Natural Blood Thinners: An Evidence-Based Explanation

Natural blood thinners are foods, drinks, herbs, and supplements that are believed to act similarly to prescription blood-thinning medications.

Blood thinners work as either anticoagulants or antiplatelets to prevent blood clots in people with certain heart conditions. By lowering the risk of blood clots, blood thinners also lower the risk of stroke, heart attack, and harmful blockages.

The following article covers natural blood thinners, their potential benefits, how to use them, safety considerations, and more.

Natural Blood Thinners

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 as atrial fibrillation, heart valve replacement, a congenital heart defect, or specific heart or blood vessel diseases.

Blood thinners may work as either anticoagulants or antiplatelets.

Anticoagulants prevent proteins and other substances from forming clots in the blood.

Conversely, antiplatelets prevent platelets (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.

Blood-Thinning Foods and Drinks

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:

• Cayenne: Cayenne pepper (Capsicum annuum) contains salicylates, which are found in aspirin and other anticoagulants. Salicylates are phytochemicals (plant compounds that may offer health benefits) that are known to reduce the risk of blood clots. There isn’t strong guidance on cayenne dosage when used as a blood thinner.
• Cinnamon: Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylacium) is a source of coumarin, a type of phytochemical. Coumarin prevents blood clotting by inhibiting the activation of vitamin K, which is responsible for coagulating (clotting) blood. The proper dose for cinnamon and other coumarin-containing compounds varies widely and may depend on medical history.
• Garlic: Garlic (Allium sativum) has been found to act as an antiplatelet. Garlic contains a bioactive compound called alliin that is converted to ajoene, a substance with known antiplatelet effects. However, according to one study, garlic is not as effective as aspirin at preventing blood clots.
• Ginger: Ginger (Zingiber officinale) may be consumed in food, drink, or supplement form. It contains gingerol, shogaol, and other bioactive substances that may slow blood clotting. Lab studies have found that ginger prevents platelets from forming blood clots. However, human trials on ginger for blood clots have shown mixed results.
• Turmeric: Turmeric is a common spice that comes from the Curcuma longa plant. Laboratory research shows that its main bioactive compound, curcumin, may have anticoagulant properties. High doses of turmeric or curcumin may cause blood-thinning medications, like warfarin, to not work properly.

If you take any prescription blood-thinning medications, always check with a healthcare provider before taking these or other natural blood thinners.

Blood-Thinning Herbs and Supplements

Various herbs and dietary supplements may work similarly to blood-thinning medications. These include:

• Aloe: The Aloe vera plant contains salicylates (phytochemicals with antiplatelet properties). Some lab and animal studies have shown positive effects of aloe on blood clotting, but this hasn’t been repeated in large-scale human studies.
• Dong quai: Also known as female ginseng, dong quai (Angelica sinensis) is an herb commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine. It has been used for a variety of health conditions and is a known source of coumarin, an anticoagulant. Dong quai also contains ferulic acid, which has antiplatelet activities.
• Evening primrose oil: The oil from the seeds of the evening primrose plant (Oenothera biennis) contains bioactive compounds that may impact blood clotting. According to animal and lab research, evening primrose oil may reduce platelet aggregation and blood clotting time. Evening primrose oil may also increase the risk of bleeding in people who take blood thinners.
• Fish oil: Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil may reduce the risk of blood clots. Some studies have found that omega-3 fatty acids from fish prevent platelet aggregation, a crucial part of blood clots. Researchers believe that a dose of 2 to 4 grams (g) per day of omega-3 fatty acids from fish is best for antiplatelet benefits.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba is a popular herbal supplement with many bioactive substances, including ginkgolides. Ginkgolides have shown antiplatelet activities in both human and lab studies. However, mixing Ginkgo biloba or ginkgolides with aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may increase bleeding.
• Grape seed extract: Grape seed extract contains polyphenols, flavonoids, and other bioactive compounds that may work as both antiplatelets and anticoagulants. In one lab study, researchers found that grape seed extract reduced the time it took for blood clots to form. However, human trials are necessary to confirm these effects.
• Melatonin: Melatonin is most often taken for sleep, but this hormone may also offer protection from blood clots. Some research shows that melatonin may benefit people with certain types of heart disease due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-blood-clotting properties. More research is necessary to determine melatonin dosage for blood clots.
• N-acetylcysteine (NAC): N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a dietary supplement made from the amino acid cysteine. Animal and lab studies found that NAC can reduce blood clot formation. These studies found NAC was more effective as the dose increased, but a proper dose for humans hasn’t been determined yet.
• Vitamin E: Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin and antioxidant that may have anticoagulant properties. Older studies show that vitamin E may inhibit the actions of vitamin K, another fat-soluble vitamin responsible for making proteins that clot the blood. Additional research is necessary to determine the role of vitamin E as a natural blood thinner.
• Willow bark: The bark from different kinds of willow trees contains a phytochemical called salicin that works similarly to aspirin. Because of its salicin content, willow bark is thought to act as an antiplatelet and help reduce blood clots. However, human trials haven’t been performed on willow bark and its potential effects as a natural blood thinner.

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.

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 for hypertension (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 third-party 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 a severe 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:

• NSAIDs and other pain-relieving medications
• Antiplatelets (such as aspirin)
• Anticoagulants (such as warfarin)
• Antiarrhythmics

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.