Effective Natural Anemia Remedies

A few years ago, I was hemorrhaging every 3 months. My OB/GYN ordered a blood test and scheduled me for an immediate ablation as my iron level was shocking low (she couldn't understand how I was still walking). After the procedure I visited my naturopath who recommended mega food blood builder, seaweed snacks and black strap molasses. For a couple weeks, I craved seaweed, then suddenly I couldn't stand the smell. Iron levels back to normal! I'm confidant they all helped. BTW another health guru warned me about the iron tabs most docs prescribe (the reason I went natural).

I was wondering why no one has mentioned Spirulina and vit B12 for anaemia? Has anyone had experience using these?

Liquid Chlorophyll is also a help in building up the blood. Midwives often have mothers take it if they bleed too much after birth. Even a Tablespoon several times a day. (It will turn the stool dark, though.)

~Mama to Many~

I had become anemic and had to be hospitalized to receive a blood transfusion. My iron levels were low to say the least. A friend recommended I try BSM in addition to taking iron pills. I took my iron pills with vitamin C, and I took another vit. C before drinking BSM in hot rasberry tea (which does not block iron absorbsion). I had a blood test on Friday and a follow-up on the following Friday. My iron level came up almost 100 points! After just 5 months of usage, I was in low normal range for the first time in 4 years! Now, one year later, I am in the middle of the normal range (just got a blood test in May 2013). I use 500mg, chewable vitamin C and BSM at night (a 2nd time in the day) when I feel a little more tired than usual.

Hi Susannah -

Dr. Josh Axe mentioned blackstrap molasses (1 teaspoon per day) among other things in his article about anemia - "5 Natural Treatments for Anemia Symptoms":

https://draxe.com/health/anemia-symptoms/

He does mention the various types of anemia that affects people (including aplastic anemia). His recommendations are based on diet, B12, Vitamin C, folate [not folic acid], ginseng, probiotics, etc.

He also added how important a healthy spleen is when dealing with anemia.

I hope you and your husband find something that helps soon.

Take care.

Dear Louise,

I am so sorry about the anemia. That is exhausting!

I have taken Floradix. My home birth midwives would recommend it in pregnancy. It is very effective, but it is expensive. However, it was much more gentle on the system than iron supplements. I think it works better, too.

In subsequent pregnancies, I have kept pregnancy induced anemia at bay with just Blackstrap Molasses. It is much cheaper than Floradix and may even be better. You can take 1 Tablespoon twice a day. The drawback is that many don't like the taste. You can look on Earth Clinic's Blackstrap Molasses page for ideas on how to take it. My children take it off the spoon. It must be Blackstrap, though.

Alfalfa is also good for anemia. You can buy tablets to take. 6 per day.

Cayenne pepper is also very good for your blood and may help with the bleeding/bruising. Some have concern that it thins the blood, but I think it has a normalizing effect. If it seems to be affecting you adversely, discontinue. I have just had a lot of success with cayenne helping with bleeding issues. It is also excellent to help you feel warmer and give a little extra energy. Start with 1/8t. in a couple ounces of grape juice, 3 x a day. In a week, try 1/4t. in 3-4 ounces of grape juice 3 times a day.

Do you know the root of this problem? Do you have heavy periods? Internal bleeding? Do you know what your platelet count is?

Please keep us posted.

~Mama to Many~

Anemia is not a condition that means you are low in iron. Anemia is a decreased amount of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood. The hemoglobin carries oxygen from your lungs to your cells and if there is not enough hemoglobin, your cells do not receive enough oxygen. You will notice some people with anemia are really pale because the blood doesn't have enough oxygen. Iron is found in the hemoglobin, in fact, about 75 percent of the body's iron stores are contained in the hemoglobin.

