Anemia itself is not a disease, but an indication of other serious ailments. Hemolytic anemia and sickle cell anemia (or sideroblastic anemia) are some common forms of anemia and can be treated through proper medications prescribed by the doctors. Anemia, caused by nutritional deficiency can be treated naturally through homemade remedies. Here are some common, but effective, homemade remedies to treat anemia naturally.
How to treat anemia naturally.
1. Beetroot-Apple Juice
An apple a day keeps not only the doctor away, but also anemia. Apple is highly rich in iron and anemia is caused primarily by iron deficiency. Main ingredients of beet are folic acid, fiber and potassium. It is always good to eat a roasted beet after peeling. Have 2 to 3 apples per day. But, to get the maximum results, mix both of them. Take 1 cup juice of each and mix them well. Add 1-2 tbsp honey in the mixture and stir it well. Have this juice at least twice a day.
2. Blackstrap Molasses
Blackstrap molasses are a rich source of iron, vitamin B and folic acid (in the form of folate). These ingredients help to increase the production of red blood cells. Mix 2 tsp of blackstrap molasses the with same quantity of apple cider vinegar. Add 1 cup of water and stir. Have it once daily and see the results.
3. Spinach
Spinach is highly effective, even in low quantity (just half cup is sufficient). It is rich in Vitamins A, B9, E and C, iron, fiber, and calcium and beta carotene. Boil the spinach before having it, as it also contain oxalic acid, which adversely affects the absorption of iron. Boiling reduces the oxalic acid levels, thus, making it safer for intake. Include spinach in your salad with other vegetables like broccoli, celery and kale. You can make a soup by boiling half cup of spinach. To make it tastier, add your favorite seasoning. Also add honey to this soup and have it for at least a month.
4. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C and lycopene. Vitamin C helps in absorption of iron. Eat tomatoes as you like, especially raw. Make sure tomatoes should be essential ingredients of your salad. You also can have them in sandwiches. Drinking one glass of tomato juice every day is equally effective. In addition, add tomatoes in your dishes. There are plenty of recipes available on the internet to make delicious tomatoes dishes.
5. Pomegranate
Pomegranate not only contains iron and calcium, but also is high in protein, carbohydrate, fats, fibers and sugar. Not only this, it also contains potassium, copper and many vitamins. Eating pomegranate increases hemoglobin content of the body and also helps in absorption of iron. It effectively treats the typical symptoms of anemia like dizziness, exhaustion and weakness. Eat pomegranate in the morning with an empty stomach. Eating it empty stomach increases the rate of absorption. Pomegranate juice of your desirable flavor is one another method of intake.
6. Bottlegourd
Bottle gourd juice is equally effective, although not much tastier. Its impact is much higher if it is taken with beetroot and spinach. This also helps in making the juice tastier and desirable. Take 1 bottle gourd, ½ cup of beet root pieces and 1 cup of chopped spinach. Take 2 glasses of water in a pan and add all three vegetables. Boil the mixture until the vegetables become soft. Mash the vegetable pieces and sieve it. Have this soup daily to see the shocking improvement on your hemoglobin level.
7. Raisins
Raisins, which contain various nutrients like calcium, potassium, sodium, protein, iron and fibers, are an excellent source of remedy to treat anemia. It is one of the most famous traditional remedies. Soak 10-15 raisins in water overnight and let them swell. Have them with honey in the morning. Honey is also rich in iron and hence doubles the effect. It also adds to the taste.
8. Wholegrain, Legumes, Nuts
Our body accepts iron in two forms- heme and non-heme. Heme iron is obtained from animals while non-heme is obtained from both plants and animals. Whole grains, legumes and nuts are good sources for iron and folic acid. The only problem associated with their intake is, that absorption of nonheme iron also depends on other foods that you are eating along with. Hence, a balanced diet is must. Legumes like kidney beans, lima beans, green peas, chick peas and pinto beans are considered good for the treatment of anemia. As far as nuts are concerned, peanuts, almonds and walnuts are the best sources. Tea, coffee and cocoa are prohibited as they interfere with the absorption of iron by the body.
9. Sesame seeds
Sesame seeds also work efficiently against anemia, especially the black ones. Soak 1 tsp of sesame seeds in water for 2 hours. Make a paste by crushing them. Add honey to the mixture and stir it well. Have this mixture twice a day.
Another method of having sesame seeds is to make an emulsion of black sesame seeds by grinding and straining the soaked sesame seeds in water for 2 hours. Mix the emulsion with a cup of milk and add honey. It will add taste to the paste. Take twice a day.
10. Parsley
Parsley, or the rock celery, has enough amounts of iron and folic acid. Only a 100 mg of it can provide more than 5 mg of iron. Hence, only 10 tsp of this herb is sufficient alone to fulfill the overall iron requirement of the body. It also contains vitamin C, which helps in absorption of iron into the blood. Parsley can be taken through salads and sandwiches. It can also be added into soups, gravies, stews or even sauces as a whole. Another method of taking it is through juices or tea. Herbal tea of parsley can be made by pouring hot water over parsley leaves and steeping for few minutes. Add honey to change the taste and the effect, both. Have this tea twice a day.
Natural remedies for anemia
Anemia is a disease which arises when the red blood cells count becomes low. Hemoglobin is an important ingredient of RBC, which is responsible for carrying oxygen from lungs to cells of all body parts. It carries CO2 from cells to lungs, which is a part of excretion mechanism, as carbon dioxide is an excretory material. Reduced hemoglobin count, thus, affects both ways. Main symptoms associated with anemia are dizziness, exhaustion or early tiring and weakness. Anemia can be long term or short term depending on the severity of the disease. Mild anemia (short term) can be treated by simple homemade natural remedies for anemia. Homemade natural remedies are more advantageous than medicines, as they do not cause any side effects or adverse effects.
- Epsom salt: Bathing with Epsom salt mixed in Luke warm water has shown remarkable effects in the treatment of anemia. Soaking the feet in that water also helps.
- Apple: Apple has many good ingredients, one of the best natural remedies for anemia, such as iron. Iron is a part of hemoglobin and hence increases hemoglobin production. Have at least 2 to 3 apples per day. To increase the impact, mix apple juice with beet root and honey.
- Honey: Honey plays two roles in the natural treatment of anemia. Firstly, it itself contains minerals like iron, manganese and copper which helps in the synthesis of hemoglobin. Secondly, it adds taste to the juice or the soups when mixed with apple, spinach, beet roots or any other vegetables or fruits.
- Black currant: Black currants are rich in vitamin C and folic acid. Soak 10-15 black currants in water overnight and have it in the morning. Seeds must be removed before eating them. Although, they do not cause any harm to the body, they can spoil the taste.
- Iron utensils: When food is cooked in iron utensils, some little amount of iron is scrapped and goes into the vegetable. This small amount (may be few mg) is sufficient to treat iron deficiency. Hence, it is advised to cook food in iron utensils or iron pots, as much as possible.
