Many people are familiar with body building, but not many people have heard about blood building. For those who suffer from blood deficiency, there are a number of signs and symptoms that deserve your attention. Read on to learn more about blood deficiency and to learn about natural blood boosters.
What is Blood Deficiency and What are the Causes?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), blood deficiency is often described as “an excessive blood loss or inadequacy of the blood factors and components required in blood formation due to Spleen and Stomach dysfunction". Practitioners of TCM believe the causes can be attributed to such things as unregulated eating and drinking, lack of nutrients in the diet, or internal damage caused by another underlying disease.
In Western medicine, blood deficiency compares closely to iron deficiency anemia. Anemia is diagnosed based on the body’s hemoglobin levels. The most common cause of anemia in most patients is due to iron deficiency.
Signs and Symptoms of Blood Deficiency
Blood deficiency is often accompanied by feelings of fatigue and shortness of breath. Since hemoglobin is what give blood its red color, sufferers of blood deficiency will also experience paleness as a symptom. In children, symptoms may include developmental delays.
There are many possible causes for blood deficiency. These causes can vary by age as well as gender. The most common causes include inadequate iron intake, poor iron absorption, and blood loss.
If you have been diagnosed with blood deficiency, there are plenty of foods to choose from that will help work as a blood booster. The below list names a few Chinese herbs for blood deficiency and blood booster foods:
Blood Building Herbs
When treating blood deficiency TCM, there are a number of herbs to build blood available that can provide a needed blood booster. These include:
- Dong Quai: Also known as angelica sinensis, dong quai has been used in TCM for the treatment of menstrual cramps and premenstrual syndrome. Dong Quai is a blood nourishing herb and herbs to increase blood count. It works to purify the blood, and gently move blood by increasing its volume. Dong Quai is a great herb for red blood cells and blood deficiency, as it may help increase the hemoglobin in your blood and help with symptoms such as mild anaemia, fatigue and poor circulation. You can take it as a supplement.
Dong Quai
Dong Quai or Angelica sinensis has been used for centuries in Chinese Medicine. It is rich in compounds with anti-inflammatory and immune-stimulating effects, and the dong quai pills can be added to your daily routine for its many health benefits. Often coined as “women’s fertility herb” or “female ginseng” this powerful herb is used to balance female hormones and menstrual cycle. It is also a great herb for male infertility, Dong Quai also has mild sedative properties for calming and relaxing the mind and body.
- Hawthorn Berry: Native to Europe, North America, and Asia, these tart berries may also aid in reducing blood pressure. In one study, 60 people were given either 180 mg/day of hawthorn berry extract or placebo. Those who received hawthorn experienced improved blood flow to the heart and were also able to exercise for longer periods of time without suffering from chest pain.
- Astragalus: Used for centuries in TCM, astragalus also known as Huang qi is also one of the best herbs that build blood. It has been found to widen the blood vessels in order to increase the amount of blood that is pumped throughout the body. Astragalus also promotes blood circulation and reinforces Qi.
- Ginseng: A study out examine the efficacy of ginseng for improving blood flow in healthy people and found that the addition of ginseng increased temperature deviation in the whole body decreased safety and improved blood circulation. Another study found that ginseng may improve blood circulation by inhibiting platelet aggregation and coagulation activity.
Astragalus
Astragalus herb supplements (Huang Qi) has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. This powerful herb can be added to your daily routine to strengthen the immune system, increase stamina, strength, and vitality. Astragalus herb tablets are one of the primary immune tonifiers and natural antioxidants that protects the cells from external influences by increasing the antibody production to enhance the immunity system.
Ginseng
Siberian Ginseng or Eleuthero, ‘Ci Wu Ju’ in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). This powerful herb is known as a kidney yang tonic, which is used to invigorate Qi (‘vital life force’). Siberian Ginseng is an adaptogenic herb which can be added to your daily routine for its various benefits. These Siberian Ginseng tablets help to increase energy levels, reduces fatigue, improves lymphatic function, lowers and balance estrogen levels.
- Wild Yam: Thanks to its inclusion of both iron and Vitamin C, wild yams are recommended as natural blood builders TCM.
