Anemia
This is deficiency in the blood’s ability to transport oxygen
to cells for use in aerobic respiration and consequently energy
production. It is marked by general deficiency signs: pallor, pale
tongue color, pale color under the eyelids and lip, and gray circles
under the eyes. Energy level is usually low. While there can be
genetic diseases linked to ongoing anemia, the main reason for this
condition is either an iron deficiency, whether from a poor diet,
poor absorption, or from pregnancy (with the added demands this
state places on nutrients); or a deficiency in production of red
blood cells (like in cancer chemotherapy).
Treatment
Goal(s):
· Increase absorption and GI function, add iron, tonify the
blood.
Primary Treatment:
· Bitters before meals to stimulate GI function. Especially
prominent are Gentiana lutea (Gentian) for its stimulating power
and Rumex crispus (Yellowdock) for its high iron content.
· Nutritive tonics such as Urtica diotica (Nettle), Medicago
sativa (Alfalfa), and Petroselinum crispus (Parsley) and Astragalus
membranaceus (Astragalus) are very helpful.
Supportive Treatment:
· Dietary analysis and modification are obviously of prime
importance. Women are at greater risk for anemia than men until
menopause (primarily because of the monthly loss of blood and iron).
Those who eat only grains and no meat are also at risk, because
grains phytates can interfere with iron absorption. Nourishing meat
stocks can be very helpful if the idea of consuming meat is unappealing;
for strict vegetarians and vegans who cannot eat even eggs, aggressive
tonification with the herbs mentioned above may be necessary long-term.
· Blood-building herbs as more intense adjuncts to the nutritive
tonics can help improve energy and vitality more quickly. Consider
Rehmannia or Angelica sinensis (Dong Quai).
