Blood Clot
Description
Blood clots are the internal or external coagulation of blood cells. Clotting, a complex enzymatic process, is initiated by blood platelets when blood is shed from a wound.
The sequence of processes in clotting is: thromboplastin is liberated from the injured tissues and degenerating blood platelets.
Thromboplastin then converts prothrombin to thrombin. Thrombin converts fibrinogen, which is water soluble, to fibrin which is not. Fibrin forms a mesh to trap red blood cells. This mesh then contracts, slowly squeezing out serum, and the clot is formed.
Clotting serves to prevent the body from excessive blood loss.
One complication of blood clotting is the formation of a thrombus, causing thrombosis. Thrombosis usually begins in the veins where blood flow tends to be slower. Partial or complete obstruction may occur, causing tissue damage and, if blood begins to pool, necrosis, in this case due to a lack of oxygen. When this involves the heart muscle, an infarction may occur.
Further complications can prove more acutely dangerous if the thrombus loosens and travels. It may then cause an embolism. Specifically, this is called a thromboembolism.
Loosened thrombi tend to lodge in the legs, kidneys, lungs, or brain.
Treatment involves ingestion of drugs to dilate arteries, drugs to dissolve the blood clot, or surgical removal of the clot.
Causes
There are many causes of Blood Clots, including:
| Small lacerations in arteries | Pregnancy |
| Inflammation of heart valves | Childbirth |
| Cardiac infarction | Wounds |
| Postoperative rest | Tumors |
| Surgery | Diarrhea, especially in children |
| High blood platelet count | Splenectomy |
| Hemorrhage | Arteriosclerosis |
| Iron deficiency | Congestive heart failure |
| Varicose veins | Pancreatitis |
| Diabetes mellitus | Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis |
| Chronic inflammatory disorders such as thrombophlebitis |
Signs & Symptoms
| Cramp-like pain in affected area | Cardiac infarction |
| Gangrene | Hypotension |
| Angina pectoris |
Cerebral Blood Clots
| Dizziness | Memory loss |
| Mental confusion | Paralysis |
Blood Clots in the Legs
Tension and pain in the sole of the foot and in the calf
Reddening or bluish discoloration due to lack of oxygen
Edema
Fever
Blood Clots in the Kidney
| Severe lumbar pain | Peripheral edema |
| Tenderness in the epigastric region | Enlarged kidneys |
| Fever | Easily palpable kidneys |
| Palor | Oliguria |
| Leukocytosis | Hypoalbuminemia |
| Hematuria | Hyperlipidemia |
| Proteinuria |
Nutritional Supplements
Structure & Function: Circulatory Support
---------------------------------
General Supplements
---------------------------------
| Adult | Child/Adolescent | |
| Fish oils | 6 - 10 g | 3 - 5 g |
| Garlic* | ||
| EPO | 1 - 3 g | 1 - 2 g |
| Selenium | 100 - 300 mcg | 50 - 200 mcg |
| Vitamin C | 2,000 - 6,000 mg | 500 - 3,000 mg |
| Vitamin E | 400 - 800 IU | 100 - 400 IU |
EPA (fish oils) may also be supplied in capsules, or oil. In which case the following conversions may be made:
10 capsules = 25 mls = ½ teaspoon.
* Please refer to the respective topic for specific nutrient amounts.
Note: All amounts are in addition to those supplements having a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Due to individual needs, one must always be aware of a possible undetermined effect when taking nutritional supplements. If any disturbances from the use of a particular supplement should occur, stop its use immediately and seek the care of a qualified health care professional.
Dietary Considerations
Some foods may prevent blood clots when eaten in sufficient quantity by inhibiting the aggregation of blood platelets. The following foods should be stressed in a Dietary Goals Diet:
| Onions | Garlic | |
| Ginger | Mackerel | |
| Salmon |
Warfarin, a coumarin, inhibits the formation of prothrombin in the liver. It is used in the treatment of individuals who are prone to blood clots.
An individual on coumarin must abstain from alcohol and restrict intake of vitamin K-rich foods such as:
| Cabbage | Cauliflower | |
| Cheese | Dark green leafy vegetables | |
| Egg yolk | Fish | |
| Soybean | Soybean oil |
Smokers who use oral contraceptives are at increased risk for thrombi and coronary heart disease. Blood clots, which sometimes form in response to injury, tend to be of larger size in these individuals. These thrombi are more likely to occlude a blood vessel, producing heart attack or ischemia.
