Blood circulates continuously and consistently throughout the entire body to keep it alive and functioning normally. Blood should therefore pass freely in the blood vessels and into heart and the brain to prevent heart attack or stroke. Blood thickness should therefore be kept within normal to facilitate efficient circulation of nutrients, oxygen and hormones.
Blood thickness can be caused by genetic factors, severe emotional stress, viral infection, or disruption of oxygen or nutrient delivery in the body. It can be treated by routine medication. Prescription medicines like aspirin, clopidogrel bisulfate, heparin, and warfarin are all intended to reduce blood thickness and to help keep the blood flow smoothly. They can be used to alleviate severe conditions. However, if the problem is not critical, there are many foods, herbs and spices that can help to keep prevent or reduce blood thickness.
Here are some of the herbs that work as natural blood thinners:
1. Red Clover
Red clover is a wild perennial plant that grows in the Americas. This sweet and tasty legume which many people prefer to use in tea form is known for its blood thinning and blood cleaning properties. It works by removing the wastes that blocks the arteries.
2. Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is more than just a spice that adds flavor to your food. It also contains properties that work to lower blood pressure and reduce bad cholesterol from your body. It is high in capsaicin, a compound that works to thin the blood and improve circulation.
3. Chamomile
Chamomile is a daisy-like plant that people use for its calming and relaxing effect. Its flowers contain compounds that work to relax the arteries, and people take in tea form. It also contains blood thinning properties that allow blood to more freely thus making the heart work efficiently.
4. Salicylates
Salicylates are a commercially produced, plant-based chemical which is derived from salicylic acid. It works to prevent blood clotting to facilitate an easy and smooth blood flow. Salicylates are also used as ingredient for commercial products such as pain killers, mouthwash, acne creams and solutions and shampoos.
Natural food sources of salicylates include almonds, apple cider vinegar, apricots, cherries, cayenne pepper, blueberries, cherries, curry powder, garlic, oranges, prunes and strawberries.
These are some of the herbs that serve as natural blood thinners. You can take them n a regular basis to keep your blood thickness within normal. You should however take note that if you are taking prescription medications and you are planning to use herbal blood thinners, you should seek advice from your health professional to avoid complications and to ensure maximum effect.
