| |  | | Aplastic Anemia
Answered by: Susan Eagles
Question from: Katie
Posted on: May 28, 1999
My 11 year old has Aplastic Anemia..We have been battling for 2 years and most cell lines are normal. We need to build platelets however, they are still quite low. Any suggestions? Her gums are also still swollen from the cyclosporin. She is off all medications and we are using Vitamin and herbal therapy.
Thomas Bartram, "Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine" (available at Richters) states that aplastic anemia is failure of the bone marrow to produce red cells because of infection, chronic disease elsewhere in the body, chemicals in food and medicine, food preservatives, Xrays, fluoride in water or environmental pollution. It is necessary to identify the toxic cause and eliminate it. Hospital supervision is necessary.
Herbs suggested by Bartram to help eliminate toxins are: Alfalfa, Red Clove, Nettles, Dandelion, German Chamomile, Ground Ivy, Milk Thistle, Gotu Kola and Fennel.
Herbs suggested to stimulate bone marrow are Echinacea which is known to increase regeneration of red blood cells, Prickly Ash bark and Horsetail. Due to Horsetail’s high mineral content it must not be taken for longer than a month, then a one week break, to avoid kidney damage. Horsetail should be taken only under consultation with a health professional to assure that a good quality herb and the proper dosage are used.
Bartram recommends a high fibre, low fat, low salt diet with molasses and lamb’s liver. He recommends supplements of Vitamin B12, Folic acid, Vitamin C which helps to absorb iron: Parsley and Spinach are good sources of both iron and vitamin C; and Floradix herbal iron formula which contains nettles, carrots, spinach, fennel and other herbs.
| | |
|
