ANEMIA AND SIDDHA APPROACH

ANEMIA

Anemia is defined as a qualitative or quantitative deficiency of hemoglobin.Anemia is the most common disorder of the blood. There are several kinds of anemia, produced by a variety of underlying causes. Anemia can be classified into several types.

Signs and symptoms include paleness of the skin conjunctiva and mucus membrane, feeling of weakness or fatigue in general or during exercise, general malaise and sometimes poor concentration. People with more severe anemia often report dyspnea (shortness of breath) on exertion. Very severe anemia palpitations and sweatiness are seen.

MANEGEMENT

• · Include in your diet plenty of foods that are rich in iron. These include green leafy vegetables, blackstrap molasses, dried fruits, cherries or cherry juice, eggs, fish, and poultry. Eat generous servings of green vegetables daily. The best source of dietary iron is organic calf liver. If you are watching your cholesterol, choose the clean, lean protein of chicken, fish, and lean red meat.

• · Folic acid is found in dark-green leafy vegetables, root vegetables, whole grains, brewer's yeast, milk, salmon, and organ meats. Increase your consumption of this nutrient by basing your diet on vegetables and whole grains.

[Dietary sources of vitamin B₁₂ include whole grains, legumes, blackstrap molasses, egg yolks, nuts, brewer's yeast, and meat. Especially organ meats]

• To remedy an iron deficiency; take a liquid iron supplement as recommended by your physician. If you find you are unable to tolerate a liquid supplement, try taking 15 to 20 milligrams of iron succinate twice daily in pill form.

Note: Excessive amounts of iron are associated with a variety of health problems, including an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Do not take supplemental iron unless a deficiency has been diagnosed by your healthcare provider, and do not take the supplement in higher amounts or for a longer period of time than he or she prescribes.

• To remedy vitamin B₁₂ deficiency, take 1,000 to 2,500 micrograms (1 to 2.5 milligrams twice daily.
• To remedy a folic-acid deficiency, take 400 micrograms two or three times a day.
• Vitamin C is an antioxidant that fight free-radical damage, aids in the absorption of iron, and helps strengthen the blood vessels. Take 500 milligrams twice daily.

• Chinese gingseng is a revitalizing tonic herb that has long been used for anemia. It also helps reduce the body's sensitivity to stress. Select a standardized extract containing 7 percent ginsenosides and take 100 milligrams twice daily for two to three weeks.

Note: Do not use Chinese ginseng if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or hypoglycemia. If you are sensitive to the effects of caffeine and other stimulants, you may want to consult with a qualified herbalist before using ginseng.

• Dandelion, nettle and yellow dock are botanical sources of bioavailable iron. Dandelion also helps regulate liver function. Take 500 milligrams of dandelion extract or one cup of dandelion-root tea three times a day for six weeks; 500 milligrams of nettle twice daily; and/or 250 to 500 milligrams of yellow dock twice daily for six weeks.
• Dong quai is a Chinese herb traditionally used against anemia. It is a premier blood tonic. Take 500 milligrams twice a day for three weeks.

SIDDHA WAY OF APPROCH
As per Siddha system the symptoms above said will come under the disease 'Paandu'

First of all Herbal remodies are employed and then only uses the higher medicines such as Annabedi chendooram, which is produced from ferrous sulphate ore, Aya chendooram, Aya parpam, Ayabringaraja karpam etc
Herbal products involve the preparations of Naval(shyzigium jambolina), Munthiri(vinix vitifera), Karisaalai(Rclipta alba) etc.