The almond (Prunus dulcis, syn. Prunus amygdalus) is a species of tree native to Iran and surrounding countries but widely cultivated elsewhere. The almond is also the name of the edible and widely cultivated seed of this tree. Within the genus Prunus, it is classified with the peach in the subgenus Amygdalus, distinguished from the other subgenera by corrugations on the shell (endocarp) surrounding the seed.The fruit of the almond is a drupe, consisting of an outer hull and a hard shell with the ...

prunus dulcis

Origin-of-sandalwood-(Santalum-album)

Origin of sandalwood (Santalum album)

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Sandalwood is considered spiritual and mystical in Hindu mythology. Since ancient times it has been part of the skin and beauty care regime. Its homeland is southern India and Southeast Asia.&nbsp;

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Sandalwood refers to the wood (core) of wood species belonging to the Santalaceae family and santalum genus. The wood from these trees has a characteristic aromatic aroma. There are many species of trees that fall into this genus, of which the East Indian sandalwood (Santalum album) &nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/herb/15988" target="_blank" data-ref="Santalum album" rel="noopener">[ref. 1] and</a> the Australian sandalwood (S. spicatum) &nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/herb/20576" target="_blank" data-ref="Santalum spicatum" rel="noopener">[ref. 2]</a>&nbsp; are among the most famous.

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Its enticing aroma calms the mind and relieves anxiety by relaxing the central nervous system as well. This is a great help in meditation, and its natural firming properties help to tone the old skin when used topically on it.

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With a fragrance that promotes concentration and tranquility and diuretic properties that help eliminate toxins, sandalwood purifies both the body and mind. It is also a relaxant that can be used to treat cramps and not only.

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Therapeutic-properties-of-sandalwood

Therapeutic properties of sandalwood 

Sandalwood-for-insomnia-and-anxiety

Sandalwood for insomnia and anxiety 

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The chemical compounds "sesquiterpenes", present in the essential oil of sandalwood, stimulate the pineal gland in the brain to produce melatonin. It is the main hormone that regulates sleep cycles, promotes complete rest, and eradicates insomnia, as well as other sleep disorders.

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The aroma of the oil has a powerful effect on the limbic system of the brain and has sedative qualities that can provide a continuous night's sleep.

Promotes-concentration-and-mental-clarity

Promotes concentration and mental clarity  

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Used for millennia to promote clarity of mind and as an aid in meditation, sandalwood has been the subject of recent research that confirms it is able to improve mood and concentration.

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Sandalwood essential oil is rich in the active compound alpha-santalol. In a study published in the journal Planta Medica, the researchers found that alpha-santalol helps for improved attention and mood compared to placebo. The study also found that sandalwood increased participants' blood pressure, heart rate, and sweating, which were markers of increased alertness. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.thieme-connect.de/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/s-2006-941544" target="_blank" data-ref="Thieme E-Journals - Planta Medica / Abstract" rel="noopener">[ref. 3]</a>&nbsp;

Aphrodisiac

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One of the many traditional uses of sandalwood is as a natural aphrodisiac. It has been found that the aroma and chemical effects of sandalwood are similar to those of androsterone &ndash; human pheromones. This androsterone effect helps to promote sensuality by relieving tension and mental blockages that can cause impotence and loss of libido.

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Did you know that: sandalwood is a popular ingredient in aftershave for men? The similarity of androsterone to male pheromones sends a subtle but very effective erotic signal to the opposite sex, which is believed to increase the attraction of the other sex!

Sandalwood-for-skin-health

Sandalwood for skin health 

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As a natural anti-inflammatory agent, sandalwood is rich in antioxidants that fight damage to free radicals associated with aging.

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It also improves the condition in skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis and eczema. In a study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, the researchers found that sandalwood reduces the severity of these conditions. In the treatment of warts with sandalwood, it was found that a mixture of salicylic acid and santalol (the active compound in the sandalwood) completely clears the warts in 21% of the treatment group.

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The anti-inflammatory and antiseptic action of sandalwood makes it an effective remedy for insect bites and superficial wounds. You can also use sandalwood powder or sandalwood oils for acne or skin bleaching or for daily skin care.

