Natural safer blood thinning alternatives to mainstream drugs

by Tony Isaacs

(The Best Years in Life) Millions of people in the United States take either prescription medications, aspirin or a combination of those drugs to thin their blood. The problem with prescription blood thinners and aspirin is that they all have a number of side effects associated with them, some of which can be fatal. The good news is that nature offers several effective options that are effective and far safer.

Typically, blood thinners are prescribed if you have some kind of heart or blood vessel disease or if you have poor blood flow to your brain. Blood thinners are also prescribed for:

* High blood pressure caused by restricted blood vessels
* Atrial fibrillation (an abnormal heart rhythm)
* Heart valve surgery
* Congenital heart defects

There are two main types of blood thinners. Anticoagulants, such as heparin or warfarin (also called Coumadin), work on chemical reactions in the body to lengthen the time it takes for blood clot formation. Antiplatelet drugs, such as Plavix (Clopidogrel) and aspirin prevent blood cells called platelets from clumping together to form a clot.

Natural Blood Thinners

Two excellent natural blood thinners are cayenne pepper and vitamin C. Both are excellent for the blood vessels and overall cardiovascular health and both are high in antioxidants. Cayenne pepper, sometimes referred to as "the King of Herbs," is considered by many to be the best natural item for the heart. Vitamin C is especially important for maintaining healthy blood vessels.

Turmeric, the major component of the common kitchen spice curcumin, has a world of health benefits including being a good natural blood thinner. It is also a natural immune modulator, a natural anti-inflammatory and is increasingly being recognized as a potent cancer fighter and cancer preventive.

Garlic is widely recognized as one of the most beneficial natural plants for health and is another effective natural blood thinner, thanks primarily to its salicylate content. Salicylates are found in a large number of over the counter medications and are the primary blood thinning agent in aspirin. Garlic is especially good for cardiovascular health and is also a potent natural pathogen destroyer.

Onions, which also contain salicylates, are also good natural blood thinners.

Other good natural blood thinners include:

* Bromelain
* Water
* Cinnamon
* Dill
* Oregano
* Dried fruits and berries, such as raisins, cranberries, prunes and cherries
* Vitamin B6
* Vitamin E
* Gingko biloba

Exercise is also a good natural blood thinner and consuming more vegetables and fruits helps guard against thick blood and other conditions which can lead to the need for blood thinners.

Hawthorn berry is an excellent supplement for cardiovascular health and is particularly effective against atrial fibrillation.

Also, taking several digestive enzymes a few times daily on an empty stomach can help eliminate arterial plaque and dissolve blood clots.

Sources included:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/bloodthinners.html
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000040/
http://www.naturalnews.com/035465_blood_thinners_alternatives_Coumadin.html
http://www.healtharticles101.com/top-10-natural-blood-thinners-for-thick-blood/
http://www.tbyil.com/cayenne_pepper.htm
http://www.tbyil.com/healing_heart_disease.htm