For Anemia

Millions of American suffer from anemia, a reduction in either the number of red blood cells or the amount of hemoglobin in the blood. This results in a decrease in the amount of oxygen that the blood is able to carry. Anemia reduces the amount of oxygen available to the cells of the body.  As a result, they have less energy available to perform their normal functions. Important processes, such as muscular activity and cell building and repair, slow down and become less efficient. When the brain lacks oxygen, dizziness may result and mental faculties are less sharp.

Anemia is not a disease, but rather a sympton of various diseases.  Anything that causes a deficiency in the formation or production of red blood cells, or that leads to the too-rapid destrution of red blood cells, can result in anemia. It is sometimes the first detectable sign of arthritis, infection, or certain major illnesses, including ancer. Drug use, hormonal disorders, chronic inflammation in the body, surgery, infections, pepti ulcers, hermorrhoids, diverticular disease, heavy menstrual bleeding, repeated pregnancies, liver damage, thyroid disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, bone marrow disease, and dietary deficiences (especially deficiencies of iron, folic acid, and vitamins B6 and B12) can all lead to anemia.

Animia's symptoms can easily go unrecognized. The first signs of developing aemia may be loss of appetitie, constipation, headaches, irritability, and/or difficulty in concentrating.

Established anemia can product such symptoms as weakness; fatigue; coldness of the extremities; depression; dizziness; overall pallor,  most noticiceable in pale and brittle nails, pale lips and eyelids; soreness in the mouth; and in women, cessation of menstruation. Anemia has also been linked to a loss of libido. Of those suffering from anemia, 20 percent are women and 50 percent are children. Prescription for Nutritional Healing, pg. 200, 201.

Herbs that are Good for Anemia:

Alfalfa, bilberry, cherry, dandelion, goldenseal, grape skins, hawthorn berry, mullein, nettle, Oregon grape root, pau d'arco, red raspberry shepherd's purse and yellow dock.  CAUTION:  Do  not take goldenseal or Oregon grape root during pregnancy.  Do not take goldenseal for more than one week at a time, and use it only under a doctor's supervision if you have a history of cardiovascular disease, diabetes or glaucoma.

Herbalists consider nettle a nutritious plant rich in iron, Vitamin C, chlorophyll and other minerals as an effective supplement in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia.

Dietary Recommendations:

Include the following in your diet:  apples, apricots, asparagus, bananas, broccoli, kelp, leafy greens, okra, parsley, peas, plums, prunes, purple grapes, raisins, rice bran, squash, turnip greens, whole grains and yams, kideny beans, pinto beans, blackstrap molasses, raw beet greens, mustard greens, lentils, dried peaches, prune juice.

Consume at least 1 Tablespoon of BLACKSTRAP molasses twice daily (for a child, use 1 teaspoon in a glass of milk or formula twice daily). Blackstrap molasses is an excellent source of iron and essential B Vitamins.

Avoid:  Beer, candy bars, dairy products, ice cream, and soft drinks.

Do not smoke. (IBID)