Anaemia
Anaemia literally means “without blood”. It is caused by a deficiency of the red oxygen-carrying pigment (haemoglobin) in the blood often from a lack of iron in the diet, or the presence of abnormal red blood cells. It is more common amongst women than men, particularly those that suffering from heavy periods, as iron is lost in the monthly bleed. Iron-deficiency Anaemia can also be caused by blood loss into the gut from conditions such as leaky gut, ulcers and stomach cancer. Symptoms of Anaemia are: “tired all the time”, pale skin, shortness of breath, dizziness, depression, bruising, headaches, nervousness, palpitations.
Diet and Supplements
Vitamin C is vital to the absorption of Iron, so as well as eating lots of Iron-rich foods -(meat, fish, liver, dark green leafy vegetables, dried fruit, berries, whole grains and red grapes), keep up your intake of Vitamin C-rich foods (citrus fruit, blackcurrants, tomatoes).
Homeopathic Help
- Ferrum phos is useful for Anaemia caused by heavy bleeding during menstruation.
Herbal Wisdom
Nettles, parsley (rich in iron and Vitamin C), chinese angelica, dandelion root, dock, and burdock can all be added to the diet or taken as tea or tinctures.
The following complementary therapies are used in the treatment of Anaemia:
Ayurveda, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Homeopathy, Herbal Medicine, Nutritional Therapy, Naturopathy.
