Herbs for Anemia

Anemia stands as the most prevalent blood disorder, impacting over 3 million Americans at present. This condition manifests due to a range of factors, spanning from iron deficiency to the emergence of autoimmune disorders like aplastic anemia.

Within the realm of Chinese Medicine, practitioners harness the power of herbs for anemia, to aid hemopoiesis, the body’s vital process of generating red blood cells. This phenomenon is often hindered or suppressed in individuals suffering from anemia, and the use of specific herbal remedies is aimed at supporting and enhancing this crucial blood cell production.

Furthermore, this blog will discuss 5 Chinese herbal formulas that reduce the severity of anemia, their herbal compositions, and supporting scientific studies.

In 2021, a comprehensive nationwide study conducted in Taiwan evaluated the potential benefits of Chinese herbal medicine for individuals diagnosed with the rare autoimmune condition known as aplastic anemia.

The patients with aplastic anemia experienced bone marrow failure and destruction of hematopoiesis. The study found seven clinically used Chinese herbal medicine products to combat aplastic anemia. These products included Gui-Pi-Tang and Xian-He-Cao.

The patients who used Chinese herbal medicines had lower risks of anemia-related mortalities in comparison to those who did not. This difference was even found after adjusting for age, gender, comorbidities, and the usage of blood transfusion therapies among others.

1. Ren-Shen-Yang-Rong-Tang Herbs for Anemia

Ren-Shen-Yang-Rong-Tang, a traditional Chinese herbal formula, is renowned for its effectiveness in treating anemia. It has shown promising results in various studies in mitigating the severity of anemia.

In 2007, scientists conducted an experiment using the Ren-Shen-Yang-Rong-Tang formula on animal models. Their findings revealed that this herbal formula effectively reduced the severity of anemia by safeguarding immature erythroid progenitor cells—these are the fledgling red blood cells originating from the bone marrow, typically diminished in cases of anemia.

RSYRT may include twelve herbs:

Dangshen (Radixcodonopsis pilosulae)
Huanqi (Astragalus mongholicus)
Baizhu (Rhizome atractylodes macrocephala)
Fuling (Paria cocos)
Chenpi (Pericarpium citri reticulatae)
Shengdi (Radix rehmanniae)
Baishao (Radix Paeoniae alba)
Danggui (Angelica sinensis)
Wuweizi (Fructus schisandrae; schixandra berry)
Yanzhi (Radix polygalae)
Rougui (Cortex cinnamomi; cinnamon)
Gancao (Radix glycyrrhizae; licorice)

This potent blend aims to boost qi and blood production while enhancing overall energy levels.

Its rich combination of herbs is believed to invigorate the spleen and replenish blood, making it a valuable remedy in traditional Chinese medicine for addressing anemia by improving blood circulation, promoting red blood cell production, and restoring vitality to those experiencing symptoms of fatigue and weakness due to low blood count.

2. Si-Jun-Zi-Tang Benefits for Anemia

Si-Jun-Zi-Tang, a classic Chinese herbal formula, is often utilized in traditional medicine to address anemia. Comprising a blend of four medicinal herbs—ginseng, poria, atractylodes, and licorice—this formula primarily focuses on strengthening the spleen and replenishing qi.

By enhancing the digestive system and supporting the body’s ability to absorb nutrients, Si-Jun-Zi-Tang aims to improve the production of red blood cells and enhance the overall vitality of individuals experiencing anemia-related symptoms, such as fatigue and weakness.

Its balancing properties help to boost energy levels, stimulate appetite, and aid in the restoration of blood health, making it a valuable remedy for anemia management.

In 1996, researchers evaluated the effect of the Chinese herbal formula Si-Jun-Zi-Tang on blood cell production in mice models. The mice first received the formula and then received radiation to decrease their white and red blood cell count.

The study found the formula to protect bone marrow stem cells and thus protect against the destruction of blood cells. These cells include leukocytes, erythrocytes, thrombocytes, and hematocrit.

The study concluded that Si-Jun-Zi-Tang had a significant benefit to these mice. Moreover, the findings suggested that Si-Ju- Zi-Tang can clinically benefit syndromes such as anemia in humans.

Read More: 5 Surprising Facts About Ginseng

3. Si-Wu-Tang Benefits for Anemia

Si-Wu-Tang, is another herbal formula known for its efficacy in treating anemia. Composed of four key herbs—Chinese peony, Chinese angelica root, white peony root, and rehmannia—this blend is specifically designed to nourish and invigorate the blood.

Si-Wu-Tang aims to regulate menstrual cycles, alleviate blood deficiency symptoms, and promote overall blood circulation. By enhancing blood production and circulation, it addresses anemia-related issues such as fatigue, pallor, and irregular menstruation.

