Anemia is a health condition in which your blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin. [1]
Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen to the blood tissue. Your body’s cells will not get enough oxygen if your hemoglobin level is too low, which may result in chest pain, feeling weak and tired, and fatigue.
Based on its cause, anemia can be temporary to permanent. Therefore, this condition should be appropriately treated as it can indicate serious illness.
Treatments of anemia range from dietary supplements to different medical procedures. While on medication, you can try some essential oils for anemia that may help you feel better.
Some of these essential oils are rich in medicinal properties. For example, some of them may enhance the iron absorption in your body, while others may stimulate the production of hemoglobin.
This article looks into some essential oils that may help reduce anemia symptoms and improve your quality of life.
4 Effective Essential Oils for Anemia That You May Try
1. Helichrysum Essential Oil
Helichrysum essential oil is a natural anti-aging and anti-inflammatory agent. Derived from the Helichrysum italicum plant, this oil possesses numerous health benefits. [2]
Due to its therapeutic properties, helichrysum oil can treat different diseases, keeping you healthy and active.
The oil has also been touted to improve red blood cell production and reduce the symptoms of anemia. [3]
2. Lemon Essential Oil
Lemon oil can be the first choice when it comes to promoting better blood circulation and reducing the growth of the tumor. In addition, regular use of this essential oil may help you absorb the nutrients in your food, including iron, a vital component in fighting anemia.
Limonene, a chemical component found in lemon oil, can stimulate the production of red and white blood cells. [4, 5]
Besides, lemon oil is rich in vitamin C, which can also fight symptoms caused by anemia.
3. Ginger Essential Oil
Ginger has long been famous as traditional medicine. However, the essential oil extracted from ginger also contains numerous therapeutic properties.
Like lemon oil, ginger oil can also improve the cells’ ability to absorb iron and other nutrients. [6]
While enhancing your body’s hemoglobin level, ginger oil can also fight some symptoms you may have due to anemia.
4. Cinnamon Essential Oil
Hemoglobin level has a significant impact on blood sugar level. Therefore, you may experience some imbalance in your blood sugar if you’re anemic.
Cinnamon essential oil can be an excellent natural treatment to keep your blood sugar in control. [7]
As this famous spice is rich in iron, manganese, and other nutrients, the use of its essential oil may also help soothe the iron deficiency in your blood. This oil can also reduce some of the symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, etc. [8]
How to Use Essential Oils for Anemia
- Take a diffuser and pour some essential oils into it.
- Inhale the aroma and let its therapeutic properties work on your wellbeing.
- You can dilute some essential oils and rub them on your neck, temple, and back to reduce the pain and fatigue due to lower hemoglobin levels.
Safety Measures to Follow
- Essential oils must be kept in a cold and dry place.
- Do not apply them topically without diluting them first.
- If you’re under medication for anemia or some other serious illness such as epilepsy and seizures, ask your doctor before using any of these essential oils.
- Keep the oils away from children.
When to See a Doctor?
Anemia can be a severe problem if you are not careful from the beginning. Dietary change and home remedies may help improve the red blood cells level, but if you see the following symptoms; you must see a doctor:
- Feeling tired and weak even after the dietary change.
- Fatigue.
- Pale skin.
- Headaches.
- Dizziness.
- Shortness of breath
- Rapid heartbeat.
- Chest Pain.
- Hair loss
- Brittle, cracked nails
- Swollen tongue.
- Restless leg syndrome
- Diarrhea
- Jaundice
Conclusion
Anemia is a serious health condition that should not be taken lightly. There are different types of anemia, with no single cause. Hence, it is difficult to determine the exact cause of it.
While some people may treat anemia with dietary changes and home remedies, others may suffer for a long time if the condition is not treated correctly.
No matter how severe your anemia is, you must not ignore it and see a doctor. Your doctor will have a blood test to find the exact cause of your disease and start treatment accordingly.
