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 addressing blood deficiency TCM, there are a number of herbs to build blood available that can provide a needed blood booster. These include:
1. Dong Quai:
Also known as angelica sinensis is known as “blood tonic” in Chinese Medicine. Dong quai has been used in TCM for the treatment of menstrual cramps and premenstrual syndrome. It is a blood nourishing herb and one of the best 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.
Dong Quai contains active compounds which have anti‑inflammatory and antispasmodic effects, which could underlie its traditional use for menstrual cramps, uterine comfort and improved uterine/blood flow.
2. Schisandra Berry :
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Schisandra Berry (Wu Wei Zi) is considered a valuable herb for supporting overall vitality, including blood and energy. It helps nourish and stabilize the body, supporting the heart and liver, which are central to blood production and circulation in TCM theory. A human pilot study combining Schisandra extract with another herb found that after 1–2 weeks of intake, blood “fluidity” improved meaning blood passed through microchannels faster, which suggests improved circulation. Schisandra berry has also shown potential benefit for blood flow and circulation, which might support vascular health.
Schisandra is especially valued for its ability to preserve essence, strengthen Qi, and prevent leakage of vital fluids, which indirectly supports blood health. It’s combination of tonic and astringent properties helps maintain energy and resilience, making it useful in cases of mild blood deficiency or fatigue associated with weak circulation.
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Schisandra Blend (Schisandra Berry)
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Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis)
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3. Astragalus:
Used for centuries in TCM, astragalus also known as Huang qi is also one of the best herbs that build blood, it is considered a Qi-tonifying herb that indirectly supports blood production. 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.
In a clinical study adding Astragalus to conventional therapy increased hemoglobin, white blood cell counts, reticulocyte count, and platelets compared to control indicating improved bone marrow function.
Astragalus strengthens the Spleen and nourishes Qi, the energy the body uses to create and move blood. Because the Spleen is responsible for transforming nutrients into both Qi and Blood in TCM theory, supporting Spleen Qi can help improve blood nourishment in cases of blood deficiency.
4. Ginseng:
Ginseng (Ren Shen) is considered a powerful Qi-tonifying herb, and because Qi and Blood are closely connected, strengthening Qi can also help support the production and circulation of Blood. It is also traditionally used to help people with blood deficiency accompanied by fatigue, weakness, or poor circulation, because strong Qi helps the body generate and move Blood more effectively.
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.
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Huang Qi Blend
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Red Ginseng
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5. Wild Yam:
Wild Yam (Shan Yao) is considered a Qi- and Yin-tonifying herb that helps strengthen the Spleen, Kidneys, and Lungs, three organs closely tied to the production and nourishment of Blood. It supports Spleen Qi, which is essential for transforming food and nutrients into both Qi and Blood. By improving digestion, absorption, and overall vitality, Wild Yam helps the body generate the raw materials needed to nourish Blood.
It also nourishes Kidney Yin, helping maintain body fluids and internal balance. Wild Yam is often used in formulas for fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and reproductive health, symptoms commonly associated with blood deficiency in TCM. Studies have found some wild yams to contain fairly high level of iron between 11.15 and 28.61 mg per 100 g.
6. Goji Berries:
In TCM goji berries (Gou Qi Zi) is regarded as an effective blood-building herb because they nourish both the Liver and Kidney systems, which play central roles in producing and storing Blood. 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 and contain vitamin C, which enhances iron absorption and supports overall blood quality. The high quantity of antioxidants in goji berries, particularly zeaxanthin, has been mentioned in studies.
They are also packed with potent antioxidants and polysaccharides that help protect blood cells and improve circulation. By supporting liver function and providing essential nutrients, goji berries help replenish and enrich the blood, making them a popular choice for addressing symptoms associated with blood deficiency such as fatigue, dizziness, and pale complexion.
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Wild Yam (Shan Yao)
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Goji Berry
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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.
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.
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