This article is written by dr. Sohil from www.howtocure.com.
Blood clotting is necessary at times to prevent the body from losing out on too much blood, but the problem arises when the blood starts getting thicker and forms clots inside the body. Hence in such cases, blood thinners might be necessary. Moreover, too much thinning of blood can also cause a problem as the blood refuses to clot even when a person has a minor injury.
What’s Blood Clotting?
Blood clotting stops the outflow of too much blood from the body, but when the blood forms clot inside the veins or arteries, it can create severe problems. Blood clots may travel to the heart or lungs, preventing blood flow which is a severe medical emergency and can be life-threatening. The blood thinners decrease the chances of stroke and heart attacks in such cases. The existence of blood thinners in one’s system put the person into risks of internal injury. A person has to maintain extreme caution if they are on blood thinners.
Types of Blood Clots
Blood clots can happen anywhere in the body, and some of the types are:
- Deep vein thrombosis
In this, the clot forms inside a major vein. Most commonly, this occurs in legs, but the blood can also clot in your pelvis, arms, lungs or brain.
- Blood clot in arms or legs
Lower legs are the most common region where clots may occur. The symptoms can be various, ranging from swelling, pain to the area becoming reddish. The symptoms depend upon the size of the clot.
- Clot in the heart
A blood clot in the heart is severe as it might stop the blood flow and eventually might cause a heart attack. The symptoms include heaviness on the chest, lightheadedness, and shortness of breath.
- Blood clot in the brain
Blood clots in the brain cause strokes. It may cause a severe headache and sometimes the person may also have vision and speaking difficulties.
- Blood clot in the lungs
Blood clot in the lungs is called pulmonary embolism. It causes sudden shortness of breath, palpitations, chest pains and breathing problems.
10 Home Remedies for Blood Clotting
There are some home remedies that help prevent excessive blood clotting.
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Turmeric
The golden spice is known to have many medicinal properties and health benefits. A study was conducted in 2012 which suggested people to have turmeric daily to reduce over clotting of the blood. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and blood thinning properties.
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Cinnamon
Cinnamon contains coumarin which has anticoagulant properties. It helps in lowering blood pressure and also acts as a blood thinner. However, over-consumption of cinnamon can cause liver damage, and hence long-term cinnamon consumption should be avoided.
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Cayenne peppers
Cayenne peppers have high amounts of salicylates which acts as a powerful blood thinning agent. Along with having blood thinning properties, cayenne peppers also lower blood pressure and increases blood circulation in the body.
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Vitamin E
Some of the foods rich in vitamin E have blood thinning properties. However, it is advised not to take too much of vitamin E supplements if the person is already on blood thinning drugs. One can easily have foods that are rich in Vitamin E instead. Some of the vitamin-rich foods are-
- Almonds
- Whole grains
- Sunflower oil and seeds
- Safflower oil
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Ginger
Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that prevent blood clotting naturally. It contains an acid called salicylates which may help in the process. However, the actual effects of ginger as blood thinner is not yet evident.
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Garlic
Garlic has antimicrobial and antibiotic properties. Garlic is known to thin the blood and facilitate healthy blood flow inside the body. It can be taken as a supplement or used in food.
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Fruits
Some of the fruits containing salicylates and bromelain help in blood thinning. The fruits are as follows:
- Pineapple
- Grapes
- Cherries
- Strawberries
- Raisins
- Oranges
8. Dong quoi
Dong quoi is a traditional herb used in China. Some studiesthat were conducted on animals show that dong quoi has a significant effect on the time is taken for the blood to clot. The blood thinning effect may be the reason for high coumarin content.
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Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo biloba is also a traditional Chinese herb which the Chinese have used since ancient times. A study also shows that this plant has the same effect of a drug used for blood thinning. However, even though the research is not confirmed but it is prevalent in some of the countries including the U.S and is used for memory problems and blood disorders.
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Grape seed extracts
Grape seed extracts have antioxidants that might prevent high blood pressure, protects blood vessels and may also have blood thinning properties. Hence it is suggested that people who are already on blood thinning drugs and medications should not have grape seeds.
Precautions
- Since most of the food listed above have high or moderate blood-thinning properties, it is advised to consult a doctor if you are already on blood thinning drugs or medications.
- Anticoagulation medications and drugs have severe side effects so be prepared and ask your doctor for tips on how to deal with them healthily.
- Avoid things that can cause injury. While you are taking blood thinning medications or aiming for anticoagulation, it is essential that you avoid damages of any kind as the blood might take a considerable amount of time to clot. As a result, you might lose a lot of blood.
- Seek help if you have an injury, major or minor, especially if there are added symptoms after getting hurt.
Natural blood thinners have no significant side-effects while the drugs and medications have serious side-effects. One has to be extremely cautious while taking these drugs and hence, natural blood thinners are better and safer. Blood clotting is a severe problem which can prove to be fatal too. Therefore, one has to go for regular check-ups and maintain caution.
Author Bio: Dr.Sohil Guntagani is a proficient writer who firmly believes in the age-old remedies and holistic medicine as a primary cure for several diseases. After graduating from Rajeev Gandhi University Of Health Sciences, He embarked on a journey to find the truth about holistic and natural remedies. During his travel and research, he found the purpose to enlighten and empower others with this knowledge and help them led a much healthier and stress-free life.
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