Herbal & Home Remedies for Haemoglobin Deficiency 

by Nyra Goodhart

What is Haemoglobin?

Haemoglobin is a protein inside red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to tissues and organs in the body and carries carbon dioxide back to the lungs. 

What is the normal range for haemoglobin?

The normal range for haemoglobin is: For men, 13.5 to 17.5 grams per deciliter. For women, 12.0 to 15.5 grams per deciliter. 

What causes haemoglobin deficiency?

• Blood loss (caused by ulcers, trauma, some cancers, and other conditions; and, in women, during monthly periods)

• An iron-poor diet

• An increase in the body's need for iron (in women during pregnancy)   

Symptoms of Haemoglobin Deficiency or Anemia:

Low hemoglobin levels lead to anemia, which causes symptoms such as:

• Fatigue & lack of stamina

• Trouble breathing

• Weakness

• Pale or yellowish skin

• Hair Loss

• Irregular heartbeats

• Shortness of breath

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

• Chest pain

• Cold hands and feet

• Poor appetite

Herbal & Home Remedies for Haemoglobin Deficiency: 

Sesame Seeds

Loaded with iron, copper, zinc, selenium, vitamin B6, folate and vitamin E, regular consumption of black sesame seeds improve the haemoglobin levels and promote the absorption of iron.

Yogurt & Turmeric

In the book, ‘Ayurvedic Home Remedies', Dr. Vasant Lad suggests that those suffering from kapha-type anemia should have a cup of yogurt twice a day, morning and afternoon, with a teaspoon of turmeric.

Dates & Raisins

Snacking on 3-5 dates and a tablespoon of raisins can provide you with instant energy and augment iron levels.

Ghee

According to Ayurveda, the root of anemia is an aggravated pitta. Ghee balances the pitta dosha and thus consuming 10 ml of ghee early in the morning on an empty stomach can help alleviate anemia.

Cook in iron utensils

The food cooked in an iron utensil absorbs iron from it, making itself potent for an anemic patient.

Eat in copper utensils

Eating food and drinking water out of copper utensils is seen to increase blood haemoglobin levels dramatically. 

Eat RED & GREEN fruits and vegetables 

Apples, beetroots, pomegranates are all rich sources of iron and folic acids. Leafy green vegetables such as spinach also help in fighting haemoglobin deficiencies. 

Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits contain Vitamin C which aids absorption of iron in the body. 

Banana Smoothies

Banana is rich in iron and also a high source of magnesium. It stimulates the production of hemoglobin and enzymes for the formation of red blood cells.

Dry Fig Milkshake

Regular intake of about 50g of dried Figs daily can increase the blood hemoglobin count of anemic patients by around 0.5% per week. 

Moringa Tea

Moringa leaves are imbued with ample amounts of iron, vitamins A, C and magnesium. A cup of moringa tea offers 28mg of iron more than what is present in spinach. Regular addition of moringa leaves is well-known to improve the haemoglobin level and red blood cells count.

Watermelon Juice

Watermelon is one of the best fruits that helps to increase haemoglobin due to its iron and vitamin-C content that makes the iron absorption process better and faster.

Pumpkin Seeds

200 grams of pumpkin seeds serve about eight milligram of iron along with sufficient calcium, magnesium and manganese content. Sprinkle them over salads or in your smoothies; make use of these tiny delights anywhere you'd want to.

Conclusion: 

Anaemia is a serious global public health problem that particularly affects young children and pregnant women. WHO estimates that 42% of children less than 5 years of age and 40% of pregnant women worldwide are anaemic. Not tackling haemoglobin deficiency can adversely affect our functionality in everyday life. But with these simple and natural tips from Ayurveda, we can maintain great blood health with optimum haemoglobin levels. 

Note: 

This article is only suggestive and not a substitute to professional medical care.