Alternative Anticoagulants

Anticoagulant therapy is usually prescribed to reduce clotting time and thin the blood to protect against strokes, blood clots and reduce clogging in arteries. Prescription anticoagulants can have dangerous side effects and require careful monitoring and regular testing to measure clotting time. There are herbal alternatives that can provide a safer option for someone with mild to moderate blood clotting issues.

Coumarin

• Courmarin is a phytochemical that occurs naturally in several plants and herbs. Courmarin can thin the blood and reduce clotting time. It is the basis for several prescription anticoagulants, including Coumadin. Coumarin can be toxic if used for too long, or at higher doses. Herbs that contain courmarin include alfalfa, celery, chamomile, fenugreek, horse chestnut and red clover.

Platelet Inhibition

• Several herbs work to inhibit the production of platelets, or keep the platelets from aggregating (clumping) together to form clots. Feverfew, ginger, gingko biloba and licorice are all beneficial for platelet inhibition without thinning the blood to the extent that prescription drugs can.

Salicylate

• Herbs with salicylate constituents help to reduce platelet aggregation and prevent blood clotting. Salicylate inhibits the platelets' production of a compound called thromboxane A2 that controls the ability of the platelet to adhere to other platelets. Salicylate is the basis of aspirin. Herbs containing salicylate include meadowsweet, poplar and willow or willowbark.

Garlic

• Garlic can prevent platelet coagulation and reduce clotting time. It is a good cardiovascular tonic overall, because it can lower blood pressure and has antioxidant properties. The herb can also lower triglycerides and reduce cholesterol levels. Garlic is a mild anticoagulant and is more useful to prevent blood clots and other heart problems than it is for treating existing blood clotting issues. You shouldn't replace a prescription anticoagulant with garlic alone, and you shouldn't use garlic if you are on a prescription-strength anticoagulant. Garlic interacts and enhances the blood thinning properties of warfarin, sometimes dangerously so.

Fish Oil

• Fish oil is high in omega-3 fatty acids. A diet high in omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the risk of heart disease and thin the blood. Omega-3s accumulate on platelet membranes and increase the platelet's production of thromboxane A3, a compound that reduces the aggregate properties of platelets. Moderate amounts of fish oil can reduce clotting time and enhance the function of prescription anticoagulants. You shouldn't supplement large amounts of fish oil if you are taking other anticoagulant drugs or herbs without the supervision of a physician and regular blood tests to measure clotting time.