Though the clots associated with DVT often dissolve on their own, some diagnosed with DVT may need treatment to avoid serious and fatal complications such as pulmonary embolism.
Actually, the body is designed to naturally dissolve blood clots. In fact, there is a good chance you may have had a blood clot and not know about it because your body naturally dissolved it.
Even though our bodies are designed to naturally dissolve blood clots, sometimes the blood clot doesn’t dissolve on its own. When this happens, you are at risk for developing a number of health problems ranging from deep vein thrombosis, strokes, and heart attacks.
If the blood clot does not appear to be dissolving naturally or you have symptoms that indicate you may be at risk for experiencing any of these life-threatening health problems, your doctor may recommend that you try various vein treatment options such as taking medications or undergoing minimally invasive procedures.
A blood clot should be assessed and treated by a medical professional. There’s no proven way to treat a blood clot at home with natural remedies. If you try to dissolve a blood clot at home, it may take longer for you to get proper medical treatment. This can increase your risk of developing a potentially life threatening conditions.
Some foods and supplements may help reduce your chance of developing future blood clots, but they shouldn’t be used as substitutes for medical treatment. Talk with a doctor before making any dietary changes, since some foods and supplements may interact with anticoagulant medications.
- Turmeric. A 2017 research review found that the active ingredient in turmeric called curcumin has anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, antioxidant, and anticarcinogenic effects. Its use as a complementary therapy for treating blood clots is still being investigated.
- Ginger. The ginger plant contains the chemical salicylate, which is the chemical from which aspirin is made. Researchers are still investigating its potential benefit for preventing blood clots.
- Cinnamon. Cinnamon contains a chemical called coumarin that has anticoagulant properties.
- Cayenne pepper. Like ginger, cayenne pepper contains salicylates that act as anticoagulants. In theory, they may help reduce blood clotting, but more research is needed.
- Vitamin E. This vitamin is a mild anticoagulant. Some studies have found that vitamin D and vitamin E lower blood clot risk, but other studies have found they have no effect.
- Rutin – rutin can be found in apples, lemons, onions, oranges, teas, and supplements
- Pineapple or nutritional supplements with bromelain
- Increase your intake of other foods and drinks that may help dissolve blood clots such as garlic, kiwi, kale, spinach, red wine, and grape juice
- Drink more water
- Increase your exercise
Remember that, talking with your doctor before trying any of these natural treatment options is important. Some of these natural treatments, such as increasing rutin, may interfere with your medications or cause other health problems. Talk with your doctor to make sure it is safe to try any method of natural vein treatment.