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Herbal Blood Building Syrup

Mena Borges-Gillette

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Herbal Blood Building Syrup

Iron Deficiency

Iron deficiency (with or without anemia) has become a common health concern for many people worldwide not only because our soils have become depleted and our foods are less nutrient rich, but also because a lack of iron in the body can cause many symptoms as well as lead to serious health problems.

Iron is a nutrient that is found in all cells of the body and is an essential component of blood formation, particularly in the protein hemoglobin whose job is to carry oxygen to the various organs and tissues.  Iron also plays a vital role in building collagen, in proper immune, metabolism & nervous system function and is also related to some neurotransmitter and brain activity.

Symptoms of Iron Deficiency

The symptoms of iron deficiency are many and vary by person, but some of the most common include:

  • extreme fatigue

  • weakness

  • cold hands & feet

  • headache, lightheadedness and / or dizziness

  • loss of appetite, especially in infants or children

  • tongue inflammation or soreness

  • shortness of breath, fast heartbeat, or chest pain

  • brittle nails, limp hair, and / or pale skin may indicate a chronic iron deficiency

  • ice cravings or pica-cravings for non-nutritive items such as dirt or starch

Causes of Iron Deficiency

Just as the symptoms of iron deficiency vary by person, the causes do too and are numerous, so we will focus on a some of the more common ones:

  • Lack of iron in diet or an inability to absorb iron in the small intestine due to a lack of intrinsic factor, celiac disease, an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), gastric bypass surgery, or removal of a section of the small intestine.

  • Blood loss from heavy menstruation or postpartum bleeding, IBD, peptic ulcer, hiatal hernia, colon polyp or colorectal cancer for example.

Iron Supplementation is Not for All

There is controversy regarding whether iron supplementation is a good idea as well as how much is too much. For the purposes of this article, we will not be going into this and will instead focus on those who wish to address iron deficiency using a whole food and herbal approach. Those who prefer a holistic approach, those who are allergic to corn and those with sensitivities to ingredients in Rx and / or OTC iron options can benefit from the addition of these remedies and recipes to their routine. Additionally, those with gastritis, acid reflux, intestinal infections, IBD, IBS or and / or SIBO may also benefit from the herbal approach due to sensitivities either to iron supplements and / or the inactive ingredients in Western medicinal approaches.

This herbal approach is gentler, sustainable, and safe over time. The herbal approaches described in this article series are also a good option for those deficient in iron including pregnant women (any herbs not safe for pregnancy will be noted with an *), women with heavy menses, and those with medically restricted diets (such as SCD unless noted with **).

This Herbal Iron Syrup helps not only to increase iron levels, but also to improve the well-being of the organ systems that transport blood, help absorb iron, and remove waste.

Herbal Iron Syrup - About the Ingredients:

● Yellow Dock Root (Rumex crispus) is a bitter herb which stimulates the release of gastric juices for better digestion and is known as a blood and liver tonic. It has an affinity for the colon as well. As a bowel tonic and mild laxative, it is great for the digestive system in helping to relieve constipation and stimulate the appetite. It is believed that the constituent anthraquinone glycoside stimulates the bowel giving the root its gentle laxative effect. Another constituent, emodin, has been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of cancer. The root is low in oxalates whereas the leaf is high in it.

Yellow dock root contains vitamins A, B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), and C as well as the minerals calcium, chromium, cobalt, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and zinc. These minerals extract well in apple cider vinegar which we will explore how to use this for a condiment in a later post.

Yellow dock root is indicated for not only those with iron deficiency with or without anemia, but also those with biliary insufficiency, chronic gastritis, constipation, digestive insufficiency, gastrointestinal diseases, hypochlorhydria, inflammatory liver and gall bladder disorders, intestinal dryness, liver congestion, malabsorption, poor elimination with toxicity, skin diseases (acne, eczema, herpes, psoriasis, various eruptions).

Yellow dock aids iron absorption and its utilization. It builds blood in those with anemia due to dietary deficiency or due to excess blood loss. A yellow dock and black strap molasses syrup is a traditional remedy for blood building while consuming an iron and vitamin C-rich diet. This is often recommended in pregnancy for blood building and has the added benefit of relieving minor constipation.

Yellow dock has also been used as a bowel tonic for constipation and for lax bowels, for bleeding in the bowels and hemorrhoids, for aiding in fat absorption, and for overactive stomach (acid reflux). David Hoffmann indicates that “[w]hile anthraquinones usually have a strong cathartic action on the bowel, in this herb they act mildly, possibly tempered by the tannin content. Because yellow dock works in a broader manner than herbs that simply stimulate gut action, it is a valuable remedy for constipation. Yellow dock promotes the flow of bile and has the somewhat obscure action of ‘blood cleansing.’ Its influence on the gallbladder gives it a role in the treatment of jaundice due to congestion” (578). He also states that it has been considered “a ‘general tonic alterative with special influence upon skin eruptions’” used to address “eczema, psoriasis, urticaria, prurigo […], and itching hemorrhoids” (579).  Because yellow dock is a gentle and effective laxative, it is a good first choice for constipation relief without the side effects of stronger herbal laxatives.

