Sickle Cell Anemia – Herbal Remedies for Red Blood Cells
Sickle Cell Anemia is a blood disorder in which the red blood cells are abnormally formed. Instead of being round, the red blood cells take on more of an crescent shape.Because of this, arteries and capillaries stand a greater risk of being clogged or blocked. There was a time when those who suffered from Sickle Cell Anemia, only had a life expectancy of about 45-50 years old.Sickle Cell Anemia is a disorder that is generally found in African American people. In order for one person to get Sickle Cell Anemia, both parents must pass on the gene to their offspring. Thanks to modern medicine, Sickle Cell Anemia can be managed, and more people suffering from this disorder, can live to be in their 70s and even older. There can arise many complications from Sickle Cell, and some may be minor, but others may be more complicated. Here’s a complied list of herbs and herbal remedies,that could potentially help alleviate some of these symptoms.
What are the Symptoms?
There are a few indicators of Sickle Cell Anemia. Anemia, swollen hands and feet, increased risk of infection, poor vision, and delayed growth and development. Stroke, gallstones, decreased immune reactions, leg ulcers, chronic pain and pulmonary hypertension, can all be a side effect of Sickle Cell Anemia. There’s a greater risk in pregnancy for pre-eclampsia,intrauterine growth retardation and spontaneous abortion. Silent stroke poses another risk to those with Sickle Cell Anemia, as it is a stroke, but shows no outside signs, and can cause brain damage. Ischaemia, organ damage, pain, and necrosis, are all side effects of Sickle Cell Anemia. Often with severe pain, it is treated with hydration and a blood transfusion, while less severe pain can be treated with opioids, administered in regular intervals until the pain has subsided. When the major organs have sustained crisis or trauma, a red blood cell transfusion may be necessary. Because there can be complications with the spleen, vaccinations and antibiotics are extremely important in those with Sickle Cell Anemia. Those with this disorder can suffer also from acute chest syndrome, which entails fever, difficulty breathing, and chest pain. It can be the result of surgery, respiratory infection, or even opiate administration. There are four separate crisis that can occur with Sickle Cell Anemia. They are-Vasco-occlusive crisis, Splenic sequestration crisis, Aplastic crisis, Haemolytic crisis. Each one of these crisis are very serious, and can mark many problems in the individual with Sickle Cell. Each one of these requires special care and should be treated as life threatening. It is crucial that help is reached very soon at the onset of any one of these crisis.
How are Herbs helpful?
An important part of any diet, but especially so for those with Sickle Cell, is Iron. Iron Phosphate is extremely important for the cells, as it helps the body’s hemoglobin. Naturally, herbs that are going to be very high in iron content, are the ones that are going to be the most beneficial for Sickle Cell Anemia. Some of these herbs are- Dandelion Root, Stinging Nettle, Devil’s Claw, Thyme, Yerba Mate, Red Raspberry Leaf, Echinacea, and Fenugreek. Any of these herbs can be taken with Gentian, and herb which will help the body absorb iron better and more efficiently.Also, another consideration for herbs, is the blood purifying herbs. Some of these are-Elderberries, Oregon Grape, Alfalfa, Cayenne, Chickweed, Strawberry Leaf and Red Clover. A diet rich in leafy greens, and herbs such as basil, chives, and tumeric are also going to give the body a boost of iron.Seaweeds are also known to be very high in iron. Some of these include-Kelp, Spirulina,Irish Moss,and Blue Green Algae.Bladderwrack is a form of kelp and is also high in iron. Bladderwrack also contains high levels of iodine, so exercise caution. Oxygen is essential for the body, and especially so in those with Sickle Cell. Liquid Oxygen drops could ultimately give the body a boost of oxygen to help form red blood cells correctly. There are many fruits as well that can provide a boost of iron to the body. Blueberries, also a very good antioxidant, as well as cherries, strawberries, blackberries and grapes. Wheat grass and barley grass also have considerably high levels of iron in them.Thiocyanate is a salt analogous, and is found in many foods. This acts as a detoxing agent and can be good for those with Sickle Cell Anemia. Foods that contain this important ingredient are-Plantain, banana, black eye peas, lentils, oatmeal, turnips, brussel sprouts, raspberries and wild yams.
Caution
All herbs and herbal remedies are considered generally safe. However, like any other remedy, adverse effects can happen in the case of allergies or ingesting too much. If you are taking any medications, please be sure to ask your doctor if it is safe to start taking any herbs or herbal remedies. Women who are pregnant or nursing, and also children, should be exceptionally more careful of the effects herbs can have on a body, if taken in an improper dosage.
Category: HEALTH, HERBAL REMEDIES
