Blood clotting is a normal process in your body and is necessary in arresting bleeding. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute says that excessive blood clotting may be injurious to your health, however. Excessive blood clotting may be caused by numerous factors, including genetic and acquired factors. Herbal remedies may be helpful in treating your excessive blood clotting, but discuss possible treatment options for this condition with your health-care provider.
About Blood Clots
Normal clotting, or coagulation, is helpful when you experience an injury, as clotting helps stop your bleeding and initiates the healing process, states the Cleveland Clinic. However, your blood should not clot when it is moving through your blood vessels. Hypercoagulable states -- conditions that may cause your blood to clot in your blood vessels -- can be dangerous, especially if they are not treated in a timely and appropriate manner. Blood clots in your arteries can heighten your risk for stroke, heart attack and other health problems.
Appropriate Herbal Treatments
Herbs that have anti-coagulant action, or the capacity to treat or prevent blood clots, are the most appropriate herbs to use for excessive blood clotting. According to naturopathic doctor Sharol Tilgner, author of "Herbal Medicine Form the Heart of the Earth," anti-coagulant herbs, also known as blood-thinning herbs, include the following: horse chestnut, turmeric, red clover, garlic, feverfew, angelica, cramp bark and ginger. More scientific testing may be required to determine these herbs' effectiveness in treating excessive blood clotting.
A Useful Anti-coagulant
Red clover, an herb with anti-coagulant action, may be helpful in treating or preventing blood clots. Phyllis A. Balch, a nutrition researcher and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," states that red clover has anti-spasmodic action, helps cleanse your blood and possesses relaxing effects. Red clover has traditionally been used in treating a range of health complaints, including low immune function, liver disease and inflamed lungs. The flowers of the red clover plant contain numerous active ingredients that are used for medicinal purposes.
Disclaimer
Clots that form in your blood vessels may lead to serious health complications, including death in some cases. If you have a clotting disorder or a history of excessive blood clotting, meet with your doctor to review appropriate treatment methods for your condition. Herbal treatments, though conservative, may cause unwanted health side effects in some people, especially if herbs are not used according to the instructions provided to you by your health-care practitioner.
References
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: Excessive Blood Clotting
- Cleveland Clinic: Diseases and Conditions
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
