Thalassemia refers to a group of inherited blood disorders characterized by the body’s inability to produce adequate amounts of hemoglobin – a protein that is found in red blood cells and needed for oxygen transport. It results from mutations in the genes responsible for hemoglobin production, leading to reduced or absent synthesis of one of its components—either alpha or beta globin chains. This deficiency impairs oxygen transport in the body. In order for one to acquire this condition, both parents must pass on the defective gene for a child to be affected. In this article, I go over several natural remedies for thalassemia that can help improve symptoms as well as to prevent certain complications.

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Symptoms

Mild Thalassemia (Trait or Minor):

• Often asymptomatic or presents with mild anemia.
• Symptoms may include fatigue, slight pallor, but generally there are no noticeable signs.

Severe Thalassemia (Major or Intermedia):

• Severe anemia:
  • Fatigue
  • Weakness
  • Shortness of breath.
• Delayed growth and development in children.
• Bone deformities, especially in the face and skull.
• Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly)
• Enlarged liver (hepatomegaly)
• Dark color urine
• Jaundice (yellowish discoloration or the sclera, skin, etc.)

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Causes and Mechanisms

Thalassemia is caused by genetic mutations or defects affecting hemoglobin protein chains. There are a total of four protein chains associated with hemoglobin – two alpha and two beta. The alpha globin chains have four genes (two from each parent) while the beta globin chains have two genes (one from each parent).

The imbalance in globin chain production (due to genetic defects) leads to ineffective red blood cell formation and anemia.

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Types of Thalassemia

Thalassemia has two major classifications (Alpha & Beta) with 7 subtypes. Each subtype is distinguished by the number of genes affected – which in turn determines the severity of the condition, as seen below:

• Alpha Thalassemia:
  • Silent Carrier: One gene affected; no symptoms.
  • Alpha Thalassemia Trait/minor: Two genes affected; mild anemia.
  • Hemoglobin H Disease: Three genes affected; moderate to severe anemia.
  • Alpha Thalassemia Major: All four genes affected; usually fatal before or shortly after birth.
• Beta Thalassemia:
  • Beta Thalassemia Minor: One gene affected; mild anemia.
  • Beta Thalassemia Intermedia: Two genes affected; moderate anemia.
  • Beta Thalassemia Major (Cooley’s Anemia): Two genes severely affected; severe anemia requiring regular transfusions.

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Diagnosis

Diagnosis involves:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): This gives an overall look at the various components of one’s blood and helps to detect anemia and microcytosis.
• Hemoglobin Electrophoresis: This helps to identify abnormal hemoglobin types.
• Genetic Testing: This test confirms mutations in globin genes.
• Prenatal Testing: Chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis for at-risk pregnancies.

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Complications

If untreated or poorly managed, thalassemia can lead to:

• Iron Overload from frequent transfusions
  • This can cause damage to the heart, liver, and endocrine system.
• Bone Deformities can occur due to bone marrow expansion.
• Growth Delays in children and adolescents.
• Enlarged spleen -> potentially leading to the need for removal.
• Increased risk of infection -> especially after spleen removal.

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Natural Remedies for Thalassemia

Triphaladi Avaleha

Triphaladi Aveleha is an Ayurvedic formulation comprising of nineteen ingredients – all of which are medicinal herbs. Studies suggest its potential in reducing iron overload, improving hemoglobin levels, enhancing overall well-being in thalassemia patients (see study). In one clinical trial, it was found to improve abdominal pain, fatigue, muscle cramps and several other symptoms when used in conjunction with blood transfusion (see study)

Wheatgrass Juice

Wheatgrass juice is rich in chlorophyll and known for its ability to help with several blood related conditions including Beta Thalassemia major. In one clinical trial, wheatgrass tablets given to children with thalassemia major resulted in improved hemoglobin production and reduced transfusion requirements (see study).

Black Seed

Nigella Sativa (Black Seed) is a well-known remedy for numerous health conditions including diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, kidney stones and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. Additionally, it has also demonstrated incredible benefits for thalassemia too. In the case of Beta Thalassemia Major, it was found to improve hemoglobin, WBCs, immunity, and reduced iron-overload induced oxidative stress (see study)

If you or a loved one is considering using any of these natural remedies for thalassemia, I strongly suggest working with both your doctor as well as an expert who specializes in using these sorts of remedies, such as an Ayurvedic doctor or Functional medicine doctor.

To book a consultation with me, click here

(Always use medicinal herbs under the supervision of a doctor)

by Dr. Nishal R.
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