Possible-applications-of-sandalwood-in-psoriasis

Possible applications of sandalwood in psoriasis 

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Psoriasis is a skin condition in which a person suffers from itchy, scaly and red spots usually on the elbows, knees, body and scalp. When applied topically to places where plaques are found, sandalwood has been shown in studies to reduce the severity of the disease. This is due to its potential anti-inflammatory effect.

Potential-applications-of-sandalwood-for-cancer-treatment

Potential applications of sandalwood for cancer treatment

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The &alpha;-santalol, present in sandalwood, has anticancer properties, as evidenced by animal studies and cell cultures. Therefore, it has potential use in the treatment of skin tumors, which need to be further studied before its use in humans. &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://ar.iiarjournals.org/content/35/6/3137" target="_blank" data-ref="Anticancer Effects of Sandalwood (Santalum album)" rel="noopener">[ref. 1]</a>&nbsp;

Potential-applications-of-sandalwood-for-the-treatment-of-ulcers

Potential applications of sandalwood for the treatment of ulcers 

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An ulcer is a rupture of the mucous membrane of the stomach or intestines. Studies have shown that sandalwood has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Sandalwood oil can be effective against Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium responsible for the development of a gastric ulcer. Thus, the oil extract of sandalwood can be used in the treatment of gastric and intestinal ulcers. However, ulcers are a serious threat to health and should be treated properly by a doctor.

Skin-&-hair-care-with-sandalwood

Skin & hair care with sandalwood

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Prevention of hair loss: By tightening the skin tissue, sandalwood essential oil strengthens the hair roots.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Anti-dandruff: The cooling, antibacterial nature of the sandalwood soothes the sensitive scalp and limits infections, preventing peeling.</li></ul>How to use sandalwood for beautifying procedures? Dilute sandalwood essential oil with a base oil such as jojoba oil or sweet almond oil and use it in scalp massage oil.

Sandalwood has antiviral, antimicrobial and antifungal properties, as well as anticancer properties. In the form of oil can be used to improve mood and concentration, as well as in skin problems such as psoriasis, acne and eczema. High in antioxidants, sandalwood oil largely reduces signs of aging, protecting the skin from the negative effects of free radicals.&nbsp;

Sandalwood Oil: Health Benefits and Uses (Santalum album)

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Бетина Цветкова

What-are-nasal-polyps?

What are nasal polyps?

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Nasal polyps are growths that develop in the nose or sinuses. They are actually quite common and can be caused by allergies, inflammation or infection.

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Usually, nasal polyps do not cause any symptoms. Unlike some other types of polyps, they are usually not cancerous.

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In some cases, however, there are symptoms. These include itching, runny nose, sneezing, difficulty breathing, etc.

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Doctors can prescribe steroid nasal sprays or prednisone for relief, which can stop symptoms or completely eliminate polyps. However, symptoms and polyps may reappear.

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If you are looking for natural alternatives to drugs, this article explores which treatments can work best and be most effective.

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It has been shown that most treatments improve the symptoms and discomfort associated with nasal polyps. None has been proven to completely remove nasal polyps.

Natural-remedies-for-nasal-polyps

Natural remedies for nasal polyps

Cayenne-pepper-(cayenne-pepper)

Cayenne pepper (cayenne pepper)

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This chilli and spice contains capsaicin. Studies have shown that this compound can help clear the sinuses.

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In a 2011 study, it was effective as a nasal spray, while in a more recent study in 2014 it was effective when taken internally. [&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/action/cookieAbsent" target="_blank" data-ref="" rel="noopener">[ref. 1]</a>&nbsp;]

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A year later, it is shown that capsaicin relieves inflammation, opens the nasal passages and increases immunity. This can play a small role in relieving the symptoms of polyps in the nose and the causes of polyps themselves.

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How to use cayenne pepper:

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Add plenty of cayenne pepper to different recipes to your taste. For most people, 1-2 teaspoons (tsp) is the usual amount, however, be careful with the chilli if you have a sensitive stomach.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">You can also prepare hot cayenne pepper tea by mixing 1-2 teaspoons of spiced cayenne pepper into 1 cup of boiling water. Sweeten with raw honey or season with other herbs to taste to make it more pleasant.</li></ul>

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Neti-Pot

Neti Pot

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The use of Neti Pot for nasal cleaning can alleviate symptoms caused by nasal polyps. It can also help to address the causes of polyps, such as allergies or sinus infection.

