![]() |
|
|
AnaemiaAnaemia (AmE) or anæmia, from the Greek (?ναιμ?α) (an-haîma) meaning "without blood", is a deficiency of red blood cells (RBCs) and/or hemoglobin. This results in a reduced ability of blood to transfer oxygen to the tissues, causing tissue hypoxia. Since all human cells depend on oxygen for survival, varying degrees of anemia can have a wide range of clinical consequences. Hemoglobin (the oxygen-carrying protein in the red blood cells) has to be present to ensure adequate oxygenation of all body tissues and organs. The three main classes of anemia include excessive blood loss (acutely such as a hemorrhage or chronically through low-volume loss), excessive blood cell destruction (hemolysis) or deficient red blood cell production (ineffective hematopoiesis). In menstruating women, dietary iron deficiency is a common cause of deficient red blood cell production. Anaemia is the most common disorder of the blood. There are several kinds of anaemia, produced by a variety of underlying causes. Anaemia can be classified in a variety of ways, based on the morphology of RBCs, underlying etiologic mechanisms, and discernible clinical spectra, to mention a few. There are two major approaches of classifying anemias, the "kinetic" approach which involves evaluating production, destruction and loss, and the "morphologic" approach which groups anaemia by red blood cell size. The morphologic approach uses a quickly available and cheap lab test as its starting point (the MCV). On the other hand, focusing early on the question of production may allow the clinician more rapidly to expose cases where multiple causes of anaemia coexist. SIGN & SYMPTOMS: Anemia goes undetected in many people, and symptoms can be vague. They can include:
TREATMENTS: There are many different treatments for anaemia and the treatment depends on severity and the cause.
Alternative therapies include aromatherapy treatments. The following essential oils are particularly indicated for the treatment of anaemia; Black Pepper is a stimulant of the spleen which is involved in the production of new blood cells. It is also stimulating and warming which can help to alleviate the feelings of utter exhaustion which can go with this condition. Chamomile Roman, Geranium and Lemon can be useful where the course of anaemia is found to be heavy blood loss. Thyme can be invaluable in the treatment of anaemia. It is a powerful stimulant and is widely used where the body is working “under par” It is good for combating fatigue and lethargy and can sometimes help to stimulate a sluggish appetite. A good idea is to run a bath daily and use 2 drops each of Black Pepper, Chamomile Roman, and Lemon or 2 drops each Geranium, Lemon and Thyme. |
|
| Copyright © Think Aromatherapy 2008 | Web design by 7Soft.co.uk |