Herbal Medicine - Anemia

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Dong quai - This herb is rich in vitamins and minerals.

Chive - This vegetable is rich in vitamin C and iron - eat fresh chives.

Quinoa - This is a grain rich in all eight essential amino acids that form a complete protein.

Gentian - The bitter herb gentian is popular in England for the treatment of anemia. Gentian can be brewed into a tea or you can take a commercially available extract.

Dandelion is also believed to help people with anemia. It is very rich in vitamins and minerals.

Other herbs that are of interest to those suffering from anemia include alfalfa, bilberry, burdock root, cherry, goldenseal, grape skins, hawthorn berry, horsetail, mullein, parsley, nettle, Oregon grape root, pau d'arco, red raspberry, shepherd's purse, watercress, and yellow dock root.
Caution: Do not take goldenseal or Oregon grape root if you are pregnant. If you have a history of cardiovascular disease, diabetes or glaucoma, see your physician before taking any herbs.

Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) is useful as a general tonic to counteract anemia induced fatigue. Dong quai may be prescribed for women with heavy menstrual flow. For anemic patients with yellow complexion, a Chinese herbalist might recommend a combination of dong quai and Chinese foxglove root. For those with white complexion, they may recommend a combination of ginseng and astragalus.