Blood clots


 I was reading about using Butchers Broom for circulation and its prevention of blood clots. I recently had a blood clot and am no longer on medication, but looking for something to help my circulation. Would you recommend taking Butchers Broom even after having a blood clot?

 

Blood clots are a very serious condition and can happen for a variety of different reasons.  If your doctor has put you on medication for blood clots it is absolutely imperative that you remain on that medication unless otherwise directed by that physician. 

Butcher's broom is a valuable herb for the circulatory system but is not the first thing that comes to my mind for preventing blood clots.  Traditionally it is used to aid in the integrity of the venous system to prevent varicose veins and hemorrhoids. 

From the natural pharmacy, the most well referenced products for deterring blood clots are fish oil, ginkgo biloba, nattokinase, bromelain and turmeric.  Deciding which might best suit your needs is entirely dependant on what type of blood clot you had and what caused it in the first place. 

Fish oil works by reducing the stickiness of platelets (the cells that initiate clot formation).  Also, it is generally recognized as a safe supplement for most people to take and has many other important health benefits like reducing inflammation, improving circulation and supporting the cardiovascular system.  If you are taking blood thinning medication you must discuss the decision to take fish oil with your doctor first.  Also, you want to discontinue any product that may potentially inhibit clotting activity at least 2 weeks before any surgeries or invasive medical procedures due to risk of bleeding. 



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Lead Medical Director

As a certified and fully trained Naturopathic Doctor, Passero has trained and preceptored with some of the nation's leading doctors in the field of natural medicine, working under the guidance of MD’s, Chiropractors, Naturopaths and Acupuncturists. Furthermore, he is currently the Vice President of the Maryland Association of Naturopathic Physicians.

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