PREVENTING BLOOD CLOTS NATURALLY
I was recently asked by a patient if there was anything natural for preventing blood clots naturally while on a long flight over to Europe.
The risk factors for clotting and deep vein thrombosis (DVTs) are being over 40, obese, recent surgery (past 3 months), use of estrogen contraceptives like the birth control pill, previous clots or family history of clots, and varicose veins.
So, here are some herbs that have anticoagulant properties that could also be used for other purposes too. 2-fers as our 2 pharmacist professions might call them. Drugs aka herbs that can be used for 2 or more purposes.
As with anything, check with your naturopathic doctor before going ahead and taking herbs. Even natural stuff can hurt you.
Here’s the Herbs:
| HERB | OTHER INDICATIONS | CAUTIONS |
| Angelica | Digestive, expectorant (bronchitis) | Ulcers and GERD |
| Clove | Digestive, analgesic, antimicrobial | GERD |
| Garlic | Blood pressure | |
| Ginger | Antinausea, anti-inflammatory, digestive | Ulcers, gallstones
|
| Ginkgo | Vasodilator, antioxidant, circulatory stimulant, cognitive | |
| Panax ginseng | Adrenal fatigue, fatigue | |
| Horse chestnut | Venotonic, antiinflamatory, antiedema | GERD, don’t apply to broken skin |
| Meadowsweet | Antacid, anti-inflammatory, astringent |