Blood clots, also known as thrombi, form when the blood hardens from a liquid to a solid state. This is a normal process that happens when you get injured to stop bleeding. However, sometimes blood clots form inside your veins or arteries when you’re not bleeding, blocking proper blood flow. These clots can be dangerous if left untreated. While blood thinners are often prescribed to help dissolve clots, some people look to natural alternatives. In this article, we’ll explore whether you can dissolve blood clots naturally, and the evidence behind some natural remedies.
What Causes Blood Clots?
Blood clots form through a process called coagulation. When you get injured, platelets rush to the wound site and stick together to form a clot and stop bleeding. This is helpful when you get a cut, but clots can also develop internally when you’re not bleeding. Some potential causes include:
- Sitting still for long periods of time – This allows blood to pool in veins and clot
- Injury to blood vessels – Damage to veins or arteries can trigger clotting
- Pregnancy – Increased risk due to higher estrogen levels and blood flow changes
- Birth control pills – Increased estrogen raises clotting risk
- Surgery – Clots may form due to veins being manipulated
- Cancer – Tumors can release chemicals that promote clotting
- Genetics – Some clotting disorders are inherited
These are some of the common reasons blood clots occur. The good news is that prompt treatment can dissolve clots and prevent serious complications.
Dangers and Complications
Blood clots become dangerous when they partially or fully block blood flow. This is called thromboembolism. Potential dangers and complications include:
- Pulmonary embolism – Clot blocks artery in lungs
- Stroke – Clot blocks artery leading to brain
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) – Clot blocks vein, usually in leg
- Damage to tissues/organs due to blocked blood supply
- Post-thrombotic syndrome – Vein damage from DVT causing pain/swelling
- Heart attack – Clot blocks artery around heart
As you can see, blood clots can have serious and even fatal consequences if left untreated. That’s why prompt medical care is crucial if you suspect you have one. Still, some people ask if natural remedies can also help dissolve clots.
Can You Dissolve Blood Clots Naturally?
Some natural supplements and remedies are thought to help dissolve blood clots by thinning the blood or reducing clotting factors. However, evidence is limited in many cases. Some remedies with potential clot-busting effects include:
Nattokinase
Nattokinase is an enzyme extracted from natto, a fermented soybean dish in Japan. It is said to mimic natural clot-dissolving substances in the body called plasmin. Some small studies show nattokinase may have mild blood thinning effects, but evidence is limited. More research is needed on proper dosing and effectiveness.
Lumbrokinase
Also extracted from natto, lumbrokinase is thought to have fibrinolytic effects, meaning it may help break down fibrin, a protein involved in clot formation. However, high quality evidence confirming these effects in humans is lacking.
Garlic
Garlic has blood thinning properties and may mildly inhibit platelets from clumping together. Multiple large studies found people who took garlic supplements had a slightly lower incidence of cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke. However, there isn’t direct evidence on garlic’s effects on existing clots.
Ginger
Ginger also has mild antiplatelet activity and may reduce platelet aggregation. But there’s insufficient evidence that ginger alone can effectively dissolve clots in any significant way.
Bromelain
Bromelain is an enzyme mixture derived from pineapples. It may have fibrinolytic activity and inhibit platelet aggregation, although high quality evidence in humans is lacking. Any clot-busting effects are likely to be mild.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3s like those found in fish oil supplements may slightly reduce platelet aggregation. But evidence is scant on their ability to break up existing clots.
Turmeric
The curcumin in turmeric has antiplatelet, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It’s thought to thin the blood and reduce clot formation. But human research on turmeric’s effects on existing clots is limited.
Other Herbs
Other herbs thought to possibly inhibit platelet aggregation and clot formation include papaya, fenugreek, ginseng, and cinnamon. But there isn’t enough research to confirm their effects.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E may have mild anticoagulant and blood thinning properties at high doses. However, research on its effects on existing clots is lacking. High dose vitamin E may increase bleeding risk.
As you can see, evidence is inconclusive on most natural remedies for dissolving clots. Small studies show some may have mild effects on platelet aggregation and blood thickness. However, their ability to break up existing clots has not been confirmed. Most alternative medicine doctors agree that high-risk clots require conventional medical treatment. Natural remedies on their own are unlikely to dissolve clots. Always consult a doctor before trying natural blood thinners, especially if you are already taking prescription anticoagulants.
Medical Treatments
While natural remedies lack strong evidence for dissolving clots, several conventional medical treatments are highly effective. Treatment depends on the location and severity of the clot. Options may include:
Anticoagulants
Also called blood thinners, these medications like heparin and warfarin prevent clots from getting bigger and allow the body to slowly dissolve them. They also prevent new clots from forming.
Thrombolytics
Thrombolytic drugs like tPA actively break up clots by converting plasminogen to plasmin, which dissolves fibrin. These drugs quickly break up clots but carry a risk of bleeding.
Clot Removal Surgery
Surgery like thrombectomy may be done to remove a large clot from an artery or vein. This immediately restores blood flow.
Compression Stockings
Gradient compression stockings apply pressure to improve blood flow in the legs. This helps prevent pooled blood from clotting after surgery.
Vena Cava Filters
Filters placed in the vena cava vein catch clots before they travel to the lungs and cause pulmonary embolism. They do not dissolve clots.
Evidence strongly supports prompt medical treatment for dangerous clots. Use of blood thinners or clot-busting drugs can rapidly dissolve clots, reduce complications, and save lives. Always seek emergency care for symptoms like sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, or one-sided weakness that may indicate a blood clot.
Tips for Prevention
While treatment is key for existing clots, you can also take steps to prevent clots from forming in the first place:
- Increase circulation – Move around frequently on long flights or drives
- Exercise regularly – Activity stimulates blood flow
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Avoid smoking – Smoking thickens blood
- Stay hydrated – Dehydration makes blood thicker
- Limit alcohol – Heavy alcohol use can increase clotting
- Eat a balanced diet – Fruits/veggies may have mild blood thinning benefits
- Change positions often if bedridden
- Discuss risk factors with your doctor – Address conditions or medicines that increase clotting risk
Making lifestyle changes can go a long way towards lowering your chances of developing a dangerous clot.
Takeaways
To wrap up, here are some key points on dissolving blood clots naturally:
- Blood clots can be life-threatening if left untreated. Seek prompt medical care if you suspect you have one.
- Some natural remedies like nattokinase may have mild blood thinning effects, but evidence is limited.
- Medical treatments like blood thinners and clot-busting drugs are highly effective for dissolving clots.
- Natural remedies on their own should not be relied on to treat dangerous clots.
- Prevention through lifestyle changes goes a long way to reducing clotting risk.
While some natural therapies show early promise, always talk to your doctor before using them to complement your treatment plan. Medical care is crucial for diagnosing and properly treating blood clots to avoid complications.