Flaxseed oil is an herbal medicine produced from the flax plant, Linum usitatissimum. People take flaxseed oil for a wide range of potential health benefits, including reducing the risk of blood clots. However, there is little available evidence supporting many of these uses. Similar to any health supplement, consult a qualified health-care practitioner before attempting to prevent or treat blood clots with flaxseed oil.
Blood Clots
Flaxseed oil may slow the formation of blood clots by affecting specialized red blood cells called platelets. During the formation of blood clots, platelets must clump together in a process called platelet aggregation. Treatment with flaxseed oil decreased platelet aggregation in one small study of five healthy young men, reports a paper published in the March 1995 issue of the "European Journal of Clinical Nutrition." While these preliminary results are promising, additional large-scale trials in humans are needed to confirm these results.
Other Benefits
Flaxseed oil is often taken for many other factors affecting the cardiovascular system, including heart disease, atherosclerosis, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Similar to the effects on blood clots, additional research is needed to confirm these possible benefits, according to MedlinePlus. The potential benefit of flaxseed oil for arthritis, cancer, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, diabetes, anxiety and constipation also requires further research.
Risks
Because of the potential of flaxseed oil to slow blood clotting, it may increase the risk of excess bleeding, especially after surgery. You should stop taking flaxseed oil at least two weeks before undergoing surgery or major dental work, warns MedlinePlus. People with pre-existing bleeding disorders may also experience a greater risk of severe bleeding after taking flaxseed oil.
Interactions
Many other prescription and non-prescription medications also inhibit blood-clot formation, including clopedigrel, warfarin, aspirin and ibuprofen. Use extreme caution taking flaxseed oil while also taking other blood-thinning medications, because the risk of uncontrollable bleeding may be greatly increased, advises the University of Maryland Medical Center.
References
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Flaxseed and Flaxseed Oil; July 2010
- MedlinePlus: Flaxseed Oil; February 2011
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Flaxseed Oil; David Zieve et al.; May 2010
- "European Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Supplementation with Flaxseed Oil Versus Sunflowerseed Oil in Healthy Young Men Consuming a Low Fat Diet: Effects on Platelet Composition and Function; M.A. Allman et al.; March 1995
