Anemia
Natural Remedies

Best Natural Remedies for Anemia: Boost Iron & Red Blood Cells

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
General Feedback
Posted by Tamara (Fort Collins, Colorado) on 04/22/2010

Anemia is not a condition that means you are low in iron. Anemia is a decreased amount of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood. The hemoglobin carries oxygen from your lungs to your cells and if there is not enough hemoglobin, your cells do not receive enough oxygen. You will notice some people with anemia are really pale because the blood doesn't have enough oxygen. Iron is found in the hemoglobin, in fact, about 75 percent of the body's iron stores are contained in the hemoglobin.

The type of anemia that most people probably hear about is called hypochromic microcytic anemia (meaning low color and small size of hemoglobin) of which the most common cause is iron deficiency, hence the recommendation from doctors to take iron supplements. It is said that about 20% of women of child bearing age are anemic due to this type of anemia from the loss of blood from menses. Finding out your iron ferritin levels is a start to see if iron supplementation would work for you, however, oftentimes iron supplements do not work and are potentially dangerous. There are many, many other types of anemia and causes, like sickle cell anemia or the mal-absorption of other nutrients like B12/folic acid/copper, or hypothyroidism (a reason many people have cold hands is because oxygen is not being carried there). A treatment plan for anemia first consists of finding where the anemia stems from and then assessing how to best correct it. For instance, is it low iron counts or is it because the iron is not being absorbed properly or not used efficiently?
I absolutely stand behind food sources for iron rather than supplementation because of the whole package that a true, whole food presents. Nature has supplied us with little packages of nutrition that include many of the synthesizing minerals and vitamins that are needed to treat our bodies. For instance, for iron to be fully absorbed it needs the help of copper, B12, folic acid and vitamin C (probably among a few others). There are many sources in the plant food kingdom that have this potent combination, such as green leafy vegetables. Animal foods do, according to convention, have the most absorbability of iron, but in this day and age animal products come with so much baggage, that it wouldn't hurt to eat some more raw spinach or romaine lettuce anyway. My point is, anemia can be caused by things other than low iron counts, and even then, iron supplementation is not the only route to treat low iron (ugh and yuck). Lisa saw improvement with chlorophyll because it is nearly identical to hemoglobin as it is the blood of plants, and it shows that nature is here to help, without all of the binders and fillers that give us trouble like iron pills do. Always consult with your doctor or naturopath to find the true cause of your anemia and take control of your health with education and a little bit of diet intervention.


Cream of Wheat
Posted by Crstline99 (Crestline, CA) on 06/12/2009
★★★★★

You can try cream of wheat to bring up iron. I used it before surgery, because I had to give blood to myself two weeks in a row before surgery. My iron went up a lot. enough that the nurse taking my blood made a comment on how unusual it was for someone's counts to go UP after giving blood the week before.


Beetroot
Posted by Frank (Humphrey, Nebraska) on 09/27/2011

Iron Inhibitors in Your Iron Rich Vegetables:

One problem with a list of food based solely on the content of a metal is that some foods themselves contain substances that inhibit iron absorption. Spinach is high in oxalic acid which can be cooked off in boiled spinach (discard the water) or in steamed spinach. A wilted spinach salad may be in order if the steam water is allowed to run off. The immature soy beans contain phytic acid which inhibit your iron absorption as well.


Pumpkin Seeds
Posted by Jules (Toronto, Canada) on 06/16/2009
★★★★★

Tried this remedy for about 3 months, iron levels have improved so much.

Just want to say thanks.


Pumpkin Seeds
Posted by Emma (Los Angeles, Usa) on 03/09/2012
★★★★★

This actually works!!!


Cream of Wheat Cereal, Molasses, Raisins and Flax Seeds
Posted by Tanya (Olympia, Wa) on 01/21/2008
★★★★★

I wrote back in November about my anemia and would like to report that I just got a blood test and my iron is 38 percent, way into the normal range. I have eaten cream of wheat with 2 tbls of unsulphered black strap molasses and raisins with flax seed every morning since September when I was diagnosed with fibroids. I have also been drinking 1 tbls of Mothers Apple Cider Vinegar with Apple Juice every day. During my cycle I drink it first thing in the morning because I read it helps to clot blood. My cycles have been very light and I just saw my Natropath Friday and she was amazed at how high I got my iron and how well I was doing. She also has me taking some liquid herbs to shrink the fibroid. My cycles have been great only thing is the last two were only 15 days apart. When I told my Dr. about this she said perhaps it is my body getting back on track? She wants me to go back in May to get an follow-up ultrasound. I will report back when I have that done.


Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Debbi (Greenwich, CT) on 02/01/2007
★★★★★

I became very anemic last year almost to the point of having an endometrial ablation and blood transfusions! I took my health into my own hands and did lots of research. Blackstrap molasses (unsulfured) restored my iron levels and my energy! I still take it everyday!


Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Laurie (Los Angeles, CA) on 12/03/2006
★★★★★

I use Plantation Unsulphered blackstrap molasses. It cured anemia and increased my iron levels. Prior to taking molasses again, I used otc iron pills with minimal visible results. I now take two TBS daily of the molasses, and my iron levels rose. Although the molasses tastes different, it's better to take molasses now then chemo later in life.


Cautionary Note
Posted by Carol (Pocatello, Idaho) on 11/07/2006
★☆☆☆☆

WARNING!

I work as a Nurse Practitioner in a hematology clinic. Please remember that not all patients with anemia have it because of low iron stores. Too much iron can have significant medical side effects. Therefore, I would have your iron blood levels checked prior to starting any replacement iron, molasses, or other herbal products.

Sarsaparilla and Beetroot
Posted by Easterly (Elsewhere) on 12/12/2023
★★★★★

It works! Thank you, Shooting Star! I have been "severely anemic" at certain points in my life. I haven't taken iron supplements in several months now, but tried the sarsaparilla instead. The lab tests confirmed that I am no longer anemic! My doctor took a notation about sarsaparilla and looked up information on it. I took it for only a few weeks, usually just one capsule a day. Now I'm going to look into the beetroot. Thanks again!


Vitamin B-12
Posted by Robert V. (EC's Facebook) on 06/03/2020
★★★★★

People's body chemistries are different, & some have allergies to things others thrive on. I was forced to drink milk & eat tomatoes, potatoes, bell peppers & eggplants, as I was raised on a small family farm. After nearly dying at the age of 30 (from a liver disease) I was carried by my husband into a gentleman's healthfood store, where I waited to be seen (at no charge) sitting on the floor in an aisle, as I was unable to stand. He had studied to be a veterinarian up until the middle of his last semester, then quit & began applying his observational diagnostic skills to humans. I was too weak to walk having lost 6 months of my life (more or less unconscious) & about 35 lbs. I already knew much of what was wrong with me, having been to the same local large clinic that had diagnosed my mother's cancer. He looked at my eyes, tongue, toes, fingers, etc. & wrote down everything (& more) that the clinic doctors had found out using their their X-rays, blood & other invasive tests. He then made a list of supplements & vitamins I should take & a list of things I should avoid. Three days after following his protocol, I got up & fixed my family breakfast. A week later, I was able to walk to the top of a small rise in the road a quarter mile from our house. By the end of the summer, my 5 yr. old son (I insisted my whole family be examined by this wonderful man & follow his recommendations) & I entered a local "1 1/2 mile Fun Run". I finished in 8 minutes. After having asthma my entire life up to that time, I came in 2nd (behind a younger regularly training runner). Anyone having health issues needs to allow a naturopath with an excellent reputation to determine what would work best for them.


Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 01/14/2016

Mauri, start small - about a teaspoon, twice a day. You will probably see immense improvements when you build up to a tablespoon twice a day. Later, you can back down to a tablespoon once a day and later yet, a tablespoon once in a few days.

The first thing you might notice, is more energy!!


Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Krystal (Rochester, Ny) on 10/08/2010
★★★★★

I use to be a die hard blood donor for years. The ARC turned me down a lot now due to low iron from my Pica/period. I took 1 tbs of blackstrap molasses (non sulfured kind) with water a day, drank beetjuice with apple once a week and my hemoglobin levels shot up fast! I have more energy, I am happier, hair grew back, I gave blood to those who need it now (how ironic huh? @_@), and my pica is cured!


