How to Nourish Blood When Suffering from Anemia

Beware of Anemia

Anemia is quite common in daily life.If you often experience fatigue, dizziness, loss of appetite, or even palpitations and chest tightness, be alert to the possibility of anemia.

How Modern Medicine Understands Anemia

From the perspective of modern medicine, anemia primarily refers to a condition where the levels of hemoglobin, the number of red blood cells, or the hematocrit are below normal. There are many causes of anemia, such as iron deficiency anemia, thalassemia, and hemolytic anemia. Different types of anemia require different treatment strategies, and some severe cases may even require frequent blood transfusions.

How Traditional Chinese Medicine Understands Anemia

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), anemia is often categorized under terms such as “Xu Lao” (虚劳), “Xu Sun” (虚损), and “Xue Xu” (血虚).

In TCM, nourishing blood is often achieved through dietary supplementation and herbal remedies, such as certain classic herbal decoctions, modern herbal preparations, and even specific food ingredients. However, due to the unique characteristics of Chinese medicine, many people are deterred by the taste of herbal decoctions, while some may overly rely on supplements, leading to excessive nourishment that can harm health.

How to Correctly Nourish Blood

Nourishing blood in TCM should be based on TCM theory.1. TCM believes that Qi and blood are interdependent; Qi generates blood, so nourishing blood should start with nourishing Qi.2. TCM holds that the generation and regulation of blood are closely related to the heart, liver, spleen, and kidneys. Therefore, when nourishing blood, it is essential to appropriately combine herbs that strengthen the spleen and stomach or warm and nourish the kidneys.3. Nourishing blood should also consider the balance of Yin and Yang in the organs, as well as seasonal climate factors, and should be tailored to individual differences, balancing nutrition and harmonizing Qi and blood.

What Chinese Herbs Are Effective for Nourishing Blood?

Commonly used blood-nourishing herbs include Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis), Sheng Di Huang (Rehmannia Glutinosa), Bai Shao (White Peony), Ejiao (Donkey-hide Gelatin), Gou Qi Zi (Goji Berries), and Long Yan Rou (Longan Flesh). When used, they are often combined with Huang Qi (Astragalus) and Ren Shen (Ginseng) to enhance the blood-nourishing effect.

If there is also Spleen and Kidney Qi Deficiency, it is advisable to combine with Lu Jiao Jiao (Deer Antler Glue), Gui Ban Jiao (Tortoise Shell Glue), Shu Di Huang (Prepared Rehmannia), Zhi He Shou Wu (Processed Fo-Ti), Tu Si Zi (Cuscuta Seed), and Yin Yang Huo (Epimedium) for warming and nourishing the kidneys.

If the spleen and stomach function is poor, it is advisable to combine with Dang Shen (Codonopsis), Bai Zhu (Atractylodes), Fu Ling (Poria), and Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger) to strengthen the spleen and stomach.

Many of these herbs are also used as food, so for those who dislike drinking herbal medicine, they can achieve therapeutic effects through medicinal cuisine.

What Are Some Common Blood-Nourishing Formulas?

Some classic and well-known blood-nourishing formulas include Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction), Si Wu Tang (Four Substance Decoction), and Ba Zhen Tang (Eight Treasure Decoction).

Among them, Si Jun Zi Tang is good at nourishing Qi and has the effect of benefiting Qi and strengthening the spleen, taking advantage of the characteristic that Qi can generate blood by nourishing Qi to generate blood.

Si Wu Tang is excellent for nourishing and tonifying blood and is a fundamental formula for blood nourishment, also having a regulating effect on menstruation. It has been a sacred formula in gynecology since ancient times, especially suitable for women with blood deficiency and menstrual irregularities.

Ba Zhen Tang is a combination of Si Wu Tang and Si Jun Zi Tang, suitable for those with both Qi and blood deficiency. It is commonly used for post-illness weakness and chronic diseases characterized by Qi and blood deficiency.

Warm Reminder:If you have anemia, please identify the cause. Different anemia treatment plans vary, and one should not simply rely on tonics. By clarifying the type of anemia through auxiliary examinations and combining TCM syndrome differentiation and treatment, better results can often be achieved.

Scope of Diagnosis and Treatment

1. Various Arthritis: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Gout, Osteoarthritis, Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, etc.;

2. Various Immune Diseases: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Sjögren’s Syndrome, Myositis, Dermatomyositis, Scleroderma, Vasculitis, Behçet’s Disease, Immune-related Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes, and Infertility, etc.;

3. Various Blood Disorders: Anemia, Thrombocytopenic Disorders, Leukemia, Lymphoma, Multiple Myeloma, Myelodysplastic Syndromes, etc.;

4. Various Localized Pain Syndromes: Neck, Shoulder, Low Back, and Leg Pain, Back Pain, etc.;