Homeopathic Remedy
1.* Cactus grandiflorus 15C
2.* Lachesis mutus tinct. 30C
3. Crotalus horridus
Treatment Schedule
Doses cited are to be administered on a 3X daily schedule, unless otherwise indicated. Dose usually continued for 2 weeks. Liquid preparations usually use 8-10 drops per dose. Solid preps are usually 3 pellets per dose. Children use 1/2 dose.
Legend
X = 1 to 10 dilution - weak (triturition)
C = 1 to 100 dilution - weak (potency)
M = 1 to 1 million dilution (very strong)
X or C underlined means it is most useful potency
Asterisk (*) = Primary remedy. Means most necessary remedy. There may be more than one remedy - if so, use all of them.
References
Boericke, D.E., 1988. Homeopathic Materia Medica.
Coulter, C.R., 1986. Portraits of Homeopathic Medicines.
Kent, J.T., 1989. Repertory of the Homeopathic Materia Medica.
Koehler, G., 1989. Handbook of Homeopathy.
Shingale, J.N., 1992. Bedside Prescriber.
Smith, Trevor, 1989. Homeopathic Medicine.
Ullman, Dana, 1991. The One Minute (or so) Healer.
Herbal Approaches
----------
Herbs
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Cayenne
Ginger Plant
Hawthorn berries
Note: The misdirected use of an herb can produce severely adverse effects, especially in combination with prescription drugs. This Herbal information is for educational purposes and is not intended as a replacement for medical advice.
Aromatherapy - Essential Oils
Blood clotting is a normal function, in terms of wound healing etc. However, in thrombosis, the situation can be life-threatening.
In mild conditions, there is a tendency for blood platelets to stick, or clump, together.
Essential oils can contribute something at each level.
Oils which have been recommended, include:
| Aniseed Essence, | Cinnamon Essence, |
| Fenugreek Essence, | Garlic Essence, |
| Lavender Essence, | Marjoram Essence, |
| Mustard Essence, | Onion Essence, |
| Rosemary Essence, | Sage Essence, |
| Tarragon Essence, | Thyme Essence. |
Related Health Conditions
| Angina pectoris | Hypertension |
| Arteriosclerosis | Infarction |
| Childbirth | Pain |
| Chronic inflammatory disorders | Pancreatitis |
| Congestive heart failure | Paralysis |
| Diabetes mellitus | Pregnancy |
| Diarrhea | Thrombosis |
| Dizziness | Thrombocytosis |
| Edema | Thrombocythemia |
| Fever | Varicose veins |
| Hemorrhage | Wound |
References
Andreen, O. & S.E. Larsson. Effects of 1.25-Dihydroxy-cholecalciferol on Fracture Healing, Calcium, Phosphate, and Zinc Status. Archives of Orthopaedic and Traumatic Surgery, 103 1984.
Bland, Jeffrey. Nutraerobics. San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1983.
Bland, Jeffrey. Medical Applications of Clinical Nutrition. New Canaan, Conn.: Keats, 1983.
Bieri, J.G., L. Corash & V.S. Hubbard. Medical Uses of Vitamin E. New England Journal of Medicine, 308.
Chasroff, I.J. & J.W. Ellis. 1983. Family Medical Guide, William Morrow and Company Inc., Pub. 594 pp.
Dinsky, M.J. Treatment of Intermittent Claudication With Tocopherol. J of the Am Podiatry Association, vol. 70, 1980.
Hamilton, H. K. ed. 1982. Professional Guide To Diseases Intermed Communications Inc. Pub, Springfield, Massachusetts. 1323 pp.
Hui, Y. H. 1983. Human nutrition and diet therapy. Wadsworth, Inc; Belmont, California. 1039 pp.
Hunt, S. M., J. L. Groff & J. M. Holbrook. 1980. Nutrition: Principles and Clinical Practice John Wileyand Sons, N. Y. 506 pp.
Kalafatis M et al., Regulation and regulatory role of gamma-carboxyglutamic acid containing clotting factors. Crit Rev Eukaryot Gene Expr, 1996, 6:1, 87-101.
Petersdorf, R. G. & R. D. Adams. 1983. Harrison's Principles Of Internal Medicine. 10th ed. McGraw Hill Pub Co., New York. 2212
Sweeney, C.R. and L.R. Soma. Exercise-Induced Hemorrhage and Response to Hesperidin-Citrus Bioflavonoids. J Am Vet Med Assoc, 185 (1984).
Van Amerongen, C. The Way Things Work; Book Of The Body. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1979.
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