Summary
Blood clots are the body’s natural protection to stop
bleeding from a cut or other injury. On the other hand
there are situations when blood clots form within blood
vessels that range in severity from mild to dangerous.
Clots that form inside the small veins near the surface of
the skin are called superficial phlebitis and may cause
local pain, redness, and swelling but are not dangerous.
When blood coagulates inside larger blood vessels or the
heart and remains in place it is called thrombus. When
such a blood clot dislodges and travels in the blood vessel
it is called an embolism and can result in severe health
concerns.
The most dangerous of embolism types include blood clots
within the arteries of the heart that cause a heart attack.
Blood clots in the heart or the main artery to the brain
(carotid) that then travel to the brain give rise to a
stroke. Or a blood clot in a deep vein (often the
legs) that then travels to the lungs culminates in what is
called a pulmonary embolism.
As noted above blood clots range from helpful to very
severe health situations. If you believe you are
potentially dealing with a severe type immediately seek
competent professional assistance. There are a number
of anecdotal experiences of blood clots being reduced with
essential oils and research (see Science & Research tab)
that report that with increased Omega 3 fatty acids such as
those in doTERRA’s essential oils based supplements (Life
Long Vitality) there is improved cardiovascular health.
Oils, blends & products
recommended:
Oils & Blends:
Clove, cypress,
Deep Blue, thyme
Essential oils based
products: Life Long Vitality supplements
Also consider:
Grapefruit, helichrysum
Suggested protocols:
Consistent use of the Life Long Vitality supplements
improves the balance of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids that
is shown in research to improve cardiovascular health.
Topical application of oils to the area of a blood clot
twice a day. Drive in the oil with a hot compress
after application. Also positive reports include
coupling the topical application with 2 or 3 drops of the
chosen essential oil in a capsule and taking 2 times per
day.
Experiences and Testimonials of others
Phil - My nephew
had a blood clot in his leg. He's on cumadin, but my
sister is very worried with his active life style that he
could easily bring on internal bleeding or other injuries.
He was cautioned about that by the doctor, and he won’t
leave skate boarding, biking, rock climbing, etc alone.
His thought is that he would rather die doing stuff he
loves, than live -not doing stuff he loves. It seems like
someone had mentioned helicrhysum? Anyone with experiences
with blood clots?
Kathy - I have actually worked with a
couple of acquaintances that had blood clots (thrombosis) in
their legs. One was quite successful, the other was
skeptical to start, and I fear he was not consistent.
I’m not sure how his clot came out.
The first was on what I thought was a overly large dose
of cumadin, and had been on it for over a year. (scary). You
are right, helichrysum is most recommended for help in
dissolving hematomas. It requires consistency and
patience.
I would apply drops to cover the area topically.
Rub the oil in lightly, no deep massage. Then cover
the area with a warm/hot compress for 10 min. Do this
at least twice per day. Every week or so, use basil
for 2 days then return to helichrysum. Also make 00
capsules and put 3 drops helichrysum, 3 drops basil and take
internally morning and night. Continue for several days even
after a reduction in the swelling, bulge or irritation. I
would continue under your doctor’s care. Thrombosis
can be very dangerous, and should be monitored.
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Enjoy.
Brooke - Any ideas for Blood Clots? My
dear friend is STILL in the hospital! Been three weeks now
and still can't get things stabilized. Now they fear for
blood clots - which seems so weird because she's been on SO
much heparin and other blood thinners? I don't know if
anything can help - but I guess it's worth a try to ask!
Love and Thanks!
Pat - If she already had blood clots
then there are oils that could be applied topically and also
internally. The difficult part would be to administer them
to her while in the hospital. Not even so much that the
medical professionals taking care of her might object, but
that if they knew she was using the oils (hard to hide the
aroma), and something happened to her they could blame it on
the oils. Mainly because they do not understand this
modality. Also you want to dissolve the blood clot not break
it up, so caution is vital. Prayer always works wonders when
other man made options are not working.
Brooke - I agree. They aren't using the
oils in the hospital because of that very thing. Although, I
wish they were at least using the On-Guard to help build her
immune system. I was more wondering about when she comes
home....(hopefully in 2 more weeks). The longer
she stays there - the harder it is for her. And they don't
have any answers so it is extremely frustrating for her -
emotionally and physically! I'm looking forward to going
and visiting her when I come for convention - since she is
in SLC - and we're in Idaho. We just keep praying she comes
home to her hubby and kids soon!