The type of anemia that most people probably hear about is called hypochromic microcytic anemia (meaning low color and small size of hemoglobin) of which the most common cause is iron deficiency, hence the recommendation from doctors to take iron supplements. It is said that about 20% of women of child bearing age are anemic due to this type of anemia from the loss of blood from menses. Finding out your iron ferritin levels is a start to see if iron supplementation would work for you, however, oftentimes iron supplements do not work and are potentially dangerous. There are many, many other types of anemia and causes, like sickle cell anemia or the mal-absorption of other nutrients like B12/folic acid/copper, or hypothyroidism (a reason many people have cold hands is because oxygen is not being carried there). A treatment plan for anemia first consists of finding where the anemia stems from and then assessing how to best correct it. For instance, is it low iron counts or is it because the iron is not being absorbed properly or not used efficiently?
I absolutely stand behind food sources for iron rather than supplementation because of the whole package that a true, whole food presents. Nature has supplied us with little packages of nutrition that include many of the synthesizing minerals and vitamins that are needed to treat our bodies. For instance, for iron to be fully absorbed it needs the help of copper, B12, folic acid and vitamin C (probably among a few others). There are many sources in the plant food kingdom that have this potent combination, such as green leafy vegetables. Animal foods do, according to convention, have the most absorbability of iron, but in this day and age animal products come with so much baggage, that it wouldn't hurt to eat some more raw spinach or romaine lettuce anyway. My point is, anemia can be caused by things other than low iron counts, and even then, iron supplementation is not the only route to treat low iron (ugh and yuck). Lisa saw improvement with chlorophyll because it is nearly identical to hemoglobin as it is the blood of plants, and it shows that nature is here to help, without all of the binders and fillers that give us trouble like iron pills do. Always consult with your doctor or naturopath to find the true cause of your anemia and take control of your health with education and a little bit of diet intervention.

Iron Inhibitors in Your Iron Rich Vegetables:

One problem with a list of food based solely on the content of a metal is that some foods themselves contain substances that inhibit iron absorption. Spinach is high in oxalic acid which can be cooked off in boiled spinach (discard the water) or in steamed spinach. A wilted spinach salad may be in order if the steam water is allowed to run off. The immature soy beans contain phytic acid which inhibit your iron absorption as well.

Tried this remedy for about 3 months, iron levels have improved so much.

Just want to say thanks.

I use Plantation Unsulphered blackstrap molasses. It cured anemia and increased my iron levels. Prior to taking molasses again, I used otc iron pills with minimal visible results. I now take two TBS daily of the molasses, and my iron levels rose. Although the molasses tastes different, it's better to take molasses now then chemo later in life.

Just an FYI - milk (and also tannins from regular tea) interfere with the absorption of iron. I've read that vitamin C assists with iron absorption so taking BSM with Orange Juice could be more effective.

LLH, for me Blackstrap Molasses got the iron and ferritin up to par.

Try taking liquid chlorophyll

You can buy or make your own 'pills' of Cayenne Pepper. Cayenne pepper slows down bleeding( has a blancing effect in the body and can stop a heart attack), put it in a search engine, it's truly an amazing spice. I use it for heavy bleeding, to bring it down to a more 'normal' amount. It truly works.

In January I was diagnosed as being severely anemic. My ferritin level was 2. My blood volume was down by 10%. The doctor said I had virtually no iron in my body. I had been taking blackstrap molasses (1 or 2 tablespoons a day) for about a year and unfortunately it did not help me. I knew I needed iron because I was anemic 5 years ago, but it wasn't nearly as bad then as this time.

I did not want to take the prescription after reading all the negative experiences about it. I checked here on Earth Clinic and Dr. Weil's web site and decided to try the remedies that I listed in the title. I hope these brand names are printed because I am not endorsing one in particular, and I did read about at least 2 of them here.

After 2 months, huge success! All my numbers had come up so much that my doctor looked at me with big eyes and asked, "What did you do?" She actually wrote down the names of these products so that she could recommend them to other patients.

Interestingly, in Dr. Weil's article, he recommended Floradix, but said that it probably wouldn't be enough for those with severe anemia. Well, I took it anyway and proved him wrong!

By the way, prior to my first round of bloodwork, I had been taking rather large doses of zinc. I didn't find out until I was reading up on anemia that it blocks iron absorption. I also read that you should avoid milk, eggs, tea, and chocolate. I couldn't give up these items completely, but I reduced the milk and eggs, and I didn't take my iron within a couple of hours of consuming tea or chocolate. I had great results anyway

I use to be a die hard blood donor for years. The ARC turned me down a lot now due to low iron from my Pica/period. I took 1 tbs of blackstrap molasses (non sulfured kind) with water a day, drank beetjuice with apple once a week and my hemoglobin levels shot up fast! I have more energy, I am happier, hair grew back, I gave blood to those who need it now (how ironic huh? @_@), and my pica is cured!

