Willow bark, the bark of several varieties of willow tree, has been used for centuries as a pain reliever. The active ingredient in the medicine made from willow bark is called salicin. Some people use willow bark as an alternative to aspirin, particularly those that experience chronic headaches or back pain.
Like aspirin, ginger works as a blood thinner which can prevent the formation of clots that can lead to heart attack or stroke. Ginger also reduces inflammation in the same way as aspirin by blocking COX-2 — the enzyme that promotes inflammation.
The bark of white willow contains salicin, which is a chemical similar to aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid). In combination with the herb's powerful anti-inflammatory plant compounds (called flavonoids), salicin is thought to be responsible for the pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects of the herb.
Vazalore is similar to traditional aspirin in many ways. It provides the same benefits of aspirin in treating pain, inflammation, or fevers and preventing dangerous blood clots. But it may be an option if you need more stomach protection.
Turmeric and aspirin both act as blood thinners
Anticoagulants, also known as blood thinners, keep blood cells from sticking together and clotting. Curcumin, the anti-inflammatory compound in turmeric, also acts as a blood thinner by preventing blood cells from clotting.
The revised guidance, issued by the Government's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, now recommends that people with AF who are at significant risk of stroke are prescribed an anticoagulant such as warfarin, dabigatran etexilate, pixaban or rivaroxaban instead of aspirin to reduce their risk.
There are a number of other things you can do to help relieve pain and inflammation if you need an alternative to aspirin or ibuprofen. Acetaminophen is an analgesic pain reliever that's considered safe for most people, even during infancy or pregnancy.
One study found that even cooked garlic lost its anti-platelet activity. Do, however, stick with Aspirin (if your doc agrees it's right for you).
NSAIDs are available by prescription and OTC. Examples of NSAIDs include ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, and celecoxib (see Table 1 for a list of NSAIDs). and other scientific publications.
What is the strongest anti-inflammatory medication? Research shows diclofenac is the strongest and most effective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine available. 10 Diclofenec is sold under the prescription brand names Cambia, Cataflam, Zipsor, and Zorvolex.
Natural Aids in Thinning Blood
Some herbs and spices that contain salicylates (a natural blood thinner) include cayenne pepper, cinnamon, curry powder, dill, ginger, licorice, oregano, paprika, peppermint, thyme and turmeric.
Based on both studies, authors do not recommend fish oil or low-dose aspirin for heart disease prevention in healthy, diabetic adults. Although fish oil supplements carry little to no risks, aspirin actually could increase risk of serious complications in otherwise healthy individuals.
The WATCHMAN Implant may be a life-changing alternative to the lifelong use of blood thinners for those who need one. In a one-time procedure, the WATCHMAN Implant effectively reduces the risk of stroke in people with atrial fibrillation not caused by a heart valve problem.
Bleeding disorders: Magnesium seem to slow blood clotting. In theory, taking magnesium might increase the risk of bleeding or bruising in people with bleeding disorders.
Anticoagulants. Anticoagulants, such as heparin, warfarin, dabigatran, apixaban, and rivaroxaban, are medications that thin the blood and help to dissolve blood clots.
This has led some very astute ladies and gentlemen to wonder, Can I swap my daily aspirin for a pinch of turmeric? In short — it's probably not a good idea. While some studies show that turmeric can interfere with blood thinning medications and cause too much thinning, other studies find the opposite.
Yes, turmeric is a blood thinner. Though the researchers had found no published reports of patients bleeding from taking turmeric, it could increase the risk, especially if paired with another anticoagulating drug.
Fish oil is a natural anticoagulant, which means it can prevent the blood from clotting. This property may help explain some of its heart health benefits, since thinning the blood may improve cardiovascular health. Omega-3s may increase bleeding risk when a person takes them with specific anticoagulant or medication.
Of the available NSAIDs, ibuprofen seems to present the lower risk of liver injury and may be a preferred option for patients with risk factors for hepatotoxicity.
NSAIDs can be very effective. They tend to work quickly and generally have fewer side effects than corticosteroids, which also lower inflammation.