Anemia

Modern medicine has delineated several types of anemia: iron-deficiency anemia, pernicious anemia, sickle-cell anemia, and hypoproteinemic anemia (lack of protein in the blood), as well as certain vitamin-deficiency anemias, such as B-12 and folic acid-deficiency anemia. Certain bleeding disorders, such as profuse menstrual bleeding, bleeding hemorrhoids, or bleeding gums, can lead to anemia because of blood loss. Whenever modern medicine deals with the problem of anemia, it considers all these etiological factors.

Ayurveda looks at anemia quite differently. Ayurvedic classification of anemia falls under three basic doshic conditions: vata type, pitta type, and kapha type. It doesn’t matter whether a person has iron deficiency or folic acid deficiency; what is important is how the anemia is expressing itself through a particular individual. As it turns out (see box this page), there is also a correspondence between the Ayurvedic interpretation and the understanding according to modern medicine.

TYPES OF ANEMIA

• In vata-type anemia, the person looks thin, with dry, rough, scaly skin, and has cracking of the joints. He or she looks emaciated and pale, may suffer from breathlessness and constipation, and may pass tarry black stool.
• In pitta-type anemia, the eyes are slightly yellowish, the person may get high-colored urine, and the stools are dark brown or have a slightly yellowish tinge. There may be nausea or pain in the liver and/or spleen area. Dizziness or vertigo may be experienced, and the person may become easily irritated by light.
• In kapha-type anemia, there is often swelling (edema), and the person’s skin feels cold and clammy and looks shiny. Because of the edema, the skin gets stretched so much that you can often see the reflection of the window on it.

By careful observation one can tell whether the anemia is vata, pitta, or kapha type. By treating that dosha, one treats the root cause and can alleviate the anemia.

TREATMENT

FOR VATA-TYPE ANEMIA. For vata anemia, Ayurveda suggests taking tikta ghrita, which is bitter ghee (see appendix 2). One teaspoon of tikta ghrita 5 to 10 minutes before breakfast, lunch, and dinner will help to improve the blood volume.

• One can also use a mixture of

kaishore guggulu 2 parts
abrak bhasma ⅛ part
ashwagandha 5 parts
dashamoola 5 parts

Take ½ teaspoon of this mixture 3 times a day with warm milk to help correct vata-type anemia.

• A specific formula is given in Vedic literature for a cleansing, detoxifying herbal remedy for vata-type anemia. It is called gandharva haritaki, which is haritaki powder roasted in castor oil in an iron pan. Place 1 tablespoon castor oil in an iron pan and heat on the stove; when the oil is warm enough, sauté 1 ounce of the herb haritaki. The haritaki will become thick and will turn slightly brown. (You have to stir it.) Take ½ teaspoon of gandharva haritaki at bedtime, washed down with warm water. Take it for 2 months or until the blood returns to normal.

NOTE: This mixture may cause loose stools; if this happens, reduce your dosage until comfortable.

FOR PITTA-TYPE ANEMIA. For pitta anemia, Ayurveda suggests shatavari ghee. (The shatavari and the ghee are cooked together. Directions for preparing herbalized and medicated ghees and oils appear in appendix 2.) Take 1 teaspoon of shatavari ghee 3 times a day, before breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

• One can also use this herbal formula:

shatavari 5 parts
brahmi 3 parts
neem 2 parts

loha bhasma ⅛ part
Mix these herbs, and take ½ teaspoon of the mixture 3 times a day with 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel. This combination will be quite effective in treating pitta-type anemia.

FOR KAPHA-TYPE ANEMIA. Where there is swelling, use:

punarnava 5 parts
gokshura 3 parts
kutki 2 parts

Take ½ teaspoon of this herbal mixture twice a day with a few sips of warm water. Or you can mix it with a little honey and then wash it down with water.

FOR ALL TYPES OF ANEMIA

EAT IRON-RICH FOODS. Iron is a good blood builder, so foods rich in iron, such as beets, carrots, grapes, raisins, and currants, are used in the Ayurvedic treatment of most anemias. Figs, dates, and date sugar are also good sources of iron. Pomegranate juice and cranberry juice can be used as blood builders, as can a combination of beet and carrot juice. (Add a pinch of cumin to your carrot/beet juice for maximum effect.) Chlorophyll is also a good source of iron, and many times Ayurveda does suggest using chlorophyll, generally in the form of spinach, chard, and other fresh green vegetables.

YOGURT AND TURMERIC. Eat a cup of plain yogurt with up to 1 teaspoon turmeric on an empty stomach, morning and afternoon. Do not eat this after sunset. If kapha is unbalanced, eat this at noon only.

BLUE-GREEN ALGAE. Blue-green algae can also be effectively used, but primarily for pitta anemia. Because it is a rich source of prana, it is not good for vata individuals, as it will make them quite hyper. Kapha types may also find it beneficial.

COPPER WATER. Vata and kapha individuals may find copper water effective. Fill a genuine copper glass or cup with water and let it stand overnight, then drink it in the morning (see appendix 1).

DIET AND LIFESTYLE CHOICES. These choices should follow the general guidelines (diet, exercise, and so on) for each doshic constitutional type. For vata problems, follow the anti-vata guidelines; for pitta anemia follow the pitta-soothing diet and other guidelines; and for kapha-type anemia, follow the kapha-reducing guidelines.

YOGA ASANAS. Yoga postures good for anemia of both the vata and kapha varieties include the Locust pose, Lotus pose, and inverted poses (Shoulder Stand, Plow pose, Headstand), which bring the blood supply to the vital organs such as the thyroid, thymus, and brain. Headstand will not be good for pitta-type anemia, but the Sun Salutation, as well as the Boat, Bow, and Bridge poses, will be effective.

BREATHING EXERCISE. For all anemic conditions, surya pranayama (Right Nostril breathing) is recommended. Block your left nostril with your right ring finger and breathe only through the right nostril. Right Nostril breathing stimulates the liver, which plays an important role in building the blood.