I was suffering for years with anemia and I had even been let go from my job due to the fact that I could not keep my strength up. I had been told by several doctors that my multiple fibroids required a hysterectomy. I had no tolerance for ANY type of iron supplement. I was steadily getting worse. One doctor even gave up treating me. When that happened I was greatly distressed. I began to recall an island friend telling me that I needed to take blackstrap molasses. So I began using it and lo and behold I improved immediately. My blood count went up from 6 to 7.8 in one month. I now am going through menopause and have found that it helps even with that. I love it and tell everyone about it. My husband takes it daily. I also have no more symptoms of anemia and fibroid issues. I take it now for the calcium and other minerals that are great for menopause troubles.

Being extremely weak and anemic from my monthly cycle. I decided to try black strap molasses. I put a Tbs. in my green tea several times a day. I feel so much better, not weak,faint or light headed.My husband even got into it and he said it gave him energy. The doctor who lives next door recommended Floridine from the Natural Health Food Store, it smells and tastes just like molasses only more expensive. I wish I would have found the benefits of molasses a long time ago. I remember my mom used to have some in her kitchen cabinet and put it in baked beans.

It works! Thank you, Shooting Star! I have been "severely anemic" at certain points in my life. I haven't taken iron supplements in several months now, but tried the sarsaparilla instead. The lab tests confirmed that I am no longer anemic! My doctor took a notation about sarsaparilla and looked up information on it. I took it for only a few weeks, usually just one capsule a day. Now I'm going to look into the beetroot. Thanks again!

People's body chemistries are different, & some have allergies to things others thrive on. I was forced to drink milk & eat tomatoes, potatoes, bell peppers & eggplants, as I was raised on a small family farm. After nearly dying at the age of 30 (from a liver disease) I was carried by my husband into a gentleman's healthfood store, where I waited to be seen (at no charge) sitting on the floor in an aisle, as I was unable to stand. He had studied to be a veterinarian up until the middle of his last semester, then quit & began applying his observational diagnostic skills to humans. I was too weak to walk having lost 6 months of my life (more or less unconscious) & about 35 lbs. I already knew much of what was wrong with me, having been to the same local large clinic that had diagnosed my mother's cancer. He looked at my eyes, tongue, toes, fingers, etc. & wrote down everything (& more) that the clinic doctors had found out using their their X-rays, blood & other invasive tests. He then made a list of supplements & vitamins I should take & a list of things I should avoid. Three days after following his protocol, I got up & fixed my family breakfast. A week later, I was able to walk to the top of a small rise in the road a quarter mile from our house. By the end of the summer, my 5 yr. old son (I insisted my whole family be examined by this wonderful man & follow his recommendations) & I entered a local "1 1/2 mile Fun Run". I finished in 8 minutes. After having asthma my entire life up to that time, I came in 2nd (behind a younger regularly training runner). Anyone having health issues needs to allow a naturopath with an excellent reputation to determine what would work best for them.

I have recently discovered that I have severe anemia. I have extreme bouts of fatigue and exhaustion as well as brittle fingernails that will not grow. How much blackstrap molasses should I be taking each day?

Mauri, start small - about a teaspoon, twice a day. You will probably see immense improvements when you build up to a tablespoon twice a day. Later, you can back down to a tablespoon once a day and later yet, a tablespoon once in a few days.

The first thing you might notice, is more energy!!

Does anyone know if taking over the counter IRON Tablets 65 mil. is safe?

3 days ago I was so weak that I could hardly get out of bed. A friend told me to try IRON Tablets so my husband went out and bought me a bottle. Within the first day I felt better! 3 days later I am outside doing decent yard work! I had not been able to work in my yard due to weakness.

I am wondering if taking a pill a day is safe? Anyone know? I wonder if I should cut the tablet in half to be safe? How long can I take Iron?

