General
Anemia is a health condition characterized by the abnormally low number of red blood cells or hemoglobin, which contain the iron compound and are called to transport oxygen to the different parts of the body.
Depending on the cause, there are many different types of anemia. The most common one is iron-deficiency anemia. There are also megaloblastic and aplastic anemias; hemolytic anemias, Cooley and sickle cells anemias, and thalassemia.
Symptoms
Anemia signs and symptoms are very numerous and diverse in different individuals. Patients may experience weakness, chronic fatigue, lightheadedness and dizziness, headaches, weight loss, ringing in the ears, rapid heartbeat, etc.
Pale skin and low blood pressure may also indicate anemia. Sometimes, people may suffer from depression, irritability, mental confusion, restless leg syndrome, or even jaundice – all resulting from underlying anemia.
Causes
Each anemia type has its own reason and cause.
Iron deficiency anemia develops as a result of poor nutrition (with low iron-containing foods intake), failure of the body to absorb iron from food, and abnormal blood loss due to surgery, heavy menses in women, or ulcers.
Megaloblastic anemia is caused by the deficiency of vitamin B12 and folic acid. It may accompany such disorders as leukemia, multiple myeloma, or a number of hereditary conditions.
Aplastic anemia is caused by the inability of the bone marrow to produce all types of blood cells, including red ones.
Hemolytic anemia develops if the existing red blood cells break down faster than the new ones are produced. This is considered to be an autoimmune disease, in the course of which the immune system attacks and destroys body’s own red blood cells.
Thalassemia, Cooley, and sickle cells anemias are said to be inherited disorders, which are characterized by the formation of defective or abnormal red blood cells and hemoglobin.
Another reason for anemia development may be the existing diseases: juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, endocarditis, osteomyelitis, Chron disease, and some others.
A number of medications, a patient may take trying to fight other health disorders, may also cause anemia. For example, radio- and chemotherapy provoke this condition in a number of people. Even the use of aspirin or other NSAIDs may lead to the development of anemia.
Medical Approaches
Anemia is a treatable condition. The method of its elimination depends on the cause, thus there are different treatment options. A doctor may recommend simply adding more iron-containing foods to the daily menu (liver, meats, seafood, nuts, dried fruits, green leafy vegetables, etc.), or taking iron pills. Folic acid and vitamin B12 medications are a way to eliminate certain types of anemia.
In some cases, blood transfusions, hormone injections, oxygen, fresh frozen plasma and fluids are needed.
Eliminating bleeding is essential, if it is what causes anemia.
In the majority of cases, treatment option depends on the underlying cause of the disease, fighting which will result in anemia lessening and reducing its symptoms.
Alternative Approaches
A number of herbs are traditionally used by herbalists to treat anemia and increase red blood cells count.
One of the most effective herbs to raise haemoglobin is dandelion. 10-15 drops of its tincture in ¼ cup of water should be taken three times a day before meal. It is said that dandelion contains more iron, potassium, folic acid, carotene, and vitamin B12 than any other herb. It also promotes absorption of iron from other foods. It works well for fighting iron, folic acid and vitamin B12 deficiency anemias.
Stinging nettle is another herb frequently recommended for anemic people. In addition to iron and vitamin C (which helps body absorb iron) this plant’s component chlorophyll is good for eliminating iron deficiency anemia.
Many herbalists confirm that dock root is an amazingly powerful means to eliminate anemia. They say some users have managed to raise haemoglobin in several weeks of taking dock root tincture or capsules. At the same time, the gurus of traditional medicine admit that it is unclear how exactly this plant reduces disorder’s symptoms.
Alfalfa is an excellent blood purifier, which can also be helpful in lessening anemia along with reducing a number of many diseases’ symptoms.
Spirulina, which is a rich source of iron, may also be a way to fight anemia, since it is said to improve the functioning of the bone marrow. However, there is no reliable data on this issue today.
Even familiar to everyone onion is a good option when trying to eliminate anemia. It contains large amounts of iron. The benefit of onion treatment is in its iron composition, which allows the component to be easily assimilated in the blood.
It may be difficult to find the herb, which would work effectively for a particular person. It is due to the different causes of anemia in different people. However, a number of herbs, capable to be of help with this condition, gives hopes that everyone will be able to find the most beneficial remedy in the particular case.