Denise - What has your experience been
with talking to the hospital staff about what you're wanting
to do? Is it hit or miss depending on the staff, and they
blame the oils if anything else goes wrong?
Are they open to the suggestion and interested in what
you're doing? Or do they nix the idea and not let you touch
the patient? Thanks.
Jan - My goodness - what a challenging
time for your friend and her family! Your thought about
OnGuard seems REALLY good. So if nothing else, she could
probably be taking OnGuard Throat Drops. I'd suggest
combining those with intention and visualization that in
addition to the oils OnGuard oils, each drop is carrying the
energetic essence of the other oils and thereby helping all
parts of her system.
Tamalu - I read something in this thread
that really disturbs me. doTERRA is working with the
medical community. There is no "us" and 'Them". My
experience has been that if the patient requests me to come
into the hospital to visit and assist as I can, and I go in
with the confidence of a guest coming to comfort a friend, I
am welcomed by all. I do not go in with arrogance or the
attitude of "they're going to blame the oils if there is a
problem". My intention behind going in is to bless my
friend, and it is none of my business what the hospital
staff thinks of me. As a result, I have been welcomed in
several hospitals, and the doctors and staff have been very
open to me doing "whatever" I do. They see the results.
But I approach the matter from the perspective of being a
friend, and do not make claims outside of relaxation and
comfort. When I have been asked by the doctors for more
information, I understand that what they want is
documentation, which we have and they deserve. That is how
they think, and how they keep themselves from lawsuits. Not
because they are looking for a tree to hang someone on. More
often than not, the doctor prefers not to know what
happened, and is grateful to see things change.
If your friend is in pain, and worried about a blood
clot, offer to gently apply some Helichrysum, Cypress and
Deep Blue (or your choice-- you know what to use). Explain
that your touch by itself can offer comfort from the pain.
And finally, I think often of the story of Esther. She
broke the law and went unbidden before the king. But she
prepared herself first and did not go alone. She took the
spirit of truth and love with her, left no room for doubt or
worst-case scenarios, and saved a nation. What are you
doing to prepare?
What Science & Research are saying
taken from the University of Maryland Medical Center web
site:
Omega-3 fatty acids
Overview:
Omega-3 fatty acids are considered essential fatty acids:
They are necessary for human health but the body can' t make
them -- you have to get them through food. Omega-3 fatty
acids can be found in fish, such as salmon, tuna, and
halibut, other seafood including algae and krill, some
plants, and nut oils. Also known as polyunsaturated fatty
acids (PUFAs), omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in
brain function as well as normal growth and development.
They have also become popular because they may reduce the
risk of heart disease. The American Heart Association
recommends eating fish (particularly fatty fish such as
mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna, and
salmon) at least 2 times a week.
Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids reduce
inflammation and may help lower risk of chronic diseases
such as heart disease, cancer, and arthritis. Omega-3 fatty
acids are highly concentrated in the brain and appear to be
important for cognitive (brain memory and performance) and
behavioral function. In fact, infants who do not get enough
omega-3 fatty acids from their mothers during pregnancy are
at risk for developing vision and nerve problems. Symptoms
of omega-3 fatty acid deficiency include fatigue, poor
memory, dry skin, heart problems, mood swings or depression,
and poor circulation.
It is important to have a balance of omega-3 and omega-6
(another essential fatty acid) in the diet. Omega-3 fatty
acids help reduce inflammation, and most omega-6 fatty acids
tend to promote inflammation. The typical American diet
tends to contain 14 - 25 times more omega-6 fatty acids than
omega-3 fatty acids.
The Mediterranean diet, on the other hand, has a
healthier balance between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Many studies have shown that people who follow this diet are
less likely to develop heart disease. The Mediterranean diet
does not include much meat (which is high in omega-6 fatty
acids) and emphasizes foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids,
including whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, fish,
olive oil, garlic, as well as moderate wine consumption.
Uses:
Clinical evidence is strongest for heart disease and
problems that contribute to heart disease, but omega-3 fatty
acids may also be used for:
High cholesterol
People who follow a Mediterranean-style diet tend to have
higher HDL or “good” cholesterol levels, which help promote
heart health. Inuit Eskimos, who get high amounts of omega-3
fatty acids from eating fatty fish, also tend to have
increased HDL cholesterol and decreased triglycerides (fats
in the blood). Several studies have shown that fish oil
supplements reduce triglyceride levels. Finally, walnuts
(which are rich in alpha linolenic acid or LNA, a type of
omega-3 fatty acid) have been reported to lower total
cholesterol and triglycerides in people with high
cholesterol levels.
