Garlic as Natural Blood Thinner

• Garlic has been used for health benefits for centuries
• Garlic can be used as a natural blood thinner
• Blood thinners can reduce the risk of heart disease and strokes
• Garlic can cause serious complications for some people by thinning the blood too much

Most of us have heard about the health benefits of garlic. However, one of those benefits can be a blessing and a curse. That benefit is garlic’s natural blood thinner properties. For many people, this property could be a life saver. For others, taking garlic can actually cause potentially fatal health complications. Below is important information to help you decide whether you should be including garlic or garlic supplements in your diet.

Background on Garlic

While we tend to think of garlic as a savory taste-enhancer for Italian cuisine, the truth is this food has been used for centuries in health remedies. Some research has shown that even the ancient Egyptians were using garlic. In more recent times, people believed garlic could help ward off the plague, gangrene, and other health problems. While we can’t know if garlic was the miracle cure those people were hoping for, we do know that science has seen a lot of potential in garlic to provide important health benefits.

The antioxidant properties found in garlic may help prevent the formation of cancer. Garlic has also been shown to have some impact on cardiovascular disease and related conditions, including high cholesterol. The herb also contains nine properties which are known to prevent blood coagulation which brings us to the main point.

The Benefits of Blood Thinners

If you suffer from thick blood or if you are at a high risk of developing blood clots, a blood thinner is almost essential for your continued good health. Garlic, for example, will make the blood thinner and less likely to clot which means it will flow smoother through the arteries thus increasing blood circulation for people. Thinner blood is also less likely to clot so blockages in the arteries are less likely to occur. A reduced risk of clots also means that you’ll have less risks of strokes (caused when a clot breaks loose and ends up in the brain) or of a heart attack (can occur when a clot blocks blood flow to the heart).

Blood thinners are most frequently prescribed for people who have had a history of clotting problems and/or strokes. In some cases, surgeons will suggest the use of blood thinners following some types of surgery. If you fall into these categories, garlic might be a good choice.

The Risks of Garlic & Blood Thinning

While some people can benefit from the blood thinning action of garlic, it can be risky to consume in large quantities if you are already on a prescribed blood thinner. The combination can cause the blood to become so thin that you bleed too much. This can lead to hemorrhaging and even to death due to blood loss. For this reason, patients should never combine artificial and natural blood thinners without discussing the decision with a physician first.

If you normally take garlic for blood thinning, you should stop if you are about to have surgery or if you are pregnant. At both times, too thin blood could put you at a greater risk of serious complications.

The information supplied in this article is not to be considered as medical advice and is for educational purposes only.