Expert: Dr. Kristina Conner - 5/3/2006

Question
Hi Dr. Conner,
I am writing an article for Delicious Living Magazine on anemia. I
am looking for three different perspectives about how to cure
anemia--one from a nutritionist, one from an MD and one from
an ND, prefferably focusing on Chinese herbs. I thought you
might be a good fit for the last category. Do you think you could
answer 2 brief questions?

1) What usually causes anemia?

2) What steps would you recommend (from a chinese medicine
perspective) an anemic person take to cure his/her condition.
(herbs, lifestyle, etc...)

I know you're busy and greatly appreciate any help you can offer.
If you want to send me your address, I can make sure the editors
send you a copy of the magazine when it comes out.

Thank you so much,
Christine Spehar
303-917-2673

Answer
Christine,
Thanks for asking your question.  I am happy to help out with your article.  
To answer your questions:  
1.  Anemia can be caused by a number of different factors, from genetic causes like thalessemia, to nutritional deficiencies like B12, folic acid, or iron.  The most common anemia is iron deficiency, which can occur because of low intake, blood loss (from a chronic condition like ulcerative colitis or heavy menstrual bleeding), or low absorption.  
2.  According to Chinese medicine, blood deficiency correlates to our Western diagnosis of iron-deficiency anemia.  This condition is treated by
a.  Increasing absorption with warming foods like porridges made of rice, sweet rice, and oats, with small amounts of warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, fennel, pepper, and onions.  Many of these herbs can be taken as teas or supplements, also.  The diet can include meat-based soups if the condition is severe.  The diet should be low in sweets and raw or cold foods.  
b.  Increasing nutrient-rich foods like legumes, whole grains, leafy greens, with small amounts of seaweeds and sprouts.  Also increasing protein-rich foods like meat soups and gelatin.  
c.  Chinese herbs used to build blood include dong quai, peony, rehmannia, and codonopsis.  Western herbs include yellow dock and alfalfa.

Let me know if you need any additional information or clarification.  And please feel free to contact me as a resource in the future.  
Good luck in your article!
Dr. Kristina Conner
World Tree Natural Medicine
1033 Third Ave SW, Suite 108
Carmel, IN 46032
www.thehealingpowerofnature.com