Herbs have been used for many years to help prevent blood clots that cause stroke and other conditions. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services states that blood clots are a serious and potentially life-threatening health problem that requires immediate treatment. Blood clots, also known as deep vein thrombosis, are more likely to occur if you are immobile or have had recent surgery. Before using herbs to prevent blood clots, visit your doctor to discuss the benefits and potential drawbacks of herbal medicine.
Blood Clots
According to MayoClinic.com, blood clots, the aggregation of platelets that form a plug in your blood vessels, can be caused by many factors and can manifest in numerous places in your body, including your lungs and brain. Medical conditions that may cause blood clots or are associated with blood clots include deep vein thrombosis, arteriosclerosis, atherosclerosis, heart attack, heart failure, peripheral arterial disease, stroke and pregnancy. Blood clots have been known to occur during long-distance travel, such as airplane flights, where you undergo prolonged periods of immobilization.
Herbal Treatments
Certain herbs are considered anticoagulants, or substances that prevent your platelets from forming blood clots. According to Dr. William A. Mitchell Jr., a naturopathic doctor and author of "Plant Medicine in Practice," effective herbal anticoagulants include sweet clover, Dutch tonka beans, sweet vernal grass, sweet scented bedstraw, red clover, vanilla leaf, flaxseeds, white willow tree and ginger. Mitchell says that anticoagulants prevent clotting in many fluids, especially blood.
A Popular Herb
White willow, also known as willow bark, is a popular herb used to help prevent blood clots. The bark of the willow tree is used as an herbal medicine, and it contains a substance called salicin, which contains acetylsalicylic acid and works like aspirin to help prevent platelet aggregation. White willow is purported to have astringent, anti-inflammatory and analgesic action. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, willow bark is also used to help reduce pain and inflammation.
Considerations
Although many herbs may provide significant health benefits and help reduce your odds of developing blood clots, it is important to understand the possible side effects associated with these herbal medicines. Certain herbs should not be taken if you are pregnant or have other health conditions. Talking with a botanically-trained health care professional is a helpful way to know if certain herbs are appropriate for you and your specific health condition.
References
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Your Guide to Preventing and Treating Blood Clots
- MayoClinic.com: Blood Clots
- "Plant Medicine in Practice"; William A. Mitchell Jr., N.D.; 2003
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Willow Bark
