Anemia is among the most common ailments affecting human beings. It may be defined as a condition in which the number of erythrocytes (RBCs) or their oxygen-carrying capacity is insufficient to meet physiologic needs of a body. The disease may vary by age, sex, pregnancy, smoking and altitude status. Globally, the most common cause of anemia is thought to be iron deficiency, although other factors such as vitamin A, vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies, parasitic infections, chronic inflammation and inherited disorders can all be responsible for causing anemia.
Anemia often causes weakness, fatigue, dizziness and drowsiness. In its severe form, it is associated with poor memory, slow healing of wounds, premature wrinkles on skin, dull eyes, breathlessness, headache and palpitations. Pregnant women and children are particularly vulnerable to anemia.
Natural Remedies for Anemia
Here are some of the useful natural alternatives for anemia that would not only cure but also relieve symptoms of the disease.
- Prepare a powder of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) roots (2 tbsp), Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris roots (1 1/2 tbsp), Satavari (Asparagus racemosus) roots (2 tbsp), Bhumyamalaki (Phyllanthus niruri) leaves (1 tbsp), Amla ( Emblica officinalis) fruits (1 1/2 tbsp), Sharapunkha (Tephrosia purpurea) leaves (1 tbsp), Mulhatti (Glycyrrhiza glabra) roots (1 1/2 tbsp) and Sweta-musli (Chlorophytum arundinaceum) roots (1 1/2 tbsp). Take a teaspoon of the prepared formulation after meals with water.
- Drink a glass of juice prepared from spinach (Spinacea oleracea) leaves and tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) every morning and evening.
- Drench a teaspoonful of black sesame (Sesamum indicum) seeds in warm water for a couple of hours. Ground and strain the same and mixed it in a cup of milk. Add jaggery to taste. Follow this remedy for two months.
- Soak 3-4 almonds (Prunus glandulosa) overnight and peel off next morning. Have the same with a glass of milk every morning.
- To treat anemia, cook fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) leaves and have it with meals. A teaspoon of fenugreek seeds can also be taken with water.
- Prepare a fruit salad of apple (Malus domestica) and pomegranate (Punica granatum) seeds. Add some honey to taste and enjoy this nutritious breakfast.
- For the treatment of anemia, prepare juice of carrot (Daucus carota) with beetroot (Beta vulgaris) and have it between meals for three months.
- To cure anemia, eat vegetable salad prepared from beetroot (Beta vulgaris), spinach (Spinacea oleracea), cucumber (Cucumis sativus) and carrot (Daucus carota) .
Dietary guidelines
There are some important dietary guidelines that are useful in controlling anemia. Eating plenty of folic acid, vitamin B12 and iron rich food, such as, spinach, lettuce, figs, beetroot, fenugreek and broccoli is effective in combating anemia. Soybean, cereals, rice, eggs, raisins, citrus fruits like oranges, lemons and dairy products (milk, yogurt and cheese) must be made a part of daily diet.
Avoid consuming alcohol, coffee, tea and ingesting antacids, as they tend to decrease iron absorption. Anemic must indulge in deep breathing exercises and light exercises like walking. Prolonged periods of anxiety and stress can deteriorate one’s health. Learning to cope up with the pressure of modern lifestyle and practicing the technique of mental relaxation is a must.
References
- Kumar, Vinay; Abbas, Abul K.; Fausto, Nelson; & Mitchell, Richard N. (2007). Robbins Basic Pathology (8th ed.). Saunders Elsevier. p. 432, ISBN 978-1-4160-2973-1
- Constant Weakness and Tiredness may be Anaemia, Garima Sancheti and Deepak Acharya disabled-world.com, April 05, 2006.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Garima Sancheti - Dr Garima Sancheti is a PhD in Radiation and Cancer Biology from Rajasthan University, India. She has written various research articles in ...
