Your blood's ability to clot is important when you experience a cut or laceration, but blood clots that occur within your blood vessels can lead to dire health consequences. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality states that blood clots are more likely to occur in people who are immobilized or who have recently undergone surgery or experienced a traumatic injury. Review all supplement-related topics with your doctor before using these healing agents.
About Blood Clots
Signs and symptoms related to a blood clot differ depending on the region of your body where the clot occurs. According to the American Society of Hematology, possible blood clot symptoms include chest pain or discomfort, pain radiating down your left arm, dyspnea or shortness of breath, sweating, vision problems, speech problems, swelling in your extremities, increased heart rate, fever, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea. Blood clots are more common in people with a family history of this health problem, people who have varicose veins and the obese.
Useful Supplements
Certain supplements may possess anticoagulant action, or the ability to help dissolve clots and restore proper blood flow throughout your body. According to naturopathic physician William A. Mitchell, Jr., author of "Plant Medicine in Practice," these supplements include ginger, flaxseeds, white willow bark, red clover and sweet clover. Other useful dietary supplements for this purpose might include cayenne, feverfew, garlic and turmeric. Proof of the true health benefits of these supplements, however, might require additional clinical research.
Highlighted Supplement
Ginger might be one of the most effective dietary supplements in dissolving your clots and restoring circulation. According to naturopathic physician Sharol Tilgner, author of "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," ginger possesses anti-atherosclerotic action. This is the ability to treat or prevent the accumulation of plaque and blood clots on the inner walls of your arteries. This supplement also helps reduce platelet aggregation, or the clumping together of platelets in your blood. Always discuss proper dosage and procedures with your doctor before using this dietary supplement.
Considerations
Blood clots, depending on their location, can cause serious health consequences, including death. If you experience any of the following symptoms, report to your doctor immediately for evaluation and treatment. Symptoms include pressure in your chest that lasts several minutes, sudden face or arm weakness or numbness, or sudden vision or speech problems. You should only use dietary supplements as an adjunct therapy for this health problem and only if you are under the care of a qualified healthcare professional.
References
- Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality: Your Guide to Treating and Preventing Blood Clots
- American Society of Hematology: Blood Clots
- "Plant Medicine in Practice"; William A. Mitchell Jr., N.D.; 2003
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
