Protein C deficiency: Blood Clotting Disorder
Answered by: Susan Eagles
Question from: Andrea
Posted on: May 27, 2001

I just recently found out that I have Protein Deficiency C. It is a hereditary blood clotting disorder, and is very rare. I was told by a hematologist that I do not have to take any medicine since right now I do not have any blood clots. When I develop a blood clot, then I would be on coumadin for the rest of my life. What concerns me, is when I found out I had this, I searched on the web to find some things out about this. While searching I have ran into an article by a woman who has it also. She had a blood clot when delivering her 4th child, and has been on coumadin since. I told her I was going to look into something natural to take, and she said she doesn’t have enough money to pay for anything more than what it costs for coumadin. She has a prescription card that covers some of the cost. She told me that she is always searching for more and better ways to help this. She wanted me to let her know if I found anything out. Right now she said she is on 7mg of coumadin a day. I found there is a plant called white or yellow melilot for blood clots. Would she be able to replace this with coumadin instead? How much would it cost her, and how much would she have to take if possible? Thank you for your help.

Protein C deficiency is often asymptomatic, and may result in blood clots only when other factors are involved. It would be beneficial for you to look at factors that may reduce the possibility of increased blood clotting, and supplement your diet with natural foods that keep the blood, the blood flow and the blood vessels healthy.

Among the risk factors for increased blood clot formation are oral contraceptive use, pregnancy, surgery, and injury to the blood vessels.

I suggest that you discuss some of the following herbs and supplements with a natural practitioner, who can assess your requirements during a full consultation and advise you of safe, beneficial herbs and dosages for your particular case. I cannot advise you of a specific dose of Melilot to substitute for the coumadin drug.

Garlic: reduces blood platelet clumping

Vitamin E: promotes healthy blood vessels and blood cells and is an anticoagulant

Cayenne, Ginseng, Nettle (Urtica dioica) and Bayberry bark (Myrica cerifera) promote blood circulation.

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) and Sassafras thin the blood and improve circulation to the extremities.

Linden flowers (Tilia cordata) relax the blood vessels to allow easier blood flow.

Fish oils lower cholesterol and guard against clot formation.

Melilot, Alfalfa and Red Clover flowers contain anticoagulant constituents, including coumarin derivatives.

Back to Medicinal Herbs and Their Uses | Q & A Index

Copyright © 1997-2024 Otto Richter and Sons Limited. All rights reserved.