10 Selected Remedies to Increase Platelet Count

Platelets are the cells which are present in our blood and bind together to form a highly packed mass whenever they witness a damaged blood vessel. They are the first to react to any injury. The primary function of these platelets is to coagulate the blood at the site of damage. Whenever we get a cut, the platelets bind themselves to form a thickened mass, which stops the further loss of blood. If the platelets were not present, then blood would have flowed out continuously through even a small cut leading to dangerous consequences. These are the smallest blood cells which can be witnessed only under a microscope. However, due to their small size, platelets make up only a small fraction of the total blood present in our body.

‘Thrombocytopenia is a medical term which refers to low platelet count. Low platelet count would mean that enough platelets are not available to clot the blood at the site of injury. Low platelet count is caused due to two major reasons, either they are not being produced in enough quantity or they are getting destroyed quite easily.

Deficiency of Vitamin B12 or medical conditions like anaemia and leukaemia etc. leads to a low platelet count.

Here are a few selected remedies to increase platelet count naturally and without any side-effects:

1. Papaya and Papaya Leaves

   According to the research conducted by Asian Institute of Science and Technology in Malaysia, the consumption of papaya and its leaves increased the platelet count in the people diagnosed with dengue fever and had low platelet count. Both papaya and its leaves are helpful in increasing the number of platelets present in the body. It boosts the production of platelets in the bone marrow. You can either eat raw papaya or can drink the juice made out of its leaves. Drink two teaspoons of this bitter juice at least two times a day, till your platelet count comes back to normal.

2. Wheatgrass

   As per the researches, wheatgrass is considered beneficial in increasing the platelet count in the body. Apart from boosting the platelet production, wheatgrass also helps in increasing the number of red blood cells, white blood cells and hemoglobin in the body. Wheatgrass contains a high amount of chlorophyll and it stimulates an increase in the production of all the various components of blood. All you need to do is drink half a cup of wheatgrass juice mixed with a little amount of lemon juice on daily basis.

3. Pumpkin

   Pumpkin is another important food item, which helps to boost the platelet count in the body. It contains a high amount of Vitamin A which supports the proper production of platelets in the bone marrow. It also enhances the production of proteins in the cells which, in turn, increase the platelet count in the body. Add one teaspoon of honey into half glass of fresh pumpkin juice and drink this two to three times a day. You can also eat pumpkin in the form of puree, soup, stew or smoothie etc.

4. Lemon Juice

   Apart from mixing lemon juice with pumpkin and papaya juice, lemon juice can be consumed alone as well to increase the platelet count in the human body. Lemon is rich in Vitamin C. Vitamin C rich foods act as powerful antioxidants and help to improve the immunity which simultaneously helps in preventing the free radical damage of the platelets. Drink lemon juice at least two times a day till your platelet count comes back to normal.

5. Indian Gooseberries

   According to Ayurveda, the consumption of Indian Gooseberries is considered as one of the best and natural methods of increasing the platelet count in the body. Indian Gooseberry, also known as Amla is rich in Vitamin C. They strengthen the immune system by boosting the production of platelets in the body. You should eat at least three to four Indian Gooseberries in the morning on an empty stomach. It can also be consumed in the form of juice, mix the juice of the Indian Gooseberries along with honey and drink this juice at least two to three times a day. Amla can also be consumed in the form of jams and pickles.

6. Spinach

   Spinach is rich in Vitamin K and it is prescribed by doctors to treat platelet disorders and deficiency. Vitamin K is responsible for coagulation of the blood at the site of injury and hence it enhances the production of the platelets in the bone marrow. Vitamin K also helps to stop excessive bleeding from a cut thus the proper consumption of spinach will not only boost the platelet count but also stop the platelets from being easily damaged and destroyed. Boil four to five fresh spinach leaves in two cups of water for about two to three minutes. Cool the mixture and mix it with half glass of tomato juice. Now drink this juice at least three times a day. You can also consume spinach in the form of salads, side dishes, green smoothies or soups.

7. Beetroot

   Beetroots are good source antioxidants and they are also considered as good hemostatic agents. Hence beetroots stop excessive bleeding from the site of injury. It holds back the blood in the damaged blood vessel so as to prevent the loss of blood from the wound. Eating beetroots or drinking its juice will enhance the platelet count within a few days. If you do not like its juice alone because of the strong taste, you can add carrot juice to it to neutralize the flavor. Drink this juice at least three times a day.

8. Aloe Vera

   Aloe Vera is known for its property to cleanse the blood. It also prevents blood infections and actively participates in the blood clotting process. All of this leads to an increase in the platelet count in the body. It also treat the problems which arise due to the low platelet count. The polysaccharides which are present in the aloe vera gel stimulate the production of macrophages, which fight against the viruses and other harmful foreign bodies thereby boosting the immunity. Drink one tablespoon of aloe vera juice after almost every meal, every day till the platelet rise back to normal.

9. Sesame Oil

   Cold pressed sesame oil is highly beneficial in increasing the platelet count of the body. It has certain properties, which naturally boost the production of platelets and prevents them from getting damaged and destroyed. It helps to reduce inflammation in various parts of the body and helps to increase blood circulation in the body. Drink one to two tablespoons of good quality sesame oil two times a day. You can also choose to rub sesame oil externally on the lymph node areas many times in a day. For best results, use cold pressed sesame oil for cooking as well.

10. Water

    Drinking water in the right amount is the most natural and easiest way to increase the platelet count of the body. Blood cells are generally made up of water and proteins. The reason behind deficiency of platelets in the body can be due to the absence of the right amount of water and proper nutrients needed for their production. However, it is recommended to avoid drinking cold water as it affects the digestive tract and prevents the proper absorption of the necessary nutrients. Drink purified and filtered water of moderate temperature. Consumption of water in the proper amount will boost the production of the blood cells thereby leading to an increase in the platelet count of the body. Drink at least eight to ten glasses of water every day.

• Avoid drinking tonic water as the quinine present in it, decreases the blood platelet count.
• The alcohol intake should be kept under check as excess consumption of alcohol hampers platelets production of in bone marrow.
• If your platelet count is low, then avoid eating raw vegetables as the gastric juices in the stomach are unable to break them down properly thereby leading to the damage to the intestinal lining. Prefer to eat boiled or properly cooked vegetables.
• When suffering from low platelet count, avoid the consumption of the dairy products like milk, butter, chesses and yogurt etc. for some days as these products may lead to the formation of mucus, which in turn can worsen the autoimmune diseases.
• Avoid processed and canned foods which don’t contain many nutrients.
• Get a sleep for at least seven to eight hours every night to help the body in rejuvenating it and producing more platelets.
• Avoid taking white rice and white flour. Instead take brown rice, whole grain cereals and other whole wheat products.
• Seek advice from your doctor before you take any over-the-counter medicines as some of them can affect the platelet function.

Most importantly, avoid activities which can cause any injury as they say, ‘Precaution is better than Cure.’

Also Read:

• Causes Of Low Platelet Count or Thrombocytopenia, Its Effects & Ways To Increase Platelet Count Naturally