To minimise the risk of bleeding or bruising, ensure the following supplements are stopped 14 days before and after a procedure.
- Billberry- Vaccinium Myrtillus- May affect the platelets in the blood thereby increasing the risk of bleeding and consequently bruising.
- Bromelain- Also known as Ananas comosus. This is an enzyme found in pineapple juice and stem. It contains components that may slow blood clotting thereby increasing the risk of bleeding and bruising.
- Cayenne- May affect the platelets of the blood thereby increasing the risk of bleeding and bruising.
- Dong Quai-may increase the blood-thinning properties of some medications.
- Feverfew- May increase bleeding especially those who are already on blood-thinning medications.
- Fish and Flax Seed Oil- the Omega-3 essential fatty acids found in fish and flaxseed. Such oils have blood-thinning properties.
- Garlic-May enhances the effects of blood thinners such as warfarin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) thereby impacting bleeding time.
- Ginger- may influence bleeding time and could impact the certain heart and blood-thinning medications.
- Ginseng-may has blood-thinning properties and influences cardiovascular medications.
- Ginkgo Biloba- influences blood circulation and diminishes the aggregation of platelets and therefore has blood-thinning properties that is more potent than vitamin E.
- Red clover- has components that contain that may thin the blood thereby increasing bleeding time.
- John’s Wort- Can increase risk of bleeding as well as bruising.
- Vitamin E- has blood thinning properties that may increase bleeding time.