Chlorophyll
Posted by Basilia (Pittsburgh, Pa) on 05/11/2023
★★★★★

The chlorophyll, which is really called, chlorophyllin, that is produced is altered by adding a copper molecule that replaces the natural magnesium molecule. In return, copper helps the iron to recycle itself which is then utilized by the body. Copper and vitamin A are very important for the iron recycling process within the body, with the results being iron absorption.


Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Marti (Olathe, Ks) on 02/09/2010

Just an FYI - milk (and also tannins from regular tea) interfere with the absorption of iron. I've read that vitamin C assists with iron absorption so taking BSM with Orange Juice could be more effective.


Beets, Dietary Changes
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 03/01/2017

LLH, for me Blackstrap Molasses got the iron and ferritin up to par.


Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Mauri (Covington, Louisiana) on 01/13/2016

I have recently discovered that I have severe anemia. I have extreme bouts of fatigue and exhaustion as well as brittle fingernails that will not grow. How much blackstrap molasses should I be taking each day?


Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Candice (Parkville, Mo) on 03/16/2016

Nurse Jon, Your review on BSM Was so informative. As a person who suffers from long term anemia I would love to know of a brand of BSM THAT YOU WOULD SUGGEST. Thank you for your words. It left me feeling like there is hope.


Supplements
Posted by Diana (China Grove, Nc) on 12/16/2011
★★★★★

Hello, My name is Diana. I have an ongoing problem with heavy periods and fibroids but at my age I did not want a hysterectomy. I am going to try the apple cider vinegar. I have already started using the kind with the mother in it. They say it is the best. I have to use iron supplements as well and I just wanted to let you know that I use an iron supplement that works really well for me and it is called "Blood Builder" from a place called Wellness. Iron supplements make me really sick but this one usually does really good for me. I still have to take food though before I take any kind of supplements. I always have. When I first started using the "Blood Builder" iron supplement my blood was really low and when I went back to the doctor to have it rechecked they could not get over how great my blood was. They were thrilled. They told me they had never seen it that good before. I really like them and just wanted to let all of you know in case you may want to try something different.


Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Had (White River Jct, Vermont) on 03/12/2013

You can buy or make your own 'pills' of Cayenne Pepper. Cayenne pepper slows down bleeding( has a blancing effect in the body and can stop a heart attack), put it in a search engine, it's truly an amazing spice. I use it for heavy bleeding, to bring it down to a more 'normal' amount. It truly works.


Multiple Remedies
Posted by Elsaeasterly (Elsewhere, Ca, Usa) on 05/19/2011
★★★★★

In January I was diagnosed as being severely anemic. My ferritin level was 2. My blood volume was down by 10%. The doctor said I had virtually no iron in my body. I had been taking blackstrap molasses (1 or 2 tablespoons a day) for about a year and unfortunately it did not help me. I knew I needed iron because I was anemic 5 years ago, but it wasn't nearly as bad then as this time.

I did not want to take the prescription after reading all the negative experiences about it. I checked here on Earth Clinic and Dr. Weil's web site and decided to try the remedies that I listed in the title. I hope these brand names are printed because I am not endorsing one in particular, and I did read about at least 2 of them here.

After 2 months, huge success! All my numbers had come up so much that my doctor looked at me with big eyes and asked, "What did you do?" She actually wrote down the names of these products so that she could recommend them to other patients.

Interestingly, in Dr. Weil's article, he recommended Floradix, but said that it probably wouldn't be enough for those with severe anemia. Well, I took it anyway and proved him wrong!

By the way, prior to my first round of bloodwork, I had been taking rather large doses of zinc. I didn't find out until I was reading up on anemia that it blocks iron absorption. I also read that you should avoid milk, eggs, tea, and chocolate. I couldn't give up these items completely, but I reduced the milk and eggs, and I didn't take my iron within a couple of hours of consuming tea or chocolate. I had great results anyway

Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Caroleco1 (Buffalo, New York, USA) on 02/16/2011
★★★★★

I have suffered from anemia for a number of years. I find that the Blackstrap Molasses help to build the iron. I drink 1 tablespoon in the morning with 1/2 glass of milk. I drink one tablespoon in the evening before bedtime with 1/2 glass of milk. I suffer from AVM of the small intestines, it cannot be treated with surgery. Ever so often I bleed internally so it is important to keep my iron levels up. I cannot eat too many dark leafly vegetables because I am on Warfarin for artificial heart valves. Vitamin K. I prefer the Blackstrap Molasses over a blood transfusion anyday. I am 54 years old and 95 pounds. After 5 kids all grown except one. Does anyone out there have any recipes for smoothies. Thanks!

Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Maria (Houston, Texas) on 05/05/2007
★★★★★

I was suffering for years with anemia and I had even been let go from my job due to the fact that I could not keep my strength up. I had been told by several doctors that my multiple fibroids required a hysterectomy. I had no tolerance for ANY type of iron supplement. I was steadily getting worse. One doctor even gave up treating me. When that happened I was greatly distressed. I began to recall an island friend telling me that I needed to take blackstrap molasses. So I began using it and lo and behold I improved immediately. My blood count went up from 6 to 7.8 in one month. I now am going through menopause and have found that it helps even with that. I love it and tell everyone about it. My husband takes it daily. I also have no more symptoms of anemia and fibroid issues. I take it now for the calcium and other minerals that are great for menopause troubles.


Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Averell (Fort Washington, Maryland) on 02/27/2007
★★★★★

Being extremely weak and anemic from my monthly cycle. I decided to try black strap molasses. I put a Tbs. in my green tea several times a day. I feel so much better, not weak,faint or light headed.My husband even got into it and he said it gave him energy. The doctor who lives next door recommended Floridine from the Natural Health Food Store, it smells and tastes just like molasses only more expensive. I wish I would have found the benefits of molasses a long time ago. I remember my mom used to have some in her kitchen cabinet and put it in baked beans.


Vitamin E Deficiency
Posted by Susan (USA)
★★★★★

Vitamin E deficiency may cause anemia, as a result of red blood cell destruction and neurological dysfunction, myopathies, and diminished erythrocyte life span. New clinical evidence from heavy drinkers suggests that alcohol may increase oxidation of Alpha-Tocopherol. Increased demand has also been observed in premature infants and patients with malabsorption.

Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 12/12/2017

Myra, BSM is the only thing that got my iron and ferritin up to normal.


Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Catherine (Wellington, New Zealand) on 08/11/2011

Reply to Lee, BSM is a much better solution for anemia. Iron compounds to correct anemia need to be under stringent medical control. As early as 1928 they were found to destroy Vitamin E. Later studies showed that taking ferrous sulfate and other iron compounds tremendously increase the need for oxygen, pantothenic acid and several nutrients, that they harm the unsaturated fatty acids, and destroy carotene and vitamins A, C and E. When protein intake is low, iron compounds can cause liver damage.

Where iron deficiency occurs one must look first to the diet, heavy reliance on processed foods can be a cause, lack of B6, B12 & E also, if no problems there then some other things need to be considered. Loss of blood through internal bleeding (as per stomach ulcer) heavy menstrual flow for women and young girls. Increased ferritin levels indicating that the body is storing iron to make it unavailable for pathogens or parasites (also cancer). Blood tests for anemia should in my opinion also include the test for ferritin. I understand the current upper ferritin level in U. S. is 20 though lately some experts claim 0-10 is preferred.

It is hard to have a normal diet low in iron, so anemia should always be investigated and not simply "treated" with iron pills.


Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Artemis (Nyc) on 06/26/2016

Yes, being hypothyroid can be a problem for weakness, etc. But, don't know if it also relates to iron defficiency as I've had for a long time. Will definitely start on the BSM.. And also add beet root juice. EarthClinic - we love youuuu so much - thank god for those who invented the internet and thus after all these years allowing everyone to have the ability to educate themselves on healing...staing away from doctors who are a horrible JOKE...and not so funny when they couldn't diagnose a runny nose if their lives depended on it. Sorry....I have reason to despise the medical profession in this country. Be well and stay with Mother Nature.


Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Shelley (Sun Valley, Nevada) on 08/08/2024 10 posts

I was hospitalized in Jan. 2018. I had HG at 2.06. The transfusions didn't help because I have a very rare antibody that is in only 10% of the pop. worldwide. The only facility was USF Hospitals Blood bank in SF was willing to make make my rare blood. I was in the Hospital 12 days and released when my HG was at 7%. I recovered and had no reoccurring problems until April of 2023. I was admitted to Shasta Hospital whom had previously agreed to accept my transfer from the Hospital in Trinity County. Prior to going to the ER I had thought I was suffering Vomiting of all ingested liquids, and foods, had diarrhea, incontinence, headaches, dizziness, brain fog, and I had lost 43#.