This formula’s harmonizing properties make it a valuable remedy for enhancing blood health and restoring vitality in individuals experiencing anemia.

A study in 2006 looked at another formula in irradiated mice models for anemia. Researchers pulled Si-Wu-Tang herbs apart to see if one had a significant impact over the others. The researchers evaluated the formula’s efficacy on the number of progenitor cells in bone marrow, including colony-forming unit immature erythroids.

All the herbs alone and in combinations had slightly different effects, but the results suggested that multiple herbs contributed to SWT’s effect on hematopoiesis. The researchers interestingly noted that when combined, more effects occurred than with a single herb alone. Overall, they found an advantage of multiple herbs in a formula to support the blood.

Just as the synergy of combined herbs amplifies their efficacy in relieving anemia symptoms, the potency of combined herbal formulas similarly showcases a heightened impact in addressing these issues.

Researchers in 2016 explored how the formulas Si-Jun-Zi-Tang (SJZT) and SWT affect blood deficiencies. They found SJZT to contain 61 ingredients and target 209 genes and SWT to include 195 ingredients and impact 243 genes.

A formula can have a complex effect because each formula contains several herbs, each of which includes many ingredients and have multiple targets. For example, the SWT formula specifically stimulates hematopoiesis in bone marrow.

Similarly, a large observational study in Taiwan in 2018 assessed the application of Traditional Chinese Medicine herbs for anemia. The most common single herb prescribed was Astragalus membranaceus and the most common formula included was Si-Wu-Tang.

The study found Chinese herbal medicine to be a beneficial therapy for anemia. A total of 41,028 patients were assessed and the participants reported that Chinese herbal medicine helped relieve symptoms and signs associated with anemia.

Watch: Ancient Herbalism – How Healing Formulas are Constructed

4. Dang-Gui-Yao-San Herbs for Anemia

Dang-Gui-Yao-San is another mixture of herbs traditionally used as a therapy for anemia. The mixture contains Angelicae sinenis (Oliv). Diels, Ligustucum chuanxiong Hort, Paeonia lactiflora pall, Poria cocoos (Schw.) Wolf, Atractylodis macrocephalada Koidz and Alisma orientalis (Sam.) Juzep.

This blend aims to nourish and invigorate the blood. By harmonizing blood circulation, regulating menstruation, and replenishing blood deficiencies, Dang-Gui-Yao-San is a valuable remedy for anemia.

It’s known to alleviate symptoms such as fatigue, pallor, and irregular menstruation, enhancing overall vitality and restoring blood health according to traditional Chinese medicinal practices.

An animal study in 2005 found the formula to decrease mitomycin C-mediated hemolysis, a mechanism that protects red blood cell breakdown.

5. Siwu Decoction for Anemia

Traditional Chinese Medicine commonly uses the Siwu decoction for promoting blood circulation. The formula includes Semen Persicae, Flos Carthami, Angelica Sinensis, Radix Paeoniae Alba, Rhizoma Chuanxiong, and Radix Rehmanniae Praeparata.

This decoction is specifically formulated to nourish and invigorate the blood. Its primary goal is to regulate menstrual cycles, alleviate symptoms of blood deficiency, and enhance overall blood circulation.

Siwu Decoction is widely valued in traditional Chinese medicine for addressing anemia-related concerns such as fatigue, pallor, and irregular menstruation. By harmonizing blood production and circulation, it serves as an effective remedy for anemia, aiding in the restoration of vitality and blood health.

In 2017, researchers assessed the efficacy of Siwu decoction on iron deficiency anemia in rat animal models. The models either received the Siwu decoction or participated in the model group. In the Siwu decoction group, blood parameters such as serum iron were increased, and the extent of pallor noted on the red blood cells was decreased.

Additionally, A systematic review in 2019 summarized the cardiac effects of Siwu in animal models. The writers concluded that the cardiac improvements may be due to positive modifications in the microenvironment, explaining the potential benefits for anemia.

Final Notes

Anemia, characterized by a reduction in red blood cells or hemoglobin, often leads to compromised red blood cell health, affecting the body’s ability to transport oxygen efficiently.

Traditional Chinese Medicine recognizes this condition and offers a diverse array of herbal remedies aimed at addressing not just the symptoms but also the underlying causes of anemia.

These herbal solutions play a crucial role in reducing and preventing red blood cell damage associated with anemia.

By harnessing the properties of specific herbs like ginseng, astragalus, ginkgo biloba, and various root extracts, TCM aims to enhance blood circulation, stimulate red blood cell production, and fortify the overall health of these cells.

Watch: How to Make Herbal Decoctions 101