Anaemia (Pandu Roga) – Understanding Causes, Ayurvedic View, and Herbal Remedies for Rebuilding Blood & Vitality

Anaemia (Pandu Roga) – Understanding Causes, Ayurvedic View, and Herbal Remedies for Rebuilding Blood & Vitality

Anaemia (Pandu Roga) – Introduction

Anaemia, derived from the Greek word meaning “without blood,” signifies a condition in which the body lacks adequate healthy red blood cells or haemoglobin to carry oxygen to tissues. In modern medical science, anaemia manifests through weakness, paleness, fatigue, and shortness of breath, but Ayurveda perceives it far more deeply — as a disorder of Rakta Dhatu (blood tissue) and depletion of Ojas (vital essence).

In Ayurveda, Anaemia corresponds to Pandu Roga, a disease in which the complexion of the body becomes pale, yellowish, or greenish due to the vitiation of Pitta dosha and impaired Rakta dhatu. This depletion leads to reduced energy, mental exhaustion, and general debility. Pandu Roga is mentioned in all classical Ayurvedic texts including Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridaya as a disease that arises from improper digestion (Agnimandya), poor diet, emotional distress, and lifestyle imbalances.

 

Causes of Anaemia

Anaemia develops from a combination of nutritional, pathological, and lifestyle-related causes. In modern understanding, it results primarily from deficiency of iron, vitamin B12, folate, chronic blood loss, or bone marrow suppression. In Ayurveda, the causes go deeper — improper digestion, Agnimandya (weak digestive fire), Ama accumulation (toxins), and disturbance of Pitta dosha in Rakta dhatu.

Modern Causes:

  1. Iron Deficiency: The most common cause, occurring due to poor dietary intake, chronic blood loss (such as in menstruation or ulcers), or malabsorption.

  2. Vitamin Deficiency: Lack of vitamin B12 and folate leads to megaloblastic anaemia, common in vegetarians or those with digestive weakness.

  3. Chronic Diseases: Kidney disorders, liver disease, cancers, and chronic infections impair red cell formation.

  4. Bone Marrow Suppression: Certain medications, chemotherapy, or autoimmune conditions damage bone marrow.

  5. Blood Loss: Gastrointestinal bleeding, menstrual disorders, or internal haemorrhage.

  6. Genetic Disorders: Thalassemia, sickle cell anaemia, and other inherited defects.

Ayurvedic Causes (Hetu):

Excessive intake of sour, salty, or spicy foods.

Excessive indulgence in cold, heavy, oily, or stale meals.

Irregular eating habits and late-night eating.

Chronic stress, grief, anger, or emotional disturbances.

Excessive physical exertion and overexposure to the sun.

Suppression of natural urges and poor sleep.

Excessive blood loss through menstruation or bleeding disorders.

These factors collectively disturb the balance of Pitta dosha and weaken Agni (digestive fire), leading to Agnimandya, impaired absorption, and reduced production of healthy Rakta dhatu (blood tissue). Over time, Vata dosha becomes aggravated, leading to dryness, weakness, and depletion of bodily strength.

Signs and Symptoms of Anaemia

Anaemia manifests through both physical and psychological signs. The body becomes deficient in oxygen-carrying capacity, which reflects in weakness, poor vitality, and dullness of complexion. Ayurveda describes this as loss of natural colour (Varna Nasha), dryness, and loss of enthusiasm.

Common Symptoms:

Fatigue, exhaustion, and reduced stamina even after minimal activity.

Paleness of skin, lips, and nail beds.

Shortness of breath, especially on exertion.

Dizziness, giddiness, or fainting spells.

Cold extremities and low body temperature.

Headache and poor concentration.

Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) or palpitations.

Brittle nails, hair fall, and dry skin.

Craving for clay or soil (Pica) in severe iron deficiency.

Ayurvedic Symptoms (Lakshanas of Pandu Roga):

Haridra Harita Varna (yellowish-green complexion).

Daurbalya (weakness).

Pandutva (paleness).

Anga Sada (lethargy of limbs).

Arochaka (loss of appetite).

Shrama (fatigue).

Hridayaspandana (palpitations).

Gourava (heaviness of body).

Bhrama (giddiness).

In chronic cases, anaemia leads to reduced immunity, menstrual irregularities in women, poor wound healing, and overall deterioration of physical and mental strength.

Diagnostic Methods for Anaemia

Diagnosis of anaemia requires both clinical assessment and laboratory investigations to determine the type and severity.

Modern Diagnostic Methods:

  1. Physical Examination: Pallor of the conjunctiva, tongue, palms, and nail beds.

  2.  Blood Tests:

  3. Complete Blood Count (CBC): To assess haemoglobin level, red blood cell count, MCV, and MCH.

  4. Peripheral Smear: Determines size and shape of red blood cells.

  5. Serum Ferritin and Iron Studies: For iron deficiency.

  6. Vitamin B12 and Folate Levels: For megaloblastic anaemia.

  7. Reticulocyte Count: To assess bone marrow activity.

  8. Additional Tests- Stool occult blood test for hidden bleeding, Liver and kidney function tests, Bone marrow biopsy in severe cases.

Ayurvedic Diagnostic Methods:

Darshana (Inspection): Observing pallor, dryness, hair texture, and tongue.

Sparshana (Touch): Checking pulse irregularity, coldness of extremities, and texture of skin.

Prashna (Inquiry): Questioning the patient about diet, lifestyle, and emotional stress.

Nadi Pariksha: Ayurvedic pulse diagnosis reveals Vata-Pitta vitiation and weakness of Rakta Dhatu.

Anaemia – Ayurvedic View

Ayurveda regards Pandu Roga as a Rakta Dhatu Kshaya (depletion of blood tissue) condition arising from Pitta aggravation