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Fennel & Coumadin

Jul 11, 2011 | By Matthew Busse
Fennel & Coumadin
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Coumadin is one brand name of the widely used anticoagulant medicine warfarin. Fennel is a spice and herbal medicine used for a variety of health conditions. Because many foods and herbs can interact with Coumadin by either increasing or decreasing its effect, you should always use caution when taking an herb such as fennel while you are also taking Coumadin. As with any health supplement, consult your doctor before using fennel as an alternative medicine.

Coumadin

Coumadin, also known as warfarin, acts as an anticoagulant agent by inhibiting the activity of vitamin K, a key player in the series of events involved in blood clot formation. This anticoagulant effect, sometimes called a blood-thinning effect, reduces the tendency of blood to form into clots. People taking Coumadin require frequent monitoring to ensure the correct dose is used. Taking too little Coumadin can result in the formation of dangerous blood clots, while taking too much may cause excess bleeding, explains the University of Michigan Health System.

Fennel

Fennel has a long history as an herbal medicine and spice. Fennel has many purported health benefits, including soothing the digestive system and expelling gas, as well as enhancing libido and increasing breast milk production. However, few clinical trials have rigorously investigated the health benefits of fennel, so the actual effectiveness of fennel is unknown, reports the New York University Langone Medical Center.

Fennel and Coumadin Interaction

Fennel has very few reported health risks. The only widely reported health risk is a reduction in the absorption of the prescription antibiotic medicine ciprofloxacin, explains the New York University Langone Medical Center. Because fennel has no documented effect on blood coagulation, it can most likely be taken at the same time as Coumadin. However, you should always inform your doctor of all herbal or alternative medicines you are taking when you receive a prescription for any medicine, including Coumadin.

Other Coumadin Interactions

Although fennel is likely safe to take with Coumadin, may other foods or herbal products have documented anticoagulant effects, and should not be taken with Coumadin. Green tea, gingko biloba and garlic all have known blood-thinning properties and may increase the risk of severe bleeding if taken at the same time as Coumadin, warns the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. In contrast, certain foods contain high levels of vitamin K that may counteract the activity of Coumadin, including asparagus, cabbage, broccoli, brussels sprout, spinach and kale. Avoid eating large amounts of these foods in a single sitting while you are taking Coumadin.

References

Article reviewed by William H Last updated on: Jul 11, 2011

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