- Goji Berries: Goji berries are thought to help increase blood circulation throughout the body. Goji Berries are herbs that increase red blood cells and strengthen vessel walls thanks to flavonoids. Goji berries are also They are rich in fibre and iron. The high quantity of antioxidants in goji berries, particularly zeaxanthin, has been mentioned in studies. Goji Berries tea is an easy-to-make blood building herbs tea, you can add it to your tea, soup, and even smoothies.
Blood Building Foods
- Dark, leafy greens: such as spinach: dark greens are a good source of plant-based iron.
- Beans and lentils: Legumes, such as beans and lentils, not only contain iron but are a good source of protein.
- Eggs: Not only are eggs a good source of iron, but they also contain all essential amino acids as well as essential B complex vitamins.
- Beef liver: Liver is an excellent source of iron and also contains many essential micronutrients such as Vitamin B-6 and Vitamin C.
- Citrus fruits: Lemons, oranges, and limes are great sources of Vitamin C.
- Berries: Add fruits such as strawberries and blueberries for a Vitamin C boost.
- Cruciferous vegetables: Using Brussels sprouts and broccoli as a side dish is an easy way to add Vitamin C to your meals.
Eating these blood booster foods alone will not be sufficient enough to improve blood deficiency and its related symptoms. For the body to absorb iron, it requires Vitamin C. When increasing the intake of the above foods, it is important to also include foods that are rich in Vitamin C, such as:
In addition to these items that work as blood builder foods, there are also some foods to avoid as they may inhibit the absorption of iron. Foods to avoid include:
- Excessive coffee intake
- Excessive tea intake
- High-fiber foods
Blood Deficiency and Blood Stagnation
When discussing blood deficiency TCM, it is also worth mentioning blood stagnation. Also known as blood stasis, this can be a cause for concern. To improve blood movement, it is important to eat a light and balanced diet. This includes foods such as seasonal fruits and vegetables alongside some pungent spices such as peppermint, coriander, turmeric, and pepper.
How to Incorporate Blood Builder Foods and Herbs
For those who suffer from blood deficiency, consult with a medical provider or a TCM practitioner to discuss a path forward. Incorporating blood builder foods is very simple to do each day. Add plenty of dark, leafy greens to your meals. Include additional iron sources such as eggs and liver. You will also need to add foods that are high in Vitamin C to aid in the absorption of iron. Add citrus fruits and vegetables such as Brussels sprouts to your meals as they are great sources of Vitamin C.
If you are considering adding herbs for blood building, many of them can be found in capsule form online or at any herbal shop. Discuss the appropriate dosage with your practitioner.
Conclusion:
If you believe you may be suffering from blood deficiency or anemia, it is important to speak with a professional about a treatment plan. Incorporating blood builder foods is an easy and affordable way to help blood deficiency TCM. Blood building herbs are also widely available and usually sold in pill form. If you suffer from pale skin and fatigue, consider seeking help as these are common signs of blood deficiency.
Goji Berry
Goji Berry supplements have no added preservatives, and offer a convenient alternative for people who struggle to add the fresh berries to their diet or find the fruit to have a sour taste. Goji berry tablets/ capsules by GinSen, contains natural sources of antioxidants and are rich in iron which provide nutrition to the blood , improve energy levels naturally and various benefits.
Wild Yam
Wild Yam or Shan Yao by GinSen is a widely used herb known as “colic root”. This herbal remedy is traditionally used for its digestive benefits, gastrointestinal irritations, assists with loose bowel, bloating and gas, and slow metabolism. It has powerful antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties. These wild yam supplements can relieve menstrual cramps and chronic pelvic pain, and supports women’s uterine health.
For more information about how Chinese Medicine can help you with blood deficiency, book your free consultation with our Chinese Medicine experts today
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We can’t guarantee the treatment result, as the symptoms of conditions are unpredictable and vary greatly from person to person. The treatment length and recovery time also varies for individual. Please visit our clinics website: GinSen where a specialists will discuss your care and provide a consultation, and the treatment will be designed to meet your individual needs.
