A blood thinner is an anti-coagulant designed to stop blood clots. They are used to stop platelets, or heavy cells, present in blood plasma from forming clots (blood clots). They are most used in those who are at risk for heart attack, stroke, or aneurysms.
A blood thinner is usually composed of several different chemical formations, with the most common blood thinner, and most often used blood thinner being aspirin, taken in doses of 81mg per day, essentially one baby aspirin.
Aspirin has been recognized as a blood thinner for at least 50 years. Aspirin significantly reduces platelet counts. Often, doctors will prescribe a daily dose of aspirin as the only required cardiac medicine for a patient.
Side Effects
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services warns consumers of these side effects from blood thinners:
- Menstrual bleeding that is much heavier than normal.
- Red or brown urine.
- Bowel movements that are red or look like tar.
- Bleeding from the gums or nose that does not stop quickly.
- Vomit that is brown or bright red.
- Anything red in color that you cough up.
- Severe pain, such as a headache or stomachache.
- Unusual bruising.
- A cut that does not stop bleeding.
- A serious fall or bump on the head.
- Dizziness or weakness
Some people who take a blood thinner may experience hair loss or skin rashes, but this is rare.
Natural Healing
If you feel you must use a blood-thinning agent, choose an herb such as Ginkgo Biloba or garlic, or drink green tea.
The blood should be purified periodically. It should be cleansed, rebuilt, and nourished. Herbs that can help repair the blood include:
- Red Clover
- Goldenseal Root
- Burdock Rook
- Yellow Dock Root
- Sarsaparilla
- Cerasee
- Chickweed
- Celedine
- Devil’s Claw
- Echinacea Root
- Nettle
- Alfalfa
- Sassafras
- Dandelion Root
- Manjistha, and
- Cleavers
