Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsNatural Blood ThinnersBlood-Thinning Foods and DrinksBlood-Thinning Herbs and SupplementsBenefitsHow to Incorporate Them Into Your DietSafety
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Natural Blood Thinners
Blood-Thinning Foods and Drinks
Blood-Thinning Herbs and Supplements
Benefits
How to Incorporate Them Into Your Diet
Safety
Natural blood thinners are foods, drinks, herbs, and supplements that are believed to act similarly to prescription blood-thinning medications.
Blood thinnerswork as eitheranticoagulantsorantiplateletsto prevent blood clots in people with certain heart conditions. By lowering the risk of blood clots, blood thinners also lower the risk ofstroke,heart attack, and harmful blockages.
The following article covers natural blood thinners, their potential benefits, how to use them, safety considerations, and more.
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Natural blood thinners may help prevent blood clots and offer heart health benefits for some people.
Foods, drinks, herbs, and supplements that act as natural blood thinners are thought to prevent new blood clots from forming.
However, they can’t break apart existing blood clots.
Blood clots can be especially problematic for people with certain heart conditions, such asatrial fibrillation, heart valve replacement, acongenital heart defect, or specific heart or blood vessel diseases.
Blood thinners may work as eitheranticoagulantsorantiplatelets.
Anticoagulants prevent proteins and other substances from forming clots in the blood.
Conversely, antiplatelets preventplatelets(small fragments in the blood) from sticking together.
Natural blood thinners should never replace prescription blood thinners for those who need them.
Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider for guidance about safely using natural blood thinners.
Ingredients found in some foods and drinks may possess blood-thinning effects. However, they may be most potent in supplement form. Scientific evidence shows that the following ingredients may act as natural blood thinners:
If you take any prescription blood-thinning medications, always check with a healthcare provider before taking these or other natural blood thinners.
A Word on Leafy Greens and Vitamin KLeafy greens like spinach, kale, and collard greens are excellent sources ofvitamin K, a fat-soluble vitamin. Vitamin K plays a crucial role in the blood clotting process because it is needed to make clotting factors, proteins that create blood clots. People who take certain blood-thinning medications may need to limit their intake of vitamin K and vitamin K-containing foods because they may change how these medications work.
A Word on Leafy Greens and Vitamin K
Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and collard greens are excellent sources ofvitamin K, a fat-soluble vitamin. Vitamin K plays a crucial role in the blood clotting process because it is needed to make clotting factors, proteins that create blood clots. People who take certain blood-thinning medications may need to limit their intake of vitamin K and vitamin K-containing foods because they may change how these medications work.
Various herbs and dietary supplements may work similarly to blood-thinning medications. These include:
Herbs and supplements that act as natural blood thinners shouldn’t replace blood-thinning medications. Ask a healthcare provider how to use herbs and supplements as natural blood thinners safely.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements like prescription drugs. This means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN or RD), or pharmacist.
Benefits of Natural Blood Thinners
Natural blood thinners may offer benefits other than reducing blood clots.
Many natural blood thinners come from plants that have been used for centuries for therapeutic purposes.Natural blood thinners often contain nutrients, phytochemicals, and other compounds that may offer additional health benefits.
For example, curcumin (found in turmeric) may not only reduce blood clots but also help with inflammation, pain,metabolic syndrome,kidney disease, and other conditions.
Another natural blood thinner,Ginkgo biloba,may be helpful forhypertension(high blood pressure), neuron damage, and cognitive function (mental processing).
Natural blood thinners—when taken properly—may also carry a lower risk of side effects than many prescription medications.
However, herbs, supplements, and other types of natural blood thinners still present the risk of side effects.
How to Incorporate Natural Blood Thinners into Your Diet
If you’re thinking of trying natural blood thinners, you may wonder how to incorporate them into your diet.
Several natural blood thinners, including cayenne, cinnamon, garlic, ginger, and turmeric, are commonly used as spices in a variety of dishes and recipes.
Both cinnamon and ginger may be used in baked goods and beverages. Cinnamon also adds a nice flavor to oatmeal, yogurt, and even coffee.
Cayenne and turmeric are often used in Asian-inspired recipes, and they can add heat to soups, chili, curries, and stir-fries.
Garlic, on the other hand, is a versatile vegetable that can be used to flavor bread, dips, meats, pasta dishes, sauces, and more.
Natural blood thinners used in supplement form may be even easier to add to your daily routine.
When starting a new supplement, it is important to decide the best time to take it. Some supplements work best when taken on an empty stomach, while others work best when taken with food.
Also, if you’re taking other supplements or medications, you may need to space your doses out to avoid potential interactions.
A healthcare provider can help you create an easy-to-follow schedule regarding when to take your supplements.
Safety Considerations
It’s important to consider safety when starting a new supplement like a natural blood thinner.
In the U.S., herbs and supplements are not fully regulated, and safety studies aren’t always performed.However, products from reputable brands often undergo independent testing to ensure no contaminants are present.
Regardless, adverse events are possible when taking natural blood thinners.
First and foremost, you should avoid a supplement if you’re allergic to it or any of its ingredients. If you experience asevere allergic reaction(itching, hives, shortness of breath), seek immediate medical assistance.
In some cases, people with certain bleeding disorders may need to avoid blood thinners.
Natural blood thinners may increase the risk of bleeding in those who take certain medications, including prescription blood thinners. Possible interactions exist between natural blood thinners and:
People taking anticoagulants and antiplatelets should work with a healthcare provider to determine how much vitamin K is safe to consume. Vitamin K may interfere with how these medications work. Vitamin K is found in leafy greens, other foods, and some supplements.
If you have any health condition or take any medications, talk with a healthcare provider before taking natural blood thinners.
Summary
Natural blood thinners include foods, drinks, herbs, and supplements that may help reduce or prevent blood clots.
Natural blood thinners work similarly to prescription blood thinners but may not be as effective. Some natural blood thinners show promise, but more research is necessary on the effectiveness of many natural blood thinners.
You can incorporate natural blood thinners in various recipes and dishes or take them as dietary supplements.
People who take certain medications or those who have bleeding disorders or other health conditions may need to avoid natural blood thinners.
Talk with a healthcare provider about whether natural blood thinners are a safe option for you.
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Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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