The Effects of Coumadin & Sesame Oil Applied to the Skin
Coumadin is a brand name for warfarin -- an anticoagulant medication normally prescribed to treat and prevent heart attacks, strokes and thrombosis (blot clots). Coumadin thins the blood by lowering the body's production of vitamin K, an essential vitamin for blood clotting. Coumadin can negatively interact with other drugs, vitamins and foods. Sesame seed oil applied externally may interact with Coumadin because of the way sesame seed oil is absorbed. Understanding the mechanism of sesame seed oil's absorption can help the Coumadin user decide whether this oil is safe to use. If you are taking Coumadin, you should talk with your doctor before using sesame seed oil.
Other People Are Reading
-
Coumadin and Vitamin K
-
Large amounts of vitamin K interrupt Coumadin's blood-thinning properties. Coumadin inhibits vitamin K production to prevent clotting. According to the Coumadin patient information website, Coumadin blocks the formation of clotting factors in the liver that are dependent on vitamin K. Patients have to monitor vitamin K intake closely by consuming regulated amounts of foods with vitamin K, usually 80 micrograms daily for a 2,000-calorie diet. Any changes in vitamin K intake can make Coumadin less effective and increase blood-clotting abilities.
Coumadin and Vitamin E
-
Other vitamins interact with and make Coumadin less effective. Vitamin E in large doses can thin the blood. The Merck Manual online medical library states that vitamin E may enhance the anticoagulant effect of vitamin K antagonists contained in Coumadin. Coumadin users are cautioned not to take vitamin E in large quantities because of the danger of over-thinning the blood.
-
Sesame Seed Oil
-
Sesame seeds contain fibers called lignans, which, in turn, contain substances called sesamin and sesamolin. These substances are thought to increase vitamin E and control blood pressure. The same substances are present in sesame seed oil. Sesame seed oil applied topically absorbs quickly and deeply and reaches the bloodstream through blood capillaries beneath the skin. It pierces through tissue, goes straight to the bone and removes harmful toxins. Because the oil penetrates so deeply, it is probable that the vitamins contained in the oil rapidly enter the bloodstream as well.
Coumadin and Sesame Seed Oil
-
Coumadin thins the blood to prevent blood clots. Vitamin E and other substances present in sesame seed oil can also thin the blood. Combining the two could result in blood thinned to a dangerous degree. Consult a doctor before using sesame seed oil on the skin, so that Coumadin levels can be monitored to assure its continued effectiveness.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