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Nasal irrigation involves the use of a small kettle, which inserts&nbsp;&nbsp; a warm distilled or sterilized saltwater solution through the nasal passages and sinuses. When used correctly, nasal irrigation is a useful addition to the treatment of sinuses or allergies, according to a 2012 study [ <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.2500/ajra.2012.26.3787" target="_blank" data-ref="Just a moment..." rel="noopener">[ref. 2]</a>&nbsp;]

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It is important to know how to use a neti pot properly for positive health effects. Here are the instructions:

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<ol><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Use warm water distilled or sterilized to fill the kettle. Filtered or purified water is also suitable. Prepare warm water by boiling it first and then let it cool. You can use warm tap water, but remember that you need to clean it first. Never put hot water directly in your nose.&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Mix 1-2 teaspoons of salt to taste. The solution should have a salty taste such as tears or sweat.&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Tilt your head to one side and drop the solution through one nostril,&nbsp; pull through the other over the sink. Make sure you don't clog your nose while this is happening. Let the water run out completely on its own.&nbsp;</li></ol>

Steam-inhalation

Steam inhalation

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Besides the use of neti pot, simple inhalation with hot steam can also help. Research shows that along with nasal irrigation, steam inhalation can alleviate symptoms common in nasal polyps. [ <a href="https://www.cmaj.ca/content/188/13/940" target="_blank" data-ref="Effectiveness of steam inhalation and nasal irrigation for chronic or recurrent sinus symptoms in primary care: a pragmatic randomized controlled trial" rel="noopener">[ref. 3]</a> ] Headache caused by inflammation of the sinuses is the most noticeable symptom.&nbsp;

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Steam inhalation can take the form of a simple shower, bath, steam bath, through humidifiers or even steam from water boiled on a pot.&nbsp;

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Steam inhalation is done very easily. During a shower or bath, you can inhale the fumes, or put a saucepan on the hob, waiting for the water to boil and inhale its steam. Humidifiers can also help, but make sure to carefully read and follow the instructions of the product.

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Tea-tree-oil

Tea tree oil 

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Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) is a well-known essential oil. [&nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/pubmed/Pharmacological_and_antimicrobial_studies_on_different_tea_tree_oils_Melaleuca_alternifolia_Leptospermum_scoparium_or_Manuka_and_Kunzea_ericoides_or_Kanuka_originating_in_Australia_and_New_Zealand_11114000" target="_blank" data-ref="Pharmacological and antimicrobial studies on different tea-tree oils (Melaleuca alternifolia, Leptospermum scoparium or Manuka and Kunzea ericoides or Kanuka), originating in Australia and New Zealand. | Билкови и природни лекарства" rel="noopener">[ref. 4]</a>&nbsp;] Research supports it for its properties to reduce itching and deal with inflammation and infection as an antimicrobial agent. This can help both the causes and symptoms of polyps in the nose.

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How to use tea tree oil? Make a diluted solution of tea tree essential oil (3-5 drops of oil every 30 ml of base oil). Olive oil or sweet almond oil are examples of suitable base oils. With a clean cotton swab, rub the solution into the nasal passages.&nbsp;

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Nasal polyps can be a very unpleasant health problem, which is difficult to remove. However, there are some natural solutions that can help. Means such as sweat or steam inhalation, even some spices and oils can be beneficial. Today we presented you with four of them, and&nbsp; in the sequel you will see more natural healing agents in nasal polyps.

Natural remedies for nasal polyps (Part 1)

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Health-benefits-of-peaches-(Prunus-persica)

Health benefits of peaches (Prunus persica) 

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May-reduce-allergy-symptoms

May reduce allergy symptoms

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Peaches (Prunus persica) can reduce unpleasant symptoms of allergy. [&nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/en/herb/14431" target="_blank" data-ref="Prunus" rel="noopener">[ref. 1]</a>&nbsp;] When your body is exposed to an allergen and develops intolerance, it releases histamines or chemicals produced by your immune system to help the body get rid of the allergen. Histamines are part of the body's protective system, and their excretion in excessive amounts causes allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching or coughing.

