Herbal & Homeopathic Remedies

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A natural alternative for the prevention of blood clots includes the use of herbal and homeopathic remedies. These remedies contain gentle, natural ingredients, and promote balance in all body systems.

Crataegus Oxyacantha (Hawthorn) - Hawthorn is easily found throughout Europe, West Asia, North America and North Africa. Bushy hawthorn is usually grown as a hedge on usually an alkaline, rich and moist soil and can reach a height of up to 10 metres. Due to its sweet but very unpleasant smell, it is also known as May tree, owing this to its blooming time in May when plague broke down in London in May, 1665. Flowers contain tyramine (an aromatic amine) which is known to be extremely good for the heart. They also contain flavonoids – antioxidants that dilate and protect blood vessels. Berries contain anthocynins (polyphenols), vegetable pigments that are again extremely helpful in maintaining healthy blood vessels. Both flowers and berries, together are used to treat various cardiovascular diseases like angina, high blood pressure, artery hardening, heart palpitations and irregular heart beat. This they achieve by dilating the blood vessels and reducing their resistance to the blood flow. They also reduce heart palpitations and therefore have a splendid calming effect on the nervous system.

Passiflora Incarnata (Passion Flower) - This climbing shrub is native to South America but some of its 450 odd species can be found in colder climate of North and Central America as well. This medicinal variety is some times confused with the cultivated variety that produces passion fruit. All its aerial parts; the stamen, three lobed indented leaves and bright showy flowers that have white petals covered over by pinkish violet filaments, have medicinal properties. The main constituents are maltol, ethyl maltol, indole alkaloids and various antioxidants. Mainly maltol and ethyl maltol and to some extent the antioxidants present impart the sedative property to this herb for which it is quite famous. In effect it is so effective yet gentle, that even children are given preparations based on passionflower for treating insomnia, anxiety and nervous system originated palpitations and digestive problems. It is believed that passionflower works by increasing levels of a chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA lowers the activity of some brain cells, resulting in relaxation.

Ginkgo Biloba - Leaves of ginkgo are the ones having medicinal qualities and their main constituents are ginkgolide terpenes and flavonoids - antioxidants that strengthen the blood vessels and improve the circulation. Terpenoids (such as ginkgolides) improve blood flow by dilating blood vessels and reducing the stickiness of platelets. Chinese researches have shown the usefulness of ginkgo in treating asthma and atherosclerosis as well.

Zinziber officinalis - Ginger is a known circulatory stimulant and has strong anti-clotting effect. Ginger is excellent for improving poor peripheral circulation.

Rosmarinus officinale (Rosemary) - This dilates and strengthens blood vessels and increases peripheral and cerebral circulation. Rosemary is an invigorating herb, relieving depression and imparting a zest for life often helpful in preventing fatigue and stress. As a combination between a nerve stimulant and circulatory tonic, Rosemary is particularly suited to conditions which cause symptoms of cold due to poor circulation.