Coumadin, the brand name for the generic drug warfarin, is a medication that helps prevent blood clots by thinning the blood and interfering with clotting factors, says Drugs.com. This helps reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in people prone to blood clots. Coumadin can interact with other drugs, however, so talk with your doctor about any other medication, vitamin or herbal supplements you are taking, to avoid any adverse effects.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K aids in blood clotting, and because it is a fat-soluble vitamin, the body is able to store it. The human body can produce its own vitamin K from bacteria in the intestines, and dietary sources include green, leafy foods. Due to the clotting properties of vitamin K, taking it with Coumadin can reduce the effectiveness of the drug. You may need to limit the amount of vitamin K-rich foods you consume while on Coumadin, to reduce the risk of any complications. Talk with your doctor about how vitamin K may affect your situation.
Red Clover
The flowers of the red clover plant have been an herbal remedy for numerous conditions, including soothing skin inflammations, boosting circulation and treating breathing problems. Red clover contains plant chemicals called isoflavones, which cause bodily effects similar to estrogen, making this herb a possible remedy for menopausal symptoms. The University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, states that red clover may interact with Coumadin and enhance the blood-thinning effects, increasing the risk of bleeding. Consult with your doctor about whether you should take red clover while on Coumadin.
Ginkgo Biloba
Well-known for its possible effects on memory, ginkgo biloba also helps treat asthma, tinnitus and fatigue. The herb is also under study for possible benefits to intermittent claudication, or pain from weakened blood flow, as well as Alzheimer's disease. Ginkgo biloba may increase the risk of bleeding, and individuals with bleeding disorders or those on blood-clotting medications should be careful, explains the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Before using this supplement, talk with your doctor about whether it is safe for you to take ginkgo biloba while on Coumadin.
Vitamin E
Known as an antioxidant that helps protect cells from free radical damage, vitamin E may also promote eye health, relieve menstrual pain and reduce premenstrual symptoms such as food cravings and anxiety. This vitamin also helps form red blood cells, and aids the body in utilizing vitamin K. According to UMMC, vitamin E taken at the same time as Coumadin may cause bleeding problems. While you are on Coumadin, talk with your doctor about when and if to take vitamin E.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Vitamin K; Dr. Steven Ehrlich; June 2009
- UMMC; Red Clover; Dr. Steven Ehrlich; December 2008
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine; Ginkgo Biloba; July 2010
- UMMC; Vitamin E; Dr. Steven Ehrlich; December 2009
- Drugs.com; Coumadin Information; December 2010
