Blood clots, also known as thrombi, are an accumulation, or aggregation, of platelets -- sticky substances present in your blood. In some cases, notes the American Society of Hematology, blood clots may develop on the inside of your blood vessels and do not dissolve -- a potentially life-threatening situation that requires timely intervention. Certain herbs and supplements may reduce your chances of developing injurious blood clots, although herbs and other dietary supplements should only be taken under the care of a skilled health care professional.
Blood Clots
A thrombus, notes the University of Massachusetts Medical School, is a collection of platelets and other elements in blood vessels throughout your body. Thrombi develop when your blood clotting system is engaged, which may occur in areas in which atherosclerotic plaques have formed in your arteries or sites where your endothelial cells -- the thin layer of cells lining the inside of your arteries -- have incurred damage. Blood clots often form in places of sluggish blood flow.
Herbal Supplements for Blood Clots
The most effective herbs in treating and preventing blood clots possess anticoagulant action. William A. Mitchell Jr., a naturopathic physician, herbalist and author of "Plant Medicine in Practice," lists numerous anticoagulant herbal supplements, including red clover, sweet clover, vanilla leaf, ginger and white willow. Another herbal supplement that may be helpful in reducing the potentially damaging effects of blood clots is gingko, as it helps increase your circulation. Fish oils have also long been used for this purpose. Not all supplements used in treating blood clots are backed by a large volume of scientific research.
A Helpful Supplement
Ginger may be one of the most helpful dietary supplements in treating or preventing blood clots. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that some studies suggest that ginger may be helpful in lowering your blood cholesterol levels and preventing your blood from clotting, both of which help safeguard your blood vessels from blockages that can lead to heart attack or stroke. Ginger is commonly prescribed for numerous ailments and has been used for centuries in many of the world's great healing traditions.
Disclaimer
Blood clots, when they occur in your arteries and other blood vessels, are a serious health threat that requires the attention and intervention of trained medical professionals. Depending on the location of a clot, this health problem may lead to serious health complications, including death. Before using herbal and other dietary supplements to help treat or prevent blood clots, discuss the health implications of these substances with a health care professional trained in herbal medicine.
References
- American Society of Hematology: Blood Clots
- University of Massachusetts Medical School: Thrombus or Embolus
- "Plant Medicine in Practice"; William A. Mitchell Jr., N.D.; 2003
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Ginger