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Research shows that peaches can help reduce allergy symptoms by preventing the release of histamines into the blood. [&nbsp;<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24555287/" target="_blank" data-ref="Anti-allergic inflammatory effects of cyanogenic and phenolic glycosides from the seed of Prunus persica - PubMed" rel="noopener">[ref. 2]</a>&nbsp;] In addition, in vitro studies have shown that peach extracts can also be effective and limit inflammation often seen in allergic reactions.&nbsp;

May-support-immunity

May support immunity 

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Peaches are rich in immunity-boosting nutrients and antioxidants. In vitro studies have reported that they can also fight certain types of bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes. [&nbsp;<a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0308814616302813" target="_blank" data-ref="Redirecting" rel="noopener">[ref. 3]</a>&nbsp;]

May-protect-against-certain-toxins

May protect against certain toxins

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In one small study, peach extracts were given to smokers and helped to remove nicotine through urine. Nicotine is a major toxic component of tobacco smoke and is recognized as a risk factor for inducing oxidative tissue damage, which is a precursor to cardiovascular disease, lung-related diseases, and cancer. [&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jcpjournal.org/journal/view.html?doi=10.15430/JCP.2017.22.1.22" target="_blank" data-ref="Protective Effect of White-fleshed Peach (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch) on Chronic Nicotine-induced Toxicity" rel="noopener">[ref. 4]</a>&nbsp;]

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May-reduce-blood-sugar-levels

May reduce blood sugar levels

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Studies have shown that compounds found in peaches can help prevent high blood sugar levels and insulin resistance in obese rats.&nbsp;

Widely-available-and-easy-to-include-in-any-diet

Widely available and easy to include in any diet

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Peaches can be bought literally from any store and can be eaten raw, baked, grilled, made in desserts. For example, fresh peaches are a great breakfast rich in nutrients and can be eaten alone or topped with yogurt and a handful of nuts. You can also make a peach marmalade or peach cake, grilled peaches with fresh goat's cheese and more.

How-to-choose-and-store-peaches

How to choose and store peaches

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Peaches are available in a wide range of varieties - some white, others yellow. White peaches are sweeter, while yellow peaches are more sour.

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When choosing peaches, usually the sweeter their smell, the more mature they will be. Try to avoid brownish, bruised or wrinkled fruits that are either damaged or overripe. Instead, look for peaches with a hard or only slightly soft outer part.

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Peaches continue to ripen once they are torn off. So if your peaches are firmer, leave them at room temperature for one to three days.&nbsp;

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Ripe peaches last about a week at room temperature. If you do not plan to eat them within this period of time, it is best to store them in your refrigerator to avoid overeaching and spoiling them.

Peaches are rich in many vitamins, minerals and beneficial plant compounds. They are easily included in various dishes, and can be consumed independently. They provide numerous health benefits, including healthier skin, fewer allergy symptoms and improved digestion and heart health.
Peaches also appear to be associated with a lower risk of certain cancers and can increase immunity, protect against toxins and lower blood sugar levels.

10 Surprising Health Benefits of Peaches (Prunus persica) - Part 2

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Purpose-of-anticoagulants

Purpose of anticoagulants 

Purpose-of-anticoagulants_0_0

Anticoagulants are type of a drug used if you are at risk of blood clots. They can potentially block a blood vessel and disrupt blood flow in the body. Also known as blood thinners, anticoagulants are chemicals that prevent or reduce blood coagulation by prolonging clotting time.

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Anticoagulants are available in many different forms, including injections, intravenous (IV) drugs and medicines you take orally (orally). They often treat and prevent life-threatening conditions that can occur due to blood clots, such as strokes, heart attacks and pulmonary embolism. [&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560651/" target="_blank" data-ref="Page not available - NCBI BookshelfTwitterFacebookLinkedInGitHubNCBI Insights BlogTwitterFacebookYoutube" rel="noopener">[ref. 1]</a>&nbsp;]

What-are-the-advantages-and-side-effects-of-anticoagulants?

What are the advantages and side effects of anticoagulants?

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Anticoagulants are extremely effective in preventing these life-threatening conditions such as stroke, pulmonary embolism and heart attack. There are also several different ways in which these drugs work. This means that people who cannot take one medicine are likely to take another medicine with a similar effect.

