To explain phlebitis, the editors of Prevention have used a great analogy: if the blood flowing through your veins is a river, then phlebitis is like the Hoover Dam. Explained simply, phlebitis is inflammation of the veins. It could turn into a life threatening affliction that causes a blood clot in the veins and is also known as thrombophlebitis. (The word thrombo means ‘blood clot’). DVT or deep vein thrombosis is a serious condition that could be fatal but there is also a superficial thrombophlebitis which is less serious. Today, we will study some natural phlebitis treatment care and prevention remedies.
1. Alkalize the body
The first step of getting rid of phlebitis naturally is to start eating the right foods that heal phlebitis. This includes eliminating all acidic foods and eating an alkaline diet to restore natural ph balance and eliminate blood clots. Aim to get at least 70-80% of alkaline foods which include:
- Fruits-Avocado, tomatoes, lemons, limes, grapefruit, coconut and pomegranate
- Vegetables-Asparagus, broccoli, capsicum, beans, peas, kale, spinach, kelp, collards, chives, cabbage, cauliflower, carrots, cucumbers, parsley, cilantro etc.
- Grains-Amaranth, buckwheat, quinoa, lentils.
- Beans-Lima, pinto, red, soy, white.
- Sprouts-alfalfa, fenugreek, soy, broccoli sprouts, mung bean, quinoa, spelt.
- Nuts and seeds-almonds, sesame, sunflower, pumpkin, flax seeds.
- Sprouted breads and wraps or gluten and yeast free breads only
- Oils– Olive, coconut, avocado, flaxseed oil
As can be seen, the best diet for getting rid of thrombophlebitis and preventing DVT is a mostly vegetarian diet with plenty of fruits and vegetable juices.
2. Homeopathic remedies for phlebitis
Take Ferrum Phosphoricum and Hamamelis alternately every 4 hours. St. John’s Wort is another popular remedy. You can take it internally with other herbs like Arnica. Lachesis 12x potency is beneficial remedy for treating bacteria and preventing blood poisoning that accompanies phlebitis.
3. Vitamin E
Oral intake of vitamin E can prevent phlebitis and also encourage it to disappear if present. You can also benefit from application of Vitamin E oil or cream to the area with pain.
4. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar helps alkalize the body to naturally prevent phlebitis. Take the following drink three times a day to lose weight and relieve pain and swelling caused by varicose veins and blood clots: to a tumbler of water, add 2 teaspoons of organic, raw and unfiltered apple cider vinegar.
5. Compresses
You can use either heat or cold compresses for phlebitis pain relief. To make a compress, simply soak flannel cloth in alcohol and apply it to the painful region. Alternatively, you can make a compress from tinctures of St. John’s Wort, yarrow or marigold.
6. Essential oils for phlebitis
Studies have shown that essential oils like Frankincense can be used for treating chronic inflammatory conditions like phlebitis. Use these oils diluted for massaging the painful regions or even as bath oil.
7. Serrapeptase and Nattokinase enzymes
Take Serrapeptase which is an enzyme derived from silkworms. It helps in breaking up blood clots and can help heart patients as well. Likewise, nattokinase enzymes are derived from fermented soybean curd called natto. It helps dissolve blood clots to prevent phlebitis.
8. Cayenne pepper
Cayenne pepper works wonders for keeping the blood circulation system healthy. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. You can take supplements or take some cayenne pepper (mixed with Blackstrap molasses and apple cider vinegar )to alkalize the body.
9. Garlic and ginger
Garlic is a natural blood thinner. Take 2 cloves of garlic daily twice a day if you suffer from this condition. Ginger root is also anti-inflammatory and helps reduce blood clots. Soak ginger root overnight and next morning grate some in water or tea.
10. Horse chestnut
Horse chestnut is a wonderful natural remedy to cure painful phlebitis. Take 2 tablets per day of this herb and slowly increase it to 4 tablets.
11. Baking soda and lemon juice
Take a mixture of ½ tsp of baking soda with 1 tsp lemon juice. Stir it in a glass of water and drink this three times a day. This natural remedy not only helps you get rid of phlebitis; it also works for gout and other chronic inflammatory issues.
12. Folic acid
Folic acid balances homocysteine levels to prevent blood clots. Take 1mg of folic acid daily.
13. Exercise
To reduce blood clots that lead to deep vein thrombosis, exercise daily. Brisk walk for 30 minutes per day.
Try these 13 natural cures to get rid of phlebitis permanently.