Anemia

Anemia may be defined as a condition in which there is a decrease in the quantity of hemoglobin or in the number of red cells. Anemia is among the most common ailments affecting human beings.

Nearly half the blood flowing in our veins and arteries consists of red blood cells which carry oxygen to the tissues. Approximately one trillion or 100 million new blood cells are formed daily in the bone marrow. The raw materials required in the production of these cells are iron, proteins, and vitamins, especially folic acid and B12. Of these, iron and proteins are essential in building up the red colorings matter called hemoglobin. A red cell has a lifespan of approximately one hundred and twenty days and is then destroyed and replaced. Each person should have about 15 gm of hemoglobin per 100 ml of blood, and a blood count of approximately five million red cells per millimeter of blood.

The patient usually complains of weakness, fatigue, lack of energy, and dizziness. Other symptoms include a haggard look, premature wrinkles, dull and tired looking eyes, poor memory, shortness of breath on exertion, headache, slow healing of wounds, and palpitations. The skin and mucous membranes look pale.

A diminished formation of red blood cells in the bone marrow, either due to defects in the bone marrow, or due to an inadequate intake of iron, vitamins, and proteins, is one of the main causes of anemia. Other important causes are heavy loss of blood due to injury, bleeding piles, or excessive menstruation in women.

Anemia can also occur due to a lack of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, which is needed for digestion of iron and proteins, or Intestinal parasites or worms. Hookworms, pin worms, round worms and tape worms feed on the supply of blood as well as on the vitamins.

Anemia Home Remedy using Bee Pollen:

Bee pollen is a biological stimulant that increases the red blood cells in bone marrow. You should take 1 teaspoon of bee pollen daily to treat anemia.

Anemia Home Remedy Using Vitamin B12:

Vitamin B12 is needed for preventing or curing anemia. This vitamin is usually found in animal protein, especially in meats such as kidney and liver. There are, however, other equally good sources of vitamin B12 such as dairy products which also contain some B12

Anemia Home Remedy Using Vinegar and Molasses:

Mix 2 teaspoons each of apple cider vinegar and blackstrap molasses with water or tea to strengthen the blood.

Anemia Home Remedy Using Fenugreek:

The leaves of fenugreek help in blood formation. The cooked leaves should be taken by adolescent girls to prevent anemia, which may occur due to the onset of puberty and menstruation. The seeds of fenugreek are also a valuable cure for anemia, being rich in iron.

Anemia Home Remedy Using Beets:

Beets are very helpful in curing anemia. Beet juice contains potassium, phosphorus, calcium, sulphur, iodine, iron, copper, carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins B1, B2, B6, niacin, and vitamin P. With their high iron content, beets help in the formation of red blood cells. The juice of red heel strengthens the body's powers of resistance and has proved to be an excellent remedy for anemia, especially for children and teenagers, where oilier blood-fanning remedies have failed.

Anemia Home Remedy Using Lettuce:

Lettuce is another effective remedy for this ailment as it contains a considerable amount of iron. It can, therefore, be used as a good tonic food for anemia. The iron in it is easily absorbed by the body.

Anemia Home Remedy Using Spinach:

This leafy vegetable is a valuable source of high grade iron. After its absorption, it helps in the formation of hemoglobin and red blood cells. It is thus beneficial in building up the blood, and in the prevention and treatment of anemia.

Anemia Home Remedy Using Almonds:

Almonds contain copper to the extent of 1.15 mg per 100 gm. The copper along with iron and vitamins acts as a catalyst in the synthesis of hemoglobin. Almonds are,

therefore, a useful remedy for anemia. Seven almonds should be soaked in water for about two hours and ground into a paste after removing the thin red skin. This paste may be eaten once daily in the morning for three months,

Anemia Home Remedy Using Sesame Seeds:

Black sesame seeds, as a rich source of iron, are valuable in anemia. After soaking one teaspoon of the seeds in warm water for a couple of hours, they should be ground and strained, and then mixed with a cup of milk and sweetened with jaggery or sugar. This emulsion should be given to patients suffering from anemia.

Anemia Home Remedy Using Honey:

Honey is remarkable for building hemoglobin in the body. This is largely due to the iron, copper, and manganese contained in it.

Anemia Home Remedy Using Soya beans:

Soya beans is rich in iron and also has a high protein value. As most anemic patients usually also suffer from a weak digestion, it should be given to them in a very light form, preferably in the form of milk, which can be easily digested.

Other Foods for Anemia:

There are several other foods which are rich sources of iron and can be used beneficially in the treatment of anemia. The more important of these are bananas, black grapes, plums, strawberries, raisins, onions, squash, carrots, radish, celery, and tomatoes.

Blood Builder with Brandy:

Add 2 tablespoons of ground orange peel, 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger, and 2 tablespoons of chamomile to 2 cups of boiling water. Steep until cool. Strain, and add to 1 cup of brandy. Dosage is 1/2 cup in the morning and again in the evening.

Blood Builder with Comfrey:

Put 1 teaspoon each of dried comfrey, fenugreek seed, and dandelion in 2 cups of boiling water. Steep 10 minutes. Strain and add honey as sweetener. Drink after meals.

Iron booster for Anemia:

Leaves of 3 beetroots

3 - 5 carrots

1/2 green pepper

1/2 apple, seeded

Extract the juice from each, and mix well.