Does Ginger alter the effect of anticoagulants like Coumadin?

by Admin on March 12, 2010

I read somewhere that ginger might be a sort of natural anticoagulant and could intensify the effects of a blood thinning medication. Does anyone know if this is true? I take Coumadin and don’t want to mess up my INR, as it is already up and down.

{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }

Chrys23 March 12, 2010 at 12:00 am

Not that I am aware of, although foods rich in vitamin k are, like spinach. Other than that I don’t think so.

sanshaynco March 12, 2010 at 12:00 am

If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you should not use ginger without first talking to your healthcare provider.

Blood-thinning medications
Although ginger may interfere with blood clotting, there have been no scientific or case reports of interactions between ginger and blood-thinning medications. However, people taking these medications with ginger should be monitored closely by a healthcare practitioner for risk of bleeding.

Cyclophosphamide
Ginger may reduce the toxic side effects of cyclophosphamide (a medication used to treat a variety of cancers). More research is needed in this area.

april s March 12, 2010 at 12:00 am

i am not sure about ginger but dark green leafy veggies does affect coumadin, esp tunip greens, etc……..they are ok in moderation but you shouldnt eat large amounts as they are natural blood thinners

dynamite March 12, 2010 at 12:00 am

not ginger but ginko biloba

Divine2me March 12, 2010 at 12:00 am

This is a very VIP question please ask your Doc before something doesn’t go as plan.

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