Treat Anemia Using Herbal Home Remedies
Edited by Nerissa Avisado, Lynn, Eng, rm and 1 other
Feeling dizzy, nauseated or clammy? If you notice you're paler than usual, and you feel a shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, weakness or pain in the chest, you may need to see a doctor because you could be suffering from anemia.
Anemia is a common reason for fainting spells and can be dangerous, especially if it causes you to hit your head as you're collapsing to the floor. Anemia is a medical condition that occurs when the blood doesn't have enough red blood cells (RBC) or erythrocytes to bring oxygen to the cells. The condition is directly caused by inadequate iron in the blood, which can be a result of malnutrition, poor diet, pregnancy, and/or menstruation.
Symptoms of Anemia should not be taken lightly. There are varying degrees of Anemia - some, far more serious than others. If it isn't Anemia, symptoms like these might signify there is something more serious going on - celiac disease, bone disorder, or cancer. The most important thing to do is to see a doctor to confirm your suspicions, or diagnosis the real reason you aren't well, and provide competent treatment.
Anemia, if it is not caused by another medical or genetic disorder, is treatable. In fact, there are simple and affordable ways to prevent Anemia, or prevent it from returning if you are prone to it. Before you go for expensive medications that may have negative side effects, why not try some natural and affordable methods to treat Anemia.
Typical Causes of Anemia
The first thing you need to do is understand your affliction. Anemia develops when the body, specifically the bone marrow, produces fewer red blood cells than the number that are destroyed. This blood condition can be triggered by any of the following:
- 1Plain and simple, Anemia ensues when your body is not getting enough iron from your diet. To manufacture or synthesize hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying factor in your RBCs, your body needs iron. Without iron, there won't be enough materials necessary to produce the hemoglobin for the red blood cells.Iron deficiency anemia.
- 2Aside from iron, your body also needs vitamin B-12 and folate to synthesize enough red blood cells. If you are getting enough of these through diet or supplements, but still suffer from the condition, your body may not be absorbing the vitamins due to certain medications you are taking or because of certain medical conditions like celiac disease.Vitamin deficiency anemia.
- 3This occurs when the bone marrow cannot produce the red blood cells as fast as they are being destroyed. This happens due to certain genetic defects such as thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, and hemolytic anemia caused by G6PD deficiency. It can also be triggered by autoimmune disorders that make antibodies attack the body's own RBCs. This can also be also be the result of blood clots in the smaller blood vessels or if you've received a blood transfusion from someone whose blood type is not compatible with yours.Hemolytic Anemia.
- 4This type of life-threatening anemia is not common. Physiologically, the problem arises when the bone marrow cannot manufacture all the three types of blood cells RBCs, WBCs (White Blood cells), and platelets. Sadly, despite modern medicine and technology, the root of this blood condition remains unknown.Aplastic Anemia.
- 5This type is triggered by a genetic predisposition and one is born with it. A certain type of enzyme necessary in the synthesis of RBCs is not present or cannot be produced by the body. As a result, the hemoglobin acquires, a crescent shape that makes it incapable of binding with oxygen and the RBCs, do not reach maturity, causing the chronic condition.Sickle Cell Anemia.
- 6Chronic diseases such as HIV/AIDS, kidney malfunction and cancer can interfere with the physiology of the bone marrow and cause diminished production of red blood cells. This leads to chronic anemia.Anemia caused by a chronic disease.
- 7There are other types of anemia that can develop due to having defective hemoglobin or thalassemia.Others types of anemia.
Natural Herbal Remedies Battle and Prevent Anemia
Yellow Dock Root
This is a European native/wild herb that proliferates easily - even on roadsides. This herb is not only an excellent source of iron, but it also contains other phytonutrients - anthraquinone glycosides, as well as resins, tannins, and oxalates. In addition, yellow dock root contains vitamins A, C, phosphorus, and calcium.
- 1These nutrients are vital in releasing the iron stored in the liver to make it available for use in the production of RBCs in the bone marrow.
- 2If you are using the powdered root, just dissolve ½ to 1 tsp. into boiled water. Drink one cup three times daily.Infusion (tea).
- 3A decoction is simply making a tea with roots, bark and seeds. You can't steep these in a teapot like you can herbs, so to make a tea with the fresh roots, you'll need to boil in water for 20 minutes. Strain. Drink when cool. Drink one cup three times daily. You might want to make enough for the day, and store the unused two thirds in the fridge and drink cold with honey.Decoction (tea).
Stinging Nettle
Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) has been used to treat Anemia for
of years. Aside from that, Stinging Nettle will benefit you in other ways. It eliminates sodium from your system, lowers blood sugar levels, and is excellent when you are suffering from physical and/or mental exhaustion.
- 1Of course there's the caution with the fresh plant, as tiny hairs on the plant can cause a painful reaction on your skin - hence the stinging' aspect of its name. You can purchase the dried leaves from your local health-food store. The dried leaves are very reasonable priced. Many people use the young leaves of this plant in the same way you'd use spinach. In Ireland, nettle soup is as common as it is delicious. Nettles grow in shaded and damp areas. The leaves can be dried to make tea, pulverized and put into capsules, or you can make a tincture or extract from the fresh leaves. Note: Handle the fresh leaves with care!Make an infusion (tea) using Stinging Nettle.
