We would also suggest the following herbs:
Ginger: Contains a chemical with the same effect as aspirin. Helps to prevents strokes and clotting. *Add to your diet*. Make a tea – Steep a few thin slices in hot water for 10 minutes, strain and sip.
Turmeric: Curcumin has blood-thinning properties. May also help improve the function of the lining of the blood vessels and improve its ability to regulate blood pressure and blood clotting. *Use as a spice in cooking*. Add it to some warm milk and add honey, drink it. Capsule and extract form is widely available.
Cayenne Pepper: Helps to lower blood pressure, thin the blood and increase circulation. *Use in the cooking whole*. Use as a ground powder. Also available in capsules.
– Listed by Sharon Olivier, February 2021
We would also suggest the following vitamins and supplements:
Vit E: Foods high in Vit E are natural blood thinners: *olive, corn, soybean, spinach, kale, kiwi, almonds, tomato, mango, broccoli*. Avoid too much leafy green intake if on warfarin. It has a high content of Vit K which can lower the effect of warfarin.
Omega 3 fatty acids: Lower blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides and inflammation, which all play a role in blood clots.
– Listed by Sharon Olivier, February 2021
Lifestyle changes:
Stop smoking
Lower you’re BP: Limit salt and sugar intake.
Weight management: Lose any excess weight if necessary.
Exercise: Daily – either walking or swimming.
Avoid tight clothing: When travelling long distances.
Water: Drink lots of fluids.
– Listed by Sharon Olivier, February 2021
Essential Oils
We would suggest the following:
- Lavender Essential Oil
- Frankincense Essential Oil
- Rosemary Essential Oil
Massage – Buy a base oil: coconut, sweet almond, grape seed for example. If you have 20ml of base oil, add half the amount of Essential Oil drops. In this case, you will add 6 drops of Lavender, 2 drops of Rosemary and 2 drops of Frankincense. Rub the mixture over the legs and affected areas of the body, as required. Especially effective after a bath.
Bath – Your skin is the most absorbent part of the body. The heat of the bath assists in the absorption. There are 2 ways to do this:
- Diffusing 5 drops (maximum) of Essential Oils into a teaspoon of milk. Or a cup, if you would like more of a Cleopatra style bath. Use 3 drops of Lavender, 1 drop of Rosemary and 1 drop of Frankincense. Add Epsom salts.
- Or simply add 5ml of your massage blend.
Close all windows. Soak for 15-20 minutes minimum. Avoid splashing in the eyes.
Compress – (A warm compress). Add 2-3 drops of Essential Oil into a bowl of water. Soak the cloth in it. Apply the cloth to the area for 15 minutes or so. (A drop of each oil).
** A patch test is required – 1 drop of aromatherapy oil to 4 drops of base oil. Apply a coin size amount to a patch of skin on the inner arm **
If sensitivity occurs, apply more base oil to soothe the area. Possibly avoid use for a further 10 days. If you wish to continue, dilute to ¼ of the original amount and test on a small area of skin. If there is no further reaction, continue with that dosage.
** Oils are for external use only and must be blended with a carrier oil. Always avoid the eyes, ears and nose **
** Lavender is the safest of oils, if on a rare occasion you react, apply more base oil to the skin to soothe it and dilute the massage blend with more base oil **
** Frankincense – Avoid use during pregnancy/lactating, if any bleeding disorders or on anticoagulants. Avoid with children below 5 and caution below 8 **
** Rosemary – Avoid during pregnancy, HBP, Heart conditions, use with caution if on prescription medication. Avoid use with children below 5 years of age. A stimulating oil, so no high doses prior to bedtime **
