Anemia is a condition that produces symptoms such as fatigue, loss of mental focus, headaches, depression and irregular menstruation. It most commonly marked by a decrease in the number of red blood cells, although it may also manifest as a lack of hemoglobin in your red blood cells. Certain herbs may increase red blood cell count and reduce the symptoms of anemia.
Talk to your doctor before taking any herb to address anemia. In some cases, this condition may be a sign of an underlying problem such as bacterial infection or cancer.
Yellow Dock
Yellow dock is primarily regarded as a weed in Europe and the United States; however, it may offer healing benefits when used in herbal medicine. This herb contains a form of iron that is more easily assimilated by the body than iron found in supplements and food sources. The iron in yellow dock may help your body produce red blood cells. However, check with your physician before treating anemia symptoms with yellow dock. This herb may have a laxative effect on your digestive system.
Alfalfa
Alfalfa was originally used by Asian farmers as forage for livestock. However, this herb may also offer nutritional and medicinal benefits for humans. Ancient Ayurvedic healers used alfalfa to treat ulcers. The chemicals in alfalfa may also aid the production of hemoglobin, which may reduce the symptoms of anemia. Check with your physician before using alfalfa to treat anemia. This herb contains cananavine, a chemical that may impair immune system function.
Dandelion
Like yellow dock, dandelion is viewed as a yard and garden weed in the Western world. However, it has a long history of use in herbal medicine. Traditional Chinese physicians recommended dandelion as a remedy for bronchitis, pneumonia and hepatitis. The flowers and leaves of this herb may also improve your body's ability to absorb and use iron obtained from food sources. Consult your physician if you plan to take dandelion to treat anemia. In rare cases, it may cause diarrhea or digestive upset.
Gentian
Gentian is an ingredient in Moxie, a common soft drink in the New England region of the United States. Ancient Egyptian healers used the root of this herb to treat digestive distress, loss of appetite and menstrual cramps. They also recommended gentian as an antiseptic for skin wounds. Gentian may enhance your digestive system's ability to absorb iron from food sources and supplements. Check with your physician before using gentian -- it may cause stomach irritation and vomiting.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 2010
- "Herbs for Health and Healing"; Kathi Keville; 1998
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Anemia
- "The New Healing Herbs"; Michael Castleman; 2010
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