Herbs for THICK BLOOD study shows it does LOL

Below is an organized list of herbs used traditionally or in herbal/integrative practice for various blood-related purposes.

1. Blood builders / iron-support (help hemoglobin, anemia)

• Nettle nutritive; high in iron, vitamins. Forms: infusion, tincture, dried leaf. Safety: may interact with antihypertensives, diuretics; can cause allergic reactions.
• Yellow dock (Rumex crispus) — tonic, mild laxative; traditionally used to increase iron absorption. Forms: tincture, decoction.
• Dandelion leaf & root nutritive, supports liver (indirectly aids iron metabolism). Forms: infusion, tincture. Safety: may interact with diuretics; allergy possible.
• Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) — nutritive, mineral-rich. Forms: infusion, capsules. Safety: not for autoimmune disease; may contain L-canavanine.
• Yellow dock + nettle formulas commonly used for iron-deficiency anemia.

1. Blood tonics / nutritive herbs (strengthen and nourish blood)

• Red raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus) — nutritive uterine and blood tonic. Forms: infusion. Safety: generally safe; avoid excessive use in pregnancy unless advised.
• Moringa (Moringa oleifera) — nutrient-dense, supports hematopoiesis. Forms: powder, capsules. Safety: avoid high doses if pregnant.
• Beetroot; supports nitric oxide, blood flow, and hemoglobin. Forms: juice, powder. Safety: may lower blood pressure; can cause beeturia.

1. Blood builders with vitamin/mineral support

• Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) rich in iron and B12 analogs; supports red cell production.
• Wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum) nutrient-rich green supporting blood health. Forms: juice, powder.

1. Circulatory stimulants / improve blood flow

• Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) enhances peripheral circulation, microcirculation.Safety: increases bleeding risk; avoid with anticoagulants.
• Cayenne / chili (Capsicum spp.) vasodilator, stimulates circulation. Forms: tincture, powder, topical. Safety: irritant; avoid with ulcers.
• Ginger (Zingiber officinale) — improves circulation, anti-inflammatory. Forms: tea, tincture. Safety: may increase bleeding risk in high doses.
• Garlic (Allium sativum) — antiplatelet, improves circulation and lipid profile. Forms: raw, aged extract. Safety: increases bleeding risk; interact with anticoagulants.

1. Blood cleansers / detoxifiers (traditional use for "purifying blood")

• Burdock root (Arctium lappa) — blood purifier, hepatic support. Forms: decoction, tincture. Safety: possible allergic reactions; avoid if on diuretics without guidance.
• Red clover (Trifolium pratense) — traditional blood purifier, phytoestrogenic. Forms: infusion, tincture. Safety: avoid with estrogen-sensitive conditions; may interact with anticoagulants.
• Cleavers (Galium aparine) — lymphatic/blood cleanser; diuretic. Forms: infusion, tincture. Safety: generally mild; avoid excessive use.
• Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) — liver-protective, supports detox pathways. Forms: standardized silymarin extract. Safety: generally well tolerated; possible GI upset.

1. Hemostatics / stop bleeding (astringent, styptic)

• Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) — styptic and wound-healing; used topically and internally for mild bleeding. Forms: infusion, tincture, poultice. Safety: possible photosensitivity and allergic reactions.

• Plantain (Plantago major) — astringent, topical for cuts and stops bleeding. Forms: poultice, infusion. Safety: generally safe.

1. Anticoagulant / antiplatelet herbs (reduce clotting risk — use cautiously)

• Turmeric / curcumin (Curcuma longa) — antiplatelet, anti-inflammatory.
• Willow bark (Salix spp.)

1. Herbs supporting menstruation regulating menses

• Angelica / Dong quai (Angelica sinensis) traditional blood tonic for women; may increase circulation and regulate menses.

1. Lymphatic / supportive herbs (indirect blood benefits)

• Echinacea (Echinacea spp.) immunemodulating, supports lymph and circulation. Forms: tincture, capsules. Safety: short-term use; possible allergy.

• Blackstrap molasses (food, not herb) traditional iron source for anemia.