(I am the Beverly that wrote about having a cold head. Even my head is not bothering me as much now.)

Hello, My name is Diana. I have an ongoing problem with heavy periods and fibroids but at my age I did not want a hysterectomy. I am going to try the apple cider vinegar. I have already started using the kind with the mother in it. They say it is the best. I have to use iron supplements as well and I just wanted to let you know that I use an iron supplement that works really well for me and it is called "Blood Builder" from a place called Wellness. Iron supplements make me really sick but this one usually does really good for me. I still have to take food though before I take any kind of supplements. I always have. When I first started using the "Blood Builder" iron supplement my blood was really low and when I went back to the doctor to have it rechecked they could not get over how great my blood was. They were thrilled. They told me they had never seen it that good before. I really like them and just wanted to let all of you know in case you may want to try something different.

Reply to Lee, BSM is a much better solution for anemia. Iron compounds to correct anemia need to be under stringent medical control. As early as 1928 they were found to destroy Vitamin E. Later studies showed that taking ferrous sulfate and other iron compounds tremendously increase the need for oxygen, pantothenic acid and several nutrients, that they harm the unsaturated fatty acids, and destroy carotene and vitamins A, C and E. When protein intake is low, iron compounds can cause liver damage.

Where iron deficiency occurs one must look first to the diet, heavy reliance on processed foods can be a cause, lack of B6, B12 & E also, if no problems there then some other things need to be considered. Loss of blood through internal bleeding (as per stomach ulcer) heavy menstrual flow for women and young girls. Increased ferritin levels indicating that the body is storing iron to make it unavailable for pathogens or parasites (also cancer). Blood tests for anemia should in my opinion also include the test for ferritin. I understand the current upper ferritin level in U. S. is 20 though lately some experts claim 0-10 is preferred.

It is hard to have a normal diet low in iron, so anemia should always be investigated and not simply "treated" with iron pills.

I suffer from anemia and heavy peiods with bad cramps. I tried BSM but didnt get results fast enough. Maybe I should have given it more time. I have decided to try it again but I am juicing now on a regular basis. Can I use the BSM in the juicing?

The chlorophyll, which is really called, chlorophyllin, that is produced is altered by adding a copper molecule that replaces the natural magnesium molecule. In return, copper helps the iron to recycle itself which is then utilized by the body. Copper and vitamin A are very important for the iron recycling process within the body, with the results being iron absorption.

Just a note to anyone who is experiencing difficulty with anemia, my wife was also having this problem anytime she tried to donate blood. Being an avid reader on the internet I found a article that vitamin C will assist in the absorption of iron, my suggestion to her was to eat a handful of raisins, and take vitamin C before giving blood. Results were no more iron deficiency when giving blood.

In reply to Marti in Olathe, KS, I too have low iron and have been taking BSM. I had to go through a bone biopsy and they did a stain on the bone, thus finding out that I was low in iron. And yes, I have been reading that milk and dairy products do interfere with the absorbtion of iron, so I drink 1 tbs. of BSM w/soy milk daily, put it in a blender and it tastes really good. I also keep oranges on hand, as well as juice. I eat an orange a day. As he stated, I have read that vit. c helps to absorb the iron. I have yet to find out how this goes, but I will post on this as soon as I get results from my hemotologist.

Vitamin E deficiency may cause anemia, as a result of red blood cell destruction and neurological dysfunction, myopathies, and diminished erythrocyte life span. New clinical evidence from heavy drinkers suggests that alcohol may increase oxidation of Alpha-Tocopherol. Increased demand has also been observed in premature infants and patients with malabsorption.

When I was diagnosed anemic back in January, my doctor recommended a natural iron supplement and said come back in 3 months. 3 months later bloods dropped one point from 7 to 6 and it was thought there is a problem with iron absorption. I thought I'll beat this. I took 2 T molasses a day, natural iron tabs, beets nearly every day and every other high iron food I could find.. 4 months later books have dropped to 4 and I'm dragging myself around or in bed. Doctor has suggested a parasite cleanse as I travel to developing countries every year, a colonoscopy to rule out internal bleeding and an iron infusion. Has anyone else had this experience of inability to absorb iron?