Anemia is defined as "a pathologic deficiency in the amount of oxygen-carrying hemoglobin in the red blood cells." It is a common problem for cancer patients and often results from the therapies used to suppress or control tumors. Anemia is associated with fatigue - a feeling of weakness or diminished physical and mental capacity unrelieved by rest (fatigue). Additional symptoms include diminished ability to perform daily functions and possibly impaired cognitive function, headache, dizziness, chest pain and shortness of breath, nausea, depression and occasionally pain.

The most common cause for having anemia is iron deficiency, which occurs when iron intake is insufficient or when there has been significant blood loss. Anemia is often the first symptom of a myriad of ailments, which include arthritis, infection and major illnesses, like cancer. Chronic inflammation, drug use, hemorrhoids, liver damage, thyroid disorders and dietary deficiencies are a few of the many ailments that can promote anemia.

You are 'anemic' when there is not enough oxygen in the blood. This happens when there are not enough red blood cells being produced. Oxygenated blood helps give your body its energy and your skin a healthy glow. Red Blood Cells carry the oxygen from your lungs to your brain and the rest of your body and each blood cell only lives for about 100 days. Therefore, the body is constantly needing to replace them.

Anemia Diagnosis

Anemia is diagnosed from the patient's symptoms and by a blood test that measures the level of hemoglobin in the blood, as well as substances such as folic acid, bilirubin and vitamin B12. Additionally, the size of the red cells provide further clues to the type of anemia.

Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Anemia

1. Ash Gourd (Benincasa hipsida)

Ash gourd can prevent the risk of anemia by checking the amount of blood lost from the lungs, nose and if there are piles. Ash gourd is also effective in controlling hematuria, which is a condition in which there are blood cells in the urine.

2. Celery (Apium graveolens)

Celery has a high quantity of iron and magnesium content. Iron is a component of heme, which is necessary for the production of hemoglobin in the blood. Thus a diet rich in celery helps to increase the amount of blood in the body.

3. Chicory (Chichorium intybus)

Chicory is an effective tonic for the blood. If taken with celery and parsley, it shows excellent results. These three can be had as a salad by people suffering from anemia.