Using herbs to treat anemia: does it work?

Herbal remedies are gaining in popularity. They are usually less expensive than prescription medicine. In addition, many people feel that since herbs are natural, they are less harmful to the body than conventional medicine. And tradition favors the use of herbs. Worldwide, more than 80% of people look to herbal remedies for their illnesses.

Anemia is a medical condition in which the blood has a deficiency of red blood cells or of the hemoglobin these cells need to carry oxygen. Hemoglobin in the blood is measured to determine the presence of anemia.

The symptoms of anemia include weakness, fatigue, dizziness, headaches and heart palpitations. These symptoms result from the body not getting enough oxygen through the bloodstream. In many cases, however, the symptoms are mild or unnoticed. It can become a life-threatening condition if left untreated for a long time.

The most common form of anemia is caused by iron deficiency. This can occur either through prolonged blood loss, as through heavy menstrual periods or slow bleeding ulcers or hemorrhoids. About ten percent of women in their childbearing years are anemic. Overuse of aspirin or ibuprofen can also cause internal bleeding which leads to anemia.

Other people who are at risk for anemia include smokers, alcoholics, vegetarians and people over 50. Anemia is often associated with serious illnesses, like cancer, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis. Women need to be checked for anemia throughout pregnancy as well.

Less common forms of anemia include pernicious anemia, caused by a deficiency of vitamin B12 or folic acid. These components of the B vitamin complex are necessary for the production of red blood cells. Since an abundance of one can mask a deficiency of the other, they should always be taken together.

Usually, iron supplements are prescribed for the treatment of anemia. These should be taken with vitamin C for best absorption. Unfortunately, iron is extremely toxic when too much is taken. In many cases, even standard doses can cause an upset stomach and constipation. It also interferes with the absorption of essential trace minerals. People with an inherited disorder called hemochromatosis have to be particularly careful with iron supplements.

The largest dose that seems to be tolerated by most people is 27 milligrams per day. Many supplements contain 40 mg. or more.

For these reasons, herbs seem like a good alternative. Herbs are often combined with more modest doses of iron. Nutritionists feel that blood nourishing herbs aid in the absorption of iron as well as providing other benefits to the blood. And with lower doses of iron, the unpleasant side effects can be avoided.

One of the most widely recommended herbs for anemia is yellow dock root. Yellow dock is a common roadside weed. But it has been found to be effective in raising iron levels. Many people with anemia have surprised their doctors when they reported that their good results came from this simple plant. Some have been able to raise their hemoglobin count in a few weeks with yellow dock and then discontinue the use of the herb. It is available in tincture form as well as capsules. This herb can have the side effect of causing diarrhea if the dosage is too high.

Another herb useful in the treatment of anemia is stinging nettle, also called nettle leaf. Even though this herb contains a stinging irritant to skin, it can be cooked and eaten like spinach. It grows in moist shady places. It can be obtained as the bulk dried herb, tincture, or capsule form at health food stores. While a few sources suggest nettle shouldn’t be used in pregnancy, many midwives use it with their patients and get good results. It is often combined with red raspberry leaf and oat straw herb, and used as a tea. The addition of anise seed seems to improve results.

Dandelion and burdock root are often used in combinations of herbs to treat anemia. These plants are widespread and easy to identify, and could be used in cases where medical help is not available. They may work by increasing the body’s ability to absorb iron from food.

Alfalfa is a plant that is very nourishing when taken in tablet form. It is often included in combinations of herbs designed to build up the blood. Alfalfa tablet doses are usually large, like 18 per day. It is more like a food than a medicine.

Dong quai, a Chinese herb, has been reported to help in the treatment of anemia, but to date, no scientific studies have been done to verify this. Many other herbs have been used down through the ages to treat “tired blood,” but usually they are used in combination with the ones mentioned.

Herbs are usually most effective when taken throughout the day instead of in one or two large doses per day. Teas are one of the best methods to extract the healing properties of herbs. Herbalists differ in their recommendations for brewing teas, but in general, a cup of medicinal tea can be made by pouring boiling water over a teaspoon (or more) of the herb, and steeping it 5 to 10 minutes. It is good to cover the cup with a saucer in order to keep the volatile oils from evaporating away.

Since the dosage needs to be repeated frequently, many people prefer to take their herbs in the form of tinctures or capsules. Tinctures are herbs that have been steeped in food grade alcohol. Dosages are measured by an eyedropper. For those who prefer to avoid alcohol, formulas called glycerites are available. Or the tincture can be placed in a spoon and held over a heat source until the alcohol evaporates.

Tinctures are useful for people who have trouble swallowing capsules. Dosages of herb capsules usually are in the range of 2 or 3 capsules 3 times a day. That amounts to a lot of pill swallowing! Again, better results are often obtained with smaller doses more frequently administered, like every 2 hours.

One more natural remedy for anemia that should be mentioned is plant derived, though not exactly an herb. That remedy is liquid chlorophyll. It is available in health food stores. It has been used to raise hemoglobin levels in a hurry, and is safe to use during pregnancy.

But are herbal medicines, used according to accepted methods, safe? One exhaustive study determined that an average of 7 fatalities and 40 non-fatal health crises worldwide could be attributed to herb use. Many more problems can be traced back to conventional drugs. In fact, 7500 people die every year in the U.S. alone from the use of NSAID’s (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - a medicine group that includes ibuprofen and aspirin.) Problems deriving from herbs are on the rise, however, as herb use becomes more popular.

Herbs can be helpful in the treatment of anemia. Including iron-rich foods, such as blackstrap molasses, legumes, leafy greens, and red meat, in the diet should not be overlooked in managing anemia. It is also helpful to use iron cookware. But as in any illness, one should get the opinion of a medical professional.