In TCM we learn that the best way to "build or tonify the blood," for people who may have conditions such as anemia, is to drink beef broth especially broth made from beef bones. This would obviously pose a big problem for vegans. Blood deficiency (often referred to as anemia in a western diagnosis) is a common problem for vegans and vegetarians who don't get enough iron or Vitamin B12. But look at the list of Blood Tonic herbs used in TCM:
- Shu Di Huang (Radix Rehmanniae)
- Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis)
- He Shou Wu (Radix Polygoni multiflori)
- Bai Shao Yao (Radix Paeoniae Alba)
- Long Yan Rou (Arillus Euphoriae Longanae)
- E Jiao (Colla Corrii Asini)
There is only one herb from this list that isn't a plant: E Jiao (Colla Corrii Asini), which is donkey hide gelatin. The other five herbs in this list are all vegan/vegetarian friendly and can help "tonify" the blood, which may (in western medical terms) help reduce anemia.
Don't forget that we can also get many of the essential nutrients from our food. If you are lacking in iron, eat more spinach. You can do a quick Google search to find out which foods are high in essential nutrients.
In all cases where an animal product herb would be used, there are plant-based herb alternatives. The animal product herbs can be much stronger than plant-based herbs, but don't let this discourage you if your acupuncturist/herbalist recommends an animal product. Always inform your healthcare provider about your diet and lifestyle. The practitioner should discuss with you that treating your condition only using plant-based herbs may take a bit longer if the plant-based herbs aren't as strong, but you'll still be well on your way to better health and you won't have to compromise your morals.
Don't forget that we can also get many of the essential nutrients from our food. If you are lacking in iron, eat more spinach. You can do a quick Google search to find out which foods are high in essential nutrients.
In all cases where an animal product herb would be used, there are plant-based herb alternatives. The animal product herbs can be much stronger than plant-based herbs, but don't let this discourage you if your acupuncturist/herbalist recommends an animal product. Always inform your healthcare provider about your diet and lifestyle. The practitioner should discuss with you that treating your condition only using plant-based herbs may take a bit longer if the plant-based herbs aren't as strong, but you'll still be well on your way to better health and you won't have to compromise your morals.
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