Alternatives to Anticoagulant Drugs

Anticoagulant drugs are often prescribed by a doctor to help prevent clotting in your blood. These drugs are commonly prescribed to fight the formation of pulmonary embolisms, deep vein thrombosis, cardiovascular conditions, and strokes. There are some all natural herbs that can be consumed as anticoagulant drug alternatives.

Anticoagulant Herbals

In "The New Healing Herbs," Michael Castlemen explains that there are several herbs that offer anticoagulant properties. Some are garlic, ginger, turmeric, and white willow. Castlemen warns that if you have surgery planned, you must cease using the herbal remedies at least 14 days before your procedure, to prevent excessive bleeding and issues with healing and recovery.

Garlic

Garlic, when regularly consumed as a supplement, helps to manage cholesterol levels, diminishes platelet aggregation for improved blood flow, and helps to lower your blood pressure. This herb should not be consumed if you are using aspirin, Plavix, indomethacin, warfin, and dipyridamole; it can intensify the medication's effects. Consume garlic capsules at a dosage of two 200 milligram tablets three times a day to help thin blood and prevent blood clotting.

Ginger

The consumption of ginger also naturally provides you with anticoagulant agents. Ginger helps control cholesterol levels, slows the process of blood clotting, and protects blood vessels from developing blockages that might lead to cardiovascular problems. There is no indication that the use of ginger intensifies the properties of prescribed anticoagulants, but you should take care to consult a physician. You can take 2000 milligrams of ginger per day, divided into doses of 500 milligrams four times daily, to help prevent blood clotting issues.

Turmeric

Turmeric is an herb that contains curcumin, which helps to diminish inflammation and hinder blood platelets trying to clump together. Turmeric also has antioxidants, which promote healthy cell growth. You can consume 600 milligrams of turmeric in capsule form three times a day to hinder blood clotting issues.

White Willow

White Willow has natural blood thinning agents and should not be used in conjunction with prescribed anticoagulant medications. This herb can be consumed as a tea three to four times each day by steeping one or two teaspoons of dried bark in 8 ounces of hot water for a period of 15 minutes. You can also consume 240 milligrams of this herb in capsule form daily.

Safety Measures

All of the listed herbs have natural blood thinning properties. They should probably not be used if you are already taking anticoagulants; they could intensify the effects of such medications. When in doubt, speak with your physician first before consuming any herbal remedies to avoid potential dangerous drug interactions.