Nutritional Treatments for Blood Clots

Nutritional Treatments for Blood Clots
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Blood clots are beneficial when they form to stop bleeding related to an injury or a wound. However, blood clots are unsafe when they form in the bloodstream and block circulation in blood vessels, which can cause a heart attack, stroke, vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, according to MayoClinic.com. Physicians often prescribe drugs for blood clotting that reduce platelet aggregation, but natural supplements are also available to treat the disorder.

Naturopathic medicine promotes a holistic approach to health with minimal use of surgeries and drugs. Please make sure to consult your physician before attempting naturopathic remedies at home.

Turmeric

Turmeric is the primary ingredient in curry and a medicinal herb that has been used for about 4,000 years in Asian medicine. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, inhibits the creation of harmful blood clots that can cause a variety of health disorders, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The recommended dose of turmeric is 400 to 600 mg of the standardized powder, taken three times per day. Turmeric may decrease blood sugar and should be taken with caution. Be sure to consult a doctor prior to using herbs to treat health conditions.

Garlic

Garlic contains the active ingredient allicin that confers a variety of health benefits, including reducing blood platelet aggregation that causes blood clots, according to Holistic Online. The recommended dose of garlic for cardiovascular health is three garlic cloves, taken daily. Potential side effects include stomach upset, abdominal bloating and mouth and body odor.

Ginger

Ginger is known for its cardiovascular benefits. Ayurvedic doctors often recommend taking the herb daily to prevent heart attacks. The active compounds in ginger work preventively to block the formation of blood clots, according to Holistic Online. The recommended dose of ginger to treat cardiovascular health is 75 to 2,000 mg of a supplement standardized to contain 4 percent of volatile oils, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

References

Article reviewed by Sharon Last updated on: Dec 9, 2010

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