Natural Herbal Remedies for Anemia

Anemia: What Alternative Medicine Has to Offer

You Know, That Writer
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Jun 27, 2007 "Share your voice on Yahoo! websites. Start Here."
Anemia is the most common disorder in the U.S. and affects 3.5 million people. Anemia is not actually a disease--instead it's considered a disorder--and is the result of less-than-optimal levels of hemoglobin. Some of the most common causes of anemia are malnutrition, regular blood loss and excessive alcohol use. Anemia can also be a side effect of some medications or surgical procedures. Finally, anemia can be caused by an underlying medical condition like sickle-cell disease or digestive disorders like celiac disease.

Signs & Symptoms of Anemia

Only your doctor can diagnose anemia but some of the most common symptoms of anemia include fatigue, irregular heartbeat, dizziness and ringing in the ears. In some anemia cases spoon-shaped fingernails, jaundice or even skin ulcers may also be present.

Natural & Nutritional Remedies for Anemia

Fortunately, most cases of anemia respond well to nutritional therapy. If your doctor determines that your form of anemia can be treated with nutrition, he or she may recommend supplements of ferrous sulfates, folic acid and vitamin B-12. Your doctor may also advise you to take extra vitamin C. This is because vitamin C increases iron absorption.

Your doctor may also recommend that you increase your intake of iron-rich foods. Calf liver is an especially good source; so are most other red meats. Other iron-rich foods include brewer's yeast, blackstrap molasses, dark green leafy vegetables and almonds.

Herbal Remedies for Anemia

Many herbs are naturally rich in minerals like iron, making these herbs a safe, gentle way to combat anemia. Unfortunately, herbs have not been extensively studied for the treatment of anemia and most of the evidence supporting the use of herbal remedies for anemia is only anecdotal.

But if you would like to add herbal products to your anemia regimen talk to your doctor. Naturopath Linda Page recommends alfalfa, barley, barberry, chlorella, dandelion, kelp, marshmallow and yellow dock for normalizing blood.

Talking To Your Doctor About Herbal Remedies for Anemia

It's always a good idea to discuss your use of natural and herbal supplements with your primary care physician but if you suspect you have anemia it's especially important. Many of the signs and symptoms of anemia are easily dismissed and this makes it easy to live with anemia far longer than necessary.

It's also easy to incorrectly self-diagnose anemia when, in fact, you may have a completely unrelated (and potentially serious) condition. If you suspect anemia or have any questions about the symptoms you're experiencing, talk to your doctor for a correct diagnosis.

REFERENCES:

Gerbrand, J., et al. (1999). The Definition of Anemia in Older Persons

Levine, M., et al. (1999). Criteria and recommendations for vitamin C intake.

Bloniarz, J., et al. (2005). Iron and manganese in selected herbs and herbal-fruit teas.

Page, L. (1991). How to Be Your Own Herbal Pharmacist.

Published by You Know, That Writer

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  • Always work with your doctor before you try self-treating your anemia to find the real cause.
  • Iron supplements can work well but they come with risks you should discuss with your doctor.
  • Some of the best sources of iron are red meat, green leafy vegetables and blackstrap molasses.
Vitamin C increases the absorption rate of iron. Talk to your doctor about adding vitamin C to your anemia regimen.

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