Anemias: Alternative treatment

As is the case in standard medical treatment, the cause of the specific anemia will determine the alternative treatment recommended. If the cause is a deficiency, for example iron deficiency, folic acid deficiency, B₁₂ deficiency, or vitamin C deficiency, supplementation is the treatment. For extensive blood loss, the cause should be identified and corrected. Other types of anemias should be addressed on a deep healing level with crisis intervention when necessary.

Many alternative therapies for iron-deficiency anemia focus on adding iron-rich foods to the diet or on techniques to improve circulation and digestion. Iron supplementation, especially with iron citrate (less likely to cause constipation), is used by alternative practitioners. This can be given in combination with herbs that are rich in iron. Some examples of iron-rich herbs are dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), parsley (Petroselinum crispum), and nettle (Urtica dioica). The homeopathic remedy ferrum phosphoricum can also be helpful.

An iron-rich herbal tonic can also me made using the following recipe:

• soak 1/2 oz of yellow dock root and 1/2 oz dandelion root in 1 qt of boiled water for four to 8 hours
• strain and simmer until the amount of liquid is reduced to 1 cup
• remove from heat and add 1/2 cup black strap molasses, mixing well
• store in refrigerator; take 1 tsp-2 Tbsp daily

Other herbal remedies used to treat iron-deficiency anemia aim to improve the digestion. Gentian (Gentiana lutea) is widely used in Europe to treat anemia and other nutritionally based disorders. The bitter qualities of gentian help stimulate the digestive system, making iron and other nutrients more available for absorption. This bitter herb can be brewed into tea or purchased as an alcoholic extract (tincture).

Other herbs recommended to promote digestion include:

• anise (Pimpinella anisum)
• caraway (Carum carvi)
• cumin (Cuminum cyminum)
• linden (Tilia spp.)
• licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Traditional Chinese treatments for anemia include:

• acupuncture to stimulate a weakened spleen
• asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) to restore energy
• dong quai (Angelica sinensis) to control heavy menstrual bleeding
• a mixture of dong quai and Chinese foxglove (Rehmannia glutinosa) to clear a sallow complexion

— Maureen Haggerty