High blood pressure
Several clinical studies suggest that diets or fish oil
supplements rich in omega-3 fatty acids lower blood pressure
in people with hypertension. An analysis of 17 clinical
studies using fish oil supplements found that taking 3 or
more grams of fish oil daily may reduce blood pressure in
people with untreated hypertension.
Heart disease
One of the best ways to help prevent heart disease is to
eat a diet low in saturated fat and to eat foods that are
rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (including
omega-3 fatty acids). Clinical evidence suggests that EPA
and DHA (eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, the
two omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil) help reduce risk
factors for heart disease, including high cholesterol and
high blood pressure. Fish oil has been shown to lower levels
of triglycerides (fats in the blood), and to lower risk of
death, heart attack, stroke, and abnormal heart rhythms in
people who have already had a heart attack. Fish oil also
appears to help prevent and treat atherosclerosis (hardening
of the arteries) by slowing the development of plaque and
blood clots, which can clog arteries.
Large population studies suggest that getting omega-3
fatty acids in the diet, primarily from fish, helps protect
against stroke caused by plaque buildup and blood clots in
the arteries that lead to the brain. Eating at least 2
servings of fish per week can reduce the risk of stroke by
as much as 50%. However, high doses of fish oil and omega-3
fatty acids may increase the risk of bleeding. People who
eat more than 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids per day
(equivalent to 3 servings of fish per day) may have higher
risk for hemorrhagic stroke, a potentially fatal type of
stroke in which an artery in the brain leaks or ruptures.
Diabetes
People with diabetes often have high triglyceride and low
HDL levels. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil can help lower
triglycerides and apoproteins (markers of diabetes), and
raise HDL, so eating foods or taking fish oil supplements
may help people with diabetes. Another type of omega-3 fatty
acid, ALA (from flaxseed, for example) may not have the same
benefit as fish oil. Some people with diabetes can' t
efficiently convert LNA to a form of omega-3 fatty acids
that the body can use. Also, some people with type 2
diabetes may have slight increases in fasting blood sugar
when taking fish oil, so talk to your doctor to see if fish
oil is right for you.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Most clinical studies examining omega-3 fatty acid
supplements for arthritis have focused on rheumatoid
arthritis (RA), an autoimmune disease that causes
inflammation in the joints. A number of small studies have
found that fish oil helps reduce symptoms of RA, including
joint pain and morning stiffness. One study suggests that
people with RA who take fish oil may be able to lower their
dose of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
However, unlike prescription medications, fish oil does not
appear to slow progression of RA, only to treat the
symptoms. Joint damage still occurs.
Laboratory studies suggest that diets rich in omega-3
fatty acids (and low in the inflammatory omega-6 fatty
acids) may help people with osteoarthritis, although more
study is needed. New Zealand green lipped mussel (Perna
canaliculus), another potential source of omega-3 fatty
acids, has been reported to reduce joint stiffness and pain,
increase grip strength, and improve walking pace in a small
group of people with osteoarthritis. For some people,
symptoms got worse before they improved.
An analysis of 17 randomized, controlled clinical trials
looked at the pain relieving effects of omega-3 fatty acid
supplements in people with RA or joint pain caused by
inflammatory bowel disease (IBS) and painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea).
The results suggest that omega-3 fatty acids, along with
conventional therapies such as NSAIDs, may help relieve
joint pain associated with these conditions.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
Several small studies suggest that EPA and fish oil may
help reduce symptoms of lupus, an autoimmune condition
characterized by fatigue and joint pain. However, two small
studies found fish oil had no effect on lupus nephritis
(kidney disease caused by lupus, a frequent complication of
the disease).
Osteoporosis
Some studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids may help
increase levels of calcium in the body and improve bone
strength, although not all results were positive. Some
studies also suggest that people who don' t get enough of
some essential fatty acids (particularly EPA and gamma-linolenic
acid [GLA], an omega-6 fatty acid) are more likely to have
bone loss than those with normal levels of these fatty
acids. In a study of women over 65 with osteoporosis, those
who took EPA and GLA supplements had less bone loss over 3
years than those who took placebo. Many of these women also
experienced an increase in bone density.
