Proposed Natural Treatments for Phlebitis/DVT

There are no well-established natural treatments for phlebitis. There is some evidence, however, that certain natural treatments might help prevent DVTs.

Note : Because phlebitis is a potentially life-threatening disorder, you should seek a doctor's advice before attempting any natural treatments. The presence of DVTs constitutes a medical emergency and requires immediate medical care.

Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins

It is thought, though not proven, that the immobility endured during a long plane flight increases risk of potentially dangerous blood clots in the legs, DVTs.⁶ Travellers at high risk are often recommended to take aspirin to "thin" their blood prior to flying. Oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), a derivative of pine bark or grape seed, may have a similar effect.⁷

Because of this, a large double-blind, placebo-controlled study was performed to evaluate whether OPCs from pine bark could help reduce risk of blood clots on long airplane flights.⁸ The study followed 198 people thought to be at high risk for blood clots. Some participants were given 200 mg of OPCs 2-3 hours prior to the flight, 200 mg six hours later, and 100 mg the next day; others received placebo at the same schedule. The average flight length was about 8 hours. The results indicated that use of OPCs significantly reduced risk of blood clots. There were five cases of DVTs or superficial thrombosis in the placebo group, as compared to none in the OPC group, a difference that was statistically significant.

Another substantial double-blind study (204 participants) suggests preventative benefit in high-risk patients given Flite Tabs, a product that contains pycnogenol (an OPC) combined with nattokinase.⁹ Nattokinase, also known as natto, is an extract of fermented soy thought to have some blood clot dissolving properties. However, the incidence of DVTs was not reported.

For more information, including dosage and safety issues, see the full OPC article.

Other Treatments

Vitamin E, when taken in high doses, is thought to have a blood-thinning effect. One study found a bit of evidence that regular use of vitamin E at a dose of 600 IU daily may help prevent deep venous thrombosis.¹¹

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.^1,2,3 However, there is no good evidence as yet supporting this use.

Mesoglycan  is a type of substance found in the tissues of the body, including blood vessels. It is closely related to the anticoagulant drug heparin. Preliminary evidence suggests that mesoglycan might be helpful in treating phlebitis,⁴ although not all studies agree.⁵

Horse chestnut is often used for chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins, conditions related to phlebitis. For this reason, horse chestnut is sometimes recommended for phlebitis as well, but there is as yet 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, risk of such cardiovascular diseases as heart attack, stroke, and DVT are increased. However, in a very large study, reduction of homocysteine through the use of folate and vitamins B12 and B6 failed to reduce risk of DVT.¹⁰