Natural treatments for phlebitis and deep vein thrombosis

DEFINITION: Treatment of serious inflammation of a vein that is often accompanied by blood clots that adhere to the wall of the vein.

PRINCIPAL PROPOSED NATURAL TREATMENTS: None

OTHER PROPOSED NATURAL TREATMENTS: Bromelain, horse chestnut, mesoglycan, reducing homocysteine, vitamin E, fish oil, ginger, turmeric, ginkgo biloba, cayenne pepper, sweet clover (Melilotus officinalis)

Introduction

The term “phlebitis” refers to an inflammation of a vein, usually in the leg, and frequently accompanied by blood clots that adhere to the wall of the vein. When the affected vein is close to the surface, the condition is called superficial phlebitis. This condition usually resolves on its own without further complications. However, when phlebitis occurs in a deep vein, a condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a clot could dislodge from the vein and lodge in the lungs. This is a life-threatening condition.

Symptoms of superficial phlebitis include pain, swelling, redness, and warmth around the affected vein. The vein feels hard to the touch because of the clotted blood. Deep vein thrombosis is more difficult to diagnose. It can occur without any symptoms until the clot reaches the lungs. However, about one-half of the cases include warning symptoms, such as swelling, pain, and warmth in the entire calf, ankle, foot, or thigh (depending on where the involved vein is located). Although these symptoms can also be caused by more benign conditions, DVT is such a life-threatening disorder that physician consultation is necessary.

Risk factors for any type of phlebitis include recent surgery or childbirth, varicose veins, inactivity or sitting for long periods (such as during an airline flight), smoking, hormone replacement therapy, obesity, certain cancers, physical trauma, and family history of blood clots. Prolonged placement of intravenous catheters can also cause phlebitis, possibly requiring antibiotic treatment.

Conventional treatments for superficial phlebitis include ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen sodium (Aleve) for pain, elevation, warm compresses, and compression bandages or stockings to increase blood flow. Staying hydrated is also recommended. In more severe cases, anticoagulants or minor surgery may be required. DVT requires more aggressive treatment, including hospitalization, strong anticoagulants, and a variety of possible surgical procedures.

Proposed Natural Treatments

There are no well-established natural treatments for phlebitis. There is some evidence, however, that certain natural treatments might help prevent DVTs. Because phlebitis is a potentially life-threatening disorder, one should seek a doctor’s advice before attempting any natural treatments. DVT constitutes a medical emergency and requires immediate medical care.

Oligomeric proanthocyanidins. It is thought, though not proven, that the immobility endured during a long airline flight increases the risk of potentially dangerous blood clots in the legs. Travelers at high risk are often advised to take aspirin to “thin” their blood before flying. Oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), a derivative of pine bark or grape seed, may have a similar effect.

A large, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated whether OPCs from pine bark could help reduce the risk of blood clots on long flights. The study followed 198 people at high risk for blood clots. Some participants received 200 milligrams (mg) of OPCs two to three hours before their flight, 200 mg six hours later, and 100 mg the next day; others received a placebo on the same schedule. The average flight length was about eight hours. The results indicated that using OPCs significantly reduced the risk of blood clots. There were five cases of DVTs or superficial thrombosis in the placebo group, compared to none in the OPC group, a statistically significant difference.

Another substantial double-blind study (204 participants) suggested preventive benefits in high-risk persons given Flite Tabs, which contain pycnogenol (an OPC) combined with nattokinase. Nattokinase, or natto, is an extract of fermented soy thought to have some blood-clot-dissolving properties. However, the incidence of DVTs was not reported.

Other treatments. Vitamin E, when taken in high doses, is thought to have a blood-thinning effect. One study found some evidence that regular use of vitamin E at a dose of 600 international units daily may help prevent DVT.

Bromelain is an enzyme found in the stems of pineapple. Because it has anti-inflammatory properties and may be able to prevent blood platelet aggregation, it has been suggested as a treatment for phlebitis. However, there is no good evidence supporting this use.

Fermented sweet clover has also been proposed as a natural treatment for phlebitis because it contains coumarins. When fermented, coumarins become a natural anticoagulant called dicoumarol. It is believed to improve circulation, thin the blood, help heal wounds, and lower water retention. However, individuals taking blood thinning medications like warfarin should avoid sweet clover.

Mesoglycan is a substance found in body tissues like blood vessels. It is closely related to the anticoagulant drug heparin. Mesoglycan supplements are produced from cow lungs, cow blood vessels, or pig intestines. Preliminary evidence suggests that mesoglycan might help treat phlebitis and chronic venous dysfunction, although not all studies agree. Horse chestnut is often used for chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins, conditions related to phlebitis. For this reason, horse chestnuts are sometimes recommended for phlebitis too, but there is no real evidence that it works.

Homocysteine is a substance that occurs naturally in the body. It has been suggested that when homocysteine levels are too high, the risk of such cardiovascular diseases as heart attack, stroke, and DVT are increased. However, in a very large study, the reduction of homocysteine through the use of folate and vitamins B₁₂ and B₆ failed to reduce the risk of DVT.

Several other natural treatments recommended for phlebitis have their basis for treatment in anti-inflammatory properties. Taking fish oil or supplementing with any omega-3 fatty acid may reduce inflammation and protect blood vessels. Ginger and turmeric are also recommended for their anti-inflammatory properties. Cayenne pepper contains salicylates, which may lower blood pressure, thin blood, and increase circulation. Finally, supplementing with ginkgo biloba is sometimes recommended for the treatment of phlebitis.

Bibliography

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Cesarone, M. R., et al. “Prevention of Venous Thrombosis in Long-Haul Flights with Flite Tabs.” Angiology 54 (2003): 531-39.

Glynn, R. J., et al. “Effects of Random Allocation to Vitamin E Supplementation on the Occurrence of Venous Thromboembolism: Report from the Women’s Health Study.” Circulation 116 (2007): 1497-1503.

Goodwin, Meredith, and Sophia Smith. “Phlebitis: What Is It, Symptoms, Causes, and More.” Healthline, 19 Apr. 2023, www.healthline.com/health/phlebitis#symptoms. Accessed 20 Sept. 2024.

Mangiafico, Marco, and Luca Costanzo. "Superficial Venous Thrombosis: A Comprehensive Review." Healthcare, vol. 12, no. 4, 2024. doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12040500.

O'Carroll, Darragh. “Deep Vein Thrombosis Treatment at Home.” Healthline, 4 Jan. 2023, www.healthline.com/health/dvt/home-treatment#herbs-for-prevention. Accessed 20 Sept. 2024.

“Phlebitis - Symptoms, Causes & Treatments.” Dr. Weil, www.drweil.com/health-wellness/body-mind-spirit/hair-skin-nails/phlebitis. Accessed 29 Aug. 2023.

Ray, J. G., et al. “Homocysteine-Lowering Therapy and Risk for Venous Thromboembolism.” Annals of Internal Medicine 146 (2007): 761-67.

Ten Wolde, M., et al. “Travel and the Risk of Symptomatic Venous Thromboembolism.” Thrombosis and Hemostasis 89 (2003): 499-505.