Depression
Studies have found mixed results as to whether taking
omega-3 fatty acids can help depression symptoms. Several
studies have found that people who took omega-3 fatty acids
in addition to prescription antidepressants had a greater
improvement in symptoms than those who took antidepressants
alone. However, other studies have found no benefit.
Studies are also mixed on whether omega-3 fatty acids
alone have any effect on depression. Depression is a serious
illness and you should not try to treat it on your own. See
a doctor for help.
Bipolar disorder
In a clinical study of 30 people with bipolar disorder,
those who took fish oil in addition to standard prescription
treatments for bipolar disorder for 4 months experienced
fewer mood swings and relapse than those who received
placebo. But another 4-month long clinical study treating
people with bipolar depression and rapid cycling bipolar
disorder did not find that EPA helped reduce symptoms.
Schizophrenia
Preliminary clinical evidence suggests that people with
schizophrenia may have an improvement in symptoms when given
omega-3 fatty acids. However, a recent well-designed study
concluded that EPA supplements are no better than placebo in
improving symptoms of this condition.
Attention deficit/hyperactivity
disorder (ADHD)
Children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD) may have low levels of certain essential fatty acids
(including EPA and DHA). In a clinical study of nearly 100
boys, those with lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids had
more learning and behavioral problems (such as temper
tantrums and sleep disturbances) than boys with normal
omega-3 fatty acid levels.
However, studies examining whether omega-3 fatty acids
help improve symptoms of ADHD have found mixed results. A
few studies have found that omega-3 fatty acids helped
improve behavioral symptoms, but most were not well
designed. One study that looked at DHA in addition to
stimulant therapy (standard therapy for ADHD) found no
effect. More research is needed, but eating foods that are
high in omega-3 fatty acids is a reasonable approach for
someone with ADHD.
Skin disorders
In one clinical study, 13 people with sun sensitivity
known as photo dermatitis showed less sensitivity to UV rays
after taking fish oil supplements. However, topical
sunscreens are much better at protecting the skin from
damaging effects of the sun than omega-3 fatty acids. In
another study of 40 people with psoriasis, those who took
EPA with their prescription medications did better than
those treated with the medications alone. However, a larger
study of people with psoriasis found no benefit from fish
oil.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Results are mixed as to whether omega-3 fatty acids can
help reduce symptoms of Crohn' s disease and ulcerative
colitis, the two types of IBD. Some studies suggest that
omega-3 fatty acids may help when added to medication, such
as sulfasalazine (a standard medication for IBD). Others
find no effect. More studies are needed. Fish oil
supplements can cause side effects that are similar to
symptoms of IBD (such as flatulence, belching, bloating, and
diarrhea).
Asthma
Studies examining omega-3 fatty acids for asthma are
mixed. In one small, well-designed clinical study of 29
children with asthma, those who took fish oil supplements
rich in EPA and DHA for 10 months reduced their symptoms
compared to children who took placebo. However, most studies
have shown no effect.
Macular Degeneration
A questionnaire given to more than 3,000 people over the
age of 49 found that those who ate more fish were less
likely to have macular degeneration (a serious age-related
eye condition that can progress to blindness) than those who
ate less fish. Similarly, a clinical study comparing 350
people with macular degeneration to 500 without the eye
disease found that those with a healthy dietary balance of
omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and more fish in their diets
were less likely to have macular degeneration.
Menstrual pain
In one study of 42 women, they had less menstrual pain
when they took fish oil supplements than when they took
placebo.
Coloncancer
Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids seems to reduce
the risk of colorectal cancer. For example, Eskimos, who
tend to have a high-fat diet but eat significant amounts of
fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, have a low rate of
colorectal cancer. Animal studies and laboratory studies
have found that omega-3 fatty acids prevent worsening of
colon cancer. Preliminary studies suggest that taking fish
oil daily may help slow the progression of colon cancer in
people with early stages of the disease. If you have
colorectal cancer, ask your doctor before taking any
supplements.
Breast cancer
Although not all experts agree, women who eat foods rich
in omega-3 fatty acids over many years may be less likely to
develop breast cancer. More research is needed to understand
the effect that omega-3 fatty acids may have on the
prevention of breast cancer.
Prostate cancer
Population based studies of groups of men suggest that a
low-fat diet including omega-3 fatty acids from fish or fish
oil help prevent the development of prostate cancer.
Ready, Set, Grow