Dr. Jill Stansbury states that “Rumex roots are a traditional alterative agent [support the elimination pathways] in Western herbalism and may be added to support elimination of waters and support the assimilation of nutrients. Include Rumex in formulas for joint pain and pathology related to poor digestion, liver congestion, and toxemia. Rumex is specifically indicated for vague joint pain and chronic stiffness secondary to digestive insufficiency, hypochlorhydria, malabsorption, and constipation. Rumex is also indicated when nausea and anorexia, flatulence and abdominal pain, a sore and coated tongue, heartburn, hiccups, or chronic gastritis accompany chronic musculoskeletal pain and stiffness” (vol. 5 pg. 140).

● Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale) is a nutritive liver tonic or blood cleanser traditionally used to improve both fat digestion and the absorption of nutrients. “Dandelion leaf […] is not only an effective diuretic, but also one of the best natural sources of potassium” (Hoffman 587). Considered a general tonic with an affinity for the kidneys and liver helping with congestion of the latter.

● Nettle Leaf (Urtica dioica) is rich in iron, vitamin C, and other minerals as well as contains chlorophyll which helps blood building. Folate accompanies chlorophyll and is another blood builder. “Throughout Europe, nettle is used as a spring tonic and general detoxifying remedy […] Used internally as an astringent, nettle will relieve symptoms of hemorrhage anywhere in the body (for example, uterine hemorrhage)” (Hoffman 591).”

● Rosehips (Rosa sp.) are high in vitamin C content which helps the body absorb the nutrients from the other herbs in this recipe as well as help draw water to the bowls which may ease constipation.

● Schisandra berries (Schisandra chinensis), not only do these berries modulate both inflammation and the immune system, but they also are protective of the liver and cardiovascular systems. They are used to facilitate menopause, promote sleep, and restore vitality.

● Hawthorn berries (Crataegus spp.) are an antioxidant berry that help with digestive stagnation and are cardioprotective with an affinity for the circulatory system.

● Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) Is an antioxidant that is also used to move the blood in addition to help with ailments such as arthritis and insulin resistance.

● Orange peel and / or lemon peel: These are bitter herbs and help address liver stagnation.

● Red raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus) is a nutrient dense herb as well as an astringent and tonic herb with an affinity for the female reproductive system. It is used to address dysmenorrhea for example.

● Black Strap Molasses (BSM): Not only is BSM iron rich, but its flavor also blends well with the bitter herbs. **If you cannot have BSM due to a dietary restriction such as SCD, then using a local, raw honey is suitable for this recipe.

● Water not only pulls nutrients from the herbs, but it also helps elimination via the kidneys and supports liver function.

 Blood Building Syrup

Ingredients

Method

  1. Pour water into a stock pot (or crock pot) allowing to reach simmer on stovetop.

  2. Add roots, berries & spices to water simmering 1 hr. or until liquid is reduced by half.

  3. Remove heat.

  4. Stir in nettle & red raspberry leaves.

  5. Cover, allowing to sit overnight (or a minimum of 4 hrs.).

  6. Strain as much liquid as possible (using a potato ricer is the best tool to use)

  7. Pour into a clean glass jar with lid.

  8. Add honey or BSM shaking or stirring to combine.

  9. Taste & adjust sweetness if necessary. For those who wish to have a less sweet syrup, ½ cup sweetener is fine.

  10. Store in glass jar with lid for up to 1 month in refrigerator.

 Note: flavor profile is slightly bitter and tart.

Dose: 2 tsp. daily.

 For those who prefer a simpler syrup, the recipe below fits the bill.

 

Simple Yellow Dock Root Syrup

Ingredients

Method

  1. Simmer roots in water until liquid is reduced by half.

  2. Strain herbs into a measuring cup.

  3. Add an equal amount of honey (or black strap molasses).

  4. Store in a glass jar with lid in refrigerator.

  5. Consume within 3 months

    Adult dose: 1 - 3 Tbsp. per day

References

Hoffman, David. Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Rochester: Healing Arts Press, 2003.

Mayo Clinic. “Iron Deficiency Anemia.” https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/iron-deficiency-anemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355034

Stansbury, Jill. Herbal Formulations For Health Professionals Volume 5 Immunology, Orthopedics, and Otolaryngology: Including Allergies, the Immune System, the Musculoskeletal System, and the Eyes, Ears, Nose, Mouth, and Throat. White River Junction: Chelsea Green Publishing, 2021.

UCSF. “Hemoglobin and Functions of Iron.”  https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/hemoglobin-and-functions-of-iron