- To prepare a delicious nettle tea, add raspberry.
- For best results you can also blend prambos fruit, oat straw herb, and anise or fennel.
Dandelion and Burdock
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) and Burdock (Artium lappa), when combined, work together synergistically, and deliver favorable results for treating anemia. These two can boost the body's ability to absorb iron more efficiently from the food they eat. The following dosage is recommended:
- 1Make a tea with ½ to 1 tsp. of Dandelion leaves, and ½ tsp. of powdered Burdock root. Steep for ten minutes. Strain. Drink. Three cups per day.Infusion.
- 2To make enough for the day (3 cups), in a saucepan (either glass or stainless steel), boil ½ to 1 teaspoon each of Dandelion and Burdock roots for 20 minutes. Strain into a container. Drink three cups per day. Refrigerate unused portion. Add honey to taste.Decoction.
- 3Take one of each twice a day.Capsules.
- 4A delicious alternative is eating fresh salads with dandelion greens.
Other Helpful Herbs
Alfalfa.
This plant has loads of nutrients that make it a good herbal supplement. This is particularly good because of its rejuvenating or tonic effect. Alfalfa is also very good for PMS.
- 1A drink of Gentian (Gentianalutea).This herb actively works on the gastrointestinal system to absorb iron more efficiently. Prepare this beverage by adding a teaspoon of its dried form into 3 cups of water. Drink it an hour before eating.
- 2Spirulina (blue-green algae).These herbs work wonderfully in the treatment of the so-called microcytic and macrocytic anemia. You can treat anemia by easily taking a teaspoon of spirulina a day.
- 3Ginseng and Codonopsis Root.These can be used together with Spirulina. These are known to have tonic properties that can be useful in supporting the other herbs in treating anemia.
- 4Dang quai and Parsley.These two herbs can be used to help address anemia. Take note however, because they have blood thinning properties that can lead to excessive bleeding and are not recommended for susceptible individuals or those scheduled for surgery.
Herbs for Anemia Used in Chinese Herbal System and Ayurveda
- Red Raspberry Leaf
- Liquid Chlorophyll
- Suma
- Chlorella
- Emblicmyrobalan or Amla
- Jujube date
- Mullberries
- Peony
- Blackberries
- Fleeceflower
- Shiitake Mushrooms
- Fenugreek
- Pau d'arco
- Cress
- Longan berries
- Rehmannia
- Ginger
How to Prepare and Take These Herbal Home Remedies
- 1Herbal remedies are generally prepared as infusions or decoctions; these are also referred to as herbal teas. The taste can be unpleasant, so you can enhance it by adding a bit of sugar or honey, which is another home remedy for various ailments.Herbal Teas.
Other Natural Solutions to Treat Anemia
- 1Know the good sources of iron and heap them up onto your plate - liver, beets, dried fruits, green leafy vegetable, oysters, eggs, lentils bran flake, molasses, yams, raisins, almonds, prunes, whole grain pastas, breads and Guinness beer.Load up on iron-rich food.
- 2Eat what foods can provide you with a good balance of nutrients - cereals, rice, pastas, fiber (fruits and veggies), dairy products (milk, cheese and yogurt), poultry, meat, and fish, and finally dry beans, nuts and eggs.Supply your body with nourishing foods.
- 3Know what foods, drinks or medications can impede the absorption of iron in the small intestine - tea, coffee, and antacids are among these.Know what to avoid.
- 4These include organic forms of iron such as iron citrate, aspararte or picolinate, liver tablets and folic acid tablets with vitamins B-6 and B-12.Help your body with supplements.
- 5Manganese is essential for fat and protein metabolism, immune system, blood sugar regulation, and healthy nerves. Excellent sources of manganese include wheat germ and bran (oat bran and rice bran), spices and herbs (saffron and cloves), nuts (pine nuts, pecans, hazelnuts), seafood/bivalves (mussels, clams, and oysters), seeds (flax, squash, sesame, sunflower), and chili powder.Get a healthy daily dose of manganese daily.
- 6Cooking using iron cookware can increase the concentration of iron in your foods.Cook using cast iron pots and pans.
Tips, Tricks and Warnings
- Always consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and suggestions for treatment.
*Increase your iron intake by knowing which foods are naturally excellent sources.
- Increase intake of those foods that can improve the absorption of iron.
- Avoid foods and drinks that can impede the absorption of iron.
- Know the cause of anemia and address the condition by treating the cause. For instance, fibroids can cause excessive blood loss during a menstrual period.
- Do not just self-medicate. Seek professional medical help to properly address your problem.
- DISCLAIMER. This wiki is written for the purpose of education and discussion and not as medical advice. The information contained herein must not be used for diagnosing or treatment of anemia. It is not recommended as a substitute for professional medical care. If you have anemia or suspect you may have it, you must seek medical help.
Questions and Answers
Natural ways to manage Sickle Cell in a teenager?
This young female has many relapses that result in pain medications steroids and frequent hospitalizations. I appreciate any safe natural approaches. I have tried: This is a friend's child, not sure what if any natural approaches have been used. Medical management is the conventional medicine (drugs & some diet changes). I think it was caused by: The young lady has a diagnosis of Sickle Cell.
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