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Herbal Treatments for Anemia
Anemia isn't a health condition that most people think can be helped with herbs, but considering how rich these plants are in phytonutrients, they can indeed be a marvelous natural aid to any therapy for anemia.
Consider for example, the lowly dandelion. Long maligned as merely a weed that we can never seem to be rid of,
the dandelion is really an excellent source iron. But that's not all. This spring weed also sprouts an amazing abundance of the B-complex vitamins as well.. There are few nutrients that a person struggling with anemia needs more than these. Dandelion is also rich in vitamins A, C and D as ell as potassium and zinc. Who knew?
Then there's the chive. You probably know this as the herb you sprinkle on your potatoes. But it's also a rich source of both iron and vitamin C. It seems like it might have a good combination of nutrients for the person suffering with anemia.
Quinoa. Ever hear of it? It's pronounced keen-wah. For the anemic it's an herb sent from heaven. It contains all eight essential amino acids that together form a complete protein. It's legendary, as you might well expect, in helping to alleviate the symptoms of anemia.
If you're considering just one herbal supplement though, don't overlook gentian. It's much more popular in England than the United States, where it's used as a digestive stimulant. It's in this manner that it's extremely effective as an aid for anemia. Because it does enhance, support and improve the functioning of the digestive tract, it also increases the amount of iron that your body absorbs from food. Not only that, but this herb acts as an appetite stimulant. This is vital to some with anemia, because one of the symptoms for many individuals is the decreased desire to eat.
The herb, bilberry, which is the European cousin to the American blueberry, possesses an abundance of iron, which makes it an effect tool in correcting any anemic condition.
There are several other herbs you may want to review as well. If you have any questions, you should consult a professional herbalist, who can help you development a natural, herbal approach to alleviating your anemia. Herbs you and your herbalist might want to consider include alfalfa, burdock root, cherry, goldenseal, hawthorn berry, horsetail, kelp, mullein, parsley, nettle, pau d'arco, red raspberry, shepherd's purse, watercress, and yellow dock root.
Note: Some statements in this article may not be
approved by the FDA. This article is for informational purposes only and
should not be taken as professional medical advice.
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