Can Essential Oils Act as a Natural Blood Thinner?
Essential oils are highly concentrated extracts derived from plants that are valued for their therapeutic effects. With their rising popularity, many claims surround what essential oils can and can't do for your health.
Some suggest that certain essential oils may have blood-thinning effects similar to aspirin and prescription anticoagulants. But is there any truth to using essential oils as an alternative remedy for thinning the blood?
This article reviews the evidence on essential oils and blood thinning, safety concerns, and how to use them appropriately.
How Blood Clots Form
First, it helps to understand how blood clots form in the body. Your blood flows through blood vessels, arteries and veins to circulate oxygen and nutrients.
When you experience an injury that damages blood vessels, components in your blood called platelets rush to the wound site to form a clot and stop bleeding. This is a normal and important bodily process.
However, clots can also form inside intact blood vessels, blocking normal blood flow to parts of the body. These clots are called thrombi. If a thrombus breaks loose, it becomes an embolus and can cause a stroke, heart attack or other serious conditions.
Certain factors can increase the risk of excessive clotting and thrombosis, including:
- Being immobile for long periods
- Pregnancy
- Birth control pills
- Family history of blood clots
- Cancer
People at higher risk are sometimes placed on blood thinners like aspirin or anticoagulant medications to prevent dangerous clot formation.
Do Essential Oils Thin the Blood?
Certain essential oils like clove, ginger, cinnamon and helichrysum contain compounds that are believed to act as natural blood thinners and prevent clot formation.
Some sources claim applying these essential oils topically or inhaling them aromatically may reduce factors involved in clotting:
- Decrease platelet aggregation
- Reduce blood viscosity
- Inhibit thromboxane production
However, current research is limited and leaves unclear whether essential oils can thin blood enough to reduce clot risk.
For example, an in vitro study showed that clove oil significantly inhibited platelet activation. However, the concentration needed was much higher than what's feasible for use in humans.
Meanwhile, a rat study found that inhaling cinnamon oil for 3 weeks decreased plasma fibrinogen levels compared to controls. Fibrinogen is a protein involved in clot formation.
Additional animal and human studies are needed on popular oils like clove, ginger and cinnamon to determine their impact on markers of clotting and any safety concerns.
Essential Oils with Potential Blood-Thinning Effects
Below are some of the essential oils that have been researched or traditionally used for their potential blood-thinning properties:
Clove Oil
Derived from clove buds, clove essential oil contains compounds like eugenol that may reduce platelet activation and aggregation. Research shows it has significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects as well.
Ginger Oil
Ginger oil is extracted from ginger root. Test-tube studies demonstrate anti-platelet activity from compounds like gingerols, shogaols and zingerone found in ginger.
Cinnamon Oil
Cinnamon oil is distilled from cinnamon bark and may thin the blood due to its cinnamaldehyde content. Animal research indicates it may reduce plasma fibrinogen and have anticoagulant effects.
Helichrysum Oil
This oil from the helichrysum flower contains high levels of compounds like quercetin and kaempferol that are linked to anti-clotting effects in some small studies.
Garlic Oil
While not commonly used on its own, garlic oil has a variety of sulfur compounds that laboratory studies have connected to decreased platelet aggregation.
Other Oils
Other oils with limited evidence for blood thinning include: turmeric, ginger, angelica, aniseed, rose, ginkgo biloba, poloselino and grapefruit essential oils.
Risks and Side Effects
Despite their natural origins, essential oils come with several cautions when it comes to blood thinning and anticoagulant effects:
- Lack of evidence from human studies on efficacy and safety
- High doses may be needed to impact clotting
- Increased bleeding risk, especially when combined with medications
- Allergic reactions and skin sensitization
- Adverse effects if ingested
Additionally, essential oils that reduce platelet aggregation could interfere with normal blood clotting and wound healing.
For these reasons, essential oils that thin your blood should not be used without oversight from your healthcare provider.
Using Essential Oils Safely for Blood Thinning
It's important to keep the following precautions in mind if using essential oils for their proposed blood-thinning effects:
- Always dilute oils properly before applying topically.
- Never ingest essential oils unless under medical supervision.
- Consult your doctor before using if you take blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder.
- Discontinue use before surgeries and medical procedures.
- Monitor for side effects like increased bruising and bleeding.
Additionally, avoid combining essential oils with blood-thinning medications like aspirin or warfarin without medical approval due to increased bleeding risk.
Children and pregnant women should not use essential oils internally or topically without oversight from a doctor.
How to Use
When used safely and carefully, essential oils with blood-thinning effects can be applied:
Topically
Dilute 3-5 drops of oil in 1 tablespoon of carrier oil and apply to wrists, neck or chest. Avoid irritated skin.
Aromatically
Inhale the scent directly from the bottle or add to a diffuser or inhale.
Internally
Add 1-2 drops to water or tea. Only do so under medical supervision.
Always use high quality, 100% pure oils and follow proper dilutions and usage guidelines.
The Bottom Line
Some essential oils like clove, cinnamon, ginger and garlic oil contain compounds that may support healthy blood circulation and flow. However, human studies are currently lacking.
While promising, using essential oils to thin the blood also comes with risks if used improperly or in excess. Work with a doctor if you have clotting concerns and avoid combining with blood thinners.
When used cautiously and correctly, essential oils could have some benefits for circulatory health. But they should not replace standard medical care or treatment.
FAQs
Which essential oils are natural blood thinners?
Some of the essential oils believed to have natural blood-thinning properties include clove, cinnamon, ginger, garlic, helichrysum, turmeric, and angelica.
How do essential oils thin your blood?
Compounds found in some essential oils are thought to thin the blood by preventing platelet clumping, reducing blood viscosity, and inhibiting thromboxane production to improve circulation.
Are essential oils safe blood thinners?
Using essential oils as blood thinners can be risky, especially in high doses or in combination with blood-thinning medications. There is a lack of human studies on their efficacy and safety as blood thinners.
Can you take essential oils with blood thinners?
It is not recommended to take essential oils alongside prescription blood thinners like warfarin without first consulting your doctor. The combination may increase bleeding risk.
How do you use essential oils as blood thinners?
Essential oils with blood thinning effects can be carefully used topically, aromatically, or internally under medical supervision. Always dilute oils properly before use and monitor for side effects.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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