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However, side effects are possible, and among the most common side effects with any anticoagulant is bleeding. Depending on the drug used, there are other potential risks, such as necrosis of the skin,&nbsp; severe PMS in women, bruising, bleeding gums, dizziness, headache, etc. [&nbsp;<a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40138-013-0014-6?error=cookies_not_supported&amp;code=29f13e37-8df2-4ff3-9d02-a5efc6c65811" target="_blank" data-ref="Anticoagulants: A Review of the Pharmacology, Dosing, and Complications - Current Emergency and Hospital Medicine Reports" rel="noopener">[ref. 2]</a>&nbsp;]

Natural-anticoagulants---who-are-they

Natural anticoagulants - who are they 

Garlic

Garlic_2_0

Besides its characteristic taste and numerous applications in culinary, garlic (Allium sativum) has natural antibiotic and antimicrobial properties. A&nbsp;2018 study published in Food Science and Biotechnology reported that garlic powder demonstrated antithrombotic activity in rats.<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/pubmed/Allium_sativum_garlic_a_natural_antibiotic_6366484" target="_blank" data-ref="Allium sativum (garlic)--a natural antibiotic. | Билкови и природни лекарства" rel="noopener"></a> Antithrombotic agent is a substance that reduces the formation of blood clots. [&nbsp;<a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10068-018-0469-z?error=cookies_not_supported&amp;code=b65de6d1-7da4-49bf-9928-c1eb90c8aef4" target="_blank" data-ref="A comparative study of the antithrombotic effect through activated endothelium of garlic powder and tomato extracts using a rodent model of collagen and epinephrine induced thrombosis - Food Science and Biotechnology" rel="noopener">[ref. 4]</a>&nbsp;

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A review of studies from 2020 found that garlic supplements can help reduce blood pressure and have mild antithrombotic effects. [&nbsp;<a href="https://www.spandidos-publications.com/10.3892/etm.2019.8374" target="_blank" data-ref="Garlic lowers blood pressure in hypertensive subjects, improves arterial stiffness and gut microbiota: A review and meta-analysis" rel="noopener">[ref. 5]</a>&nbsp;

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Vitamin-E

Vitamin E

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Vitamin E reduces blood clotting in several different ways. These effects depend on the amount of vitamin E a person takes.&nbsp;

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According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), people taking blood thinning drugs should avoid taking large doses of vitamin E. However, it is not clear how much vitamin E dilutes blood, although people may need to take more than 400 international units (IU) per day. &nbsp;<a href="https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminE-HealthProfessional/" target="_blank" data-ref="Office of Dietary Supplements - Vitamin E" rel="noopener">[Ref. 6]</a>&nbsp;

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However, taking vitamin E can bring other health benefits, and it is recommended to provide it from foods such as almonds, sunflower seeds, spinach, peanut butter and others.

Ginkgo-biloba

Ginkgo biloba 

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Practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine have used leaves from the Ginkgo biloba tree (Ginkgo biloba) for thousands of years. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/pubmed/Ginkgo_biloba_13678141" target="_blank" data-ref="Ginkgo biloba. | Билкови и природни лекарства" rel="noopener">[Ref. 7] Ginkgo</a> is also a very popular herbal supplement in the USА and Europe. People take ginkgo biloba for blood diseases and memory problems, blood circulation and other issues.

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According to a 2019 study published in Bioorganic Chemistry, several compounds in ginkgo can block thrombin, which causes blood clotting. [ <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0045206819300628" target="_blank" data-ref="Redirecting" rel="noopener">[ref. 8]</a>&nbsp;

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Grape

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There is some evidence to suggest that grape seed extract may have potential benefits for several heart and blood diseases. Grapes can also help prevent high blood pressure, although research has shown rather mixed results.&nbsp;

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Grape seed extract can also act as a natural blood thinner. Therefore, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health recommends that certain groups of people do not take grape seed extract, including people with blood diseases; people who are taking blood thinning medicines and those who are about to have a surgery. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/grape-seed-extract" target="_blank" data-ref="Grape Seed Extract" rel="noopener">[Ref. 9]</a>&nbsp;]

Dong-quai

Dong quai

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Dong quai, also known as "female ginseng", is another traditional Chinese herb that can reduce blood clotting.

There are various natural substances that can reduce blood clotting to some extent. Among them are ginkgo biloba, garlic, cinnamon, ginger and others. However, not all of them can be as effective as blood thinning drugs. People at risk of blood clots should not use them instead of prescription medicines.&nbsp;