After treatment and going home, I did slot of research on my B12 anemia. I had suffered such at birth and received B12 shots daily for two weeks.

I never suffered anemia during any of my five pregnancies, nor a t any other time in my life. At age 57 my hubby and I were run over by a van going 45 mph while in a crosswalk. I suffered 18 fractures, 3 in my skull and was in a med coma for a week. Upon returning home, I became dizzy while laying bed. I had the spins like I was completely intoxicated. No one did squat concerning my complaints. I began drinking Match a beetroot, fresh fruit, organic juices, and MSM smoothies daily. I also put a tablespoon of BSM in my coffee every cup. I became symptomless. This was in 2016. In 2018 we lost our mobile home and lived in our Ford Ranger in our home County. This is when I became almost bloodless the first time.

We now live in a Fifth Wheel in far N CA. I did much research of the diagnoses of B12 Anemia. I also have a Hiatal Hernia which the iffy medical care in our area refused to treat and stop the Chronic heart burn caused by such. I wads placed on antacid pills. Which cause your body to not have the ability to use B12 to convert to red blood cells. I keep having issues, so I will definitely start BSM again with my green super food, beet root powder B12 3 times a day 4,000 Mcg,, D-3, Brewers yeast powder, and MSM and will let you you all know how my body is recovering. I also do mineral Sups., C-Ester, Lots of Plain fat organic yogurt. Thanks for reminding me of the BSM I forgot all about this time.


Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Richelle (Los Angeles, California, Usa) on 06/15/2011
★☆☆☆☆

I suffer from anemia and heavy peiods with bad cramps. I tried BSM but didnt get results fast enough. Maybe I should have given it more time. I have decided to try it again but I am juicing now on a regular basis. Can I use the BSM in the juicing?

Pekmezi
Posted by Demina (Athens, Greece) on 12/08/2010
★★★★★

It is very weird that no one here has never or so I think- mentioned the traditional grape molasses named pekmezi in Turkish or petimezi in Greek Http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petimezi I guess that it is a local product and not widespread in other places in the world otherwise the page blackstrap molasses would have been a tiny sub page of this grapes molasses pages product.

Pekmezi is made by boiling down slowly for hours the first juice you get after crushing the grapes (the very first step for producing wine before any kind of fermentation) until this juice becomes a mild-thick black-brown sweet syrup. Actually in Greece we can do it in our own kitchen provided we find tons of fresh crushed grape juice. It is a difficult home procedure as we need "gallons" of this fresh juice to produce a bottle of pekmezi. There are a lot of wine producing countries in the world but I don't know if any others than the two above have also this product -well, lazy housewives ? :-)
Even wikipedia doesn't mention pekmezi in its "grapes" page as a grapes product (although there is a petimezi page, mentioned above)
If you just consider the raw material grapes- the grape molasses is far better than any other molasses. There are a lot of "grape" diets but non "sugar cane" ones, and there are a lot of health claims for grapes.

Anyway the grape molasses is so rich in iron too, that you can taste it. One spoon per day is the best home remedy for iron deficiency anemia. In Greece this was a must have remedy for young girls with heavy menstruation, actually not a remedy in a sense of healing the heavy menstruation, but in a sense of rebuilding the body the blood and the stamina. Pregnant women used to take it also. It was a material difficult to produce and every home had bottle as a medicine in its kitchen. I said was because the big pharma came and now the population has been brainwashed to take iron pills for anemia and millions of synthetic vitamins. Also as it is a have it all super food- when a small child was very ill and refused to eat we gave him a spoon of petimezi and we were sure that its body had all the necessary nutrients to combat illness and we didn't mind that the child refused to eat. I remember when I was 7 with chicken pox and 40Celsius for a week and I was saying "I'm dying" my mother gave me pekmezi and water as my sole food. I do not know in other countries what kind of food they feed (before the mass products appear) the very ill children when they refuse to eat but I suppose those exact foods would be the richest in nutrients foods available locally. Check on them in your country!



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