It may also be of aid in preventing hypertension.
Considering its natural blood thinning effects, certain people should avoid this extract (those who take blood-thinning meds, people with blood disorders, or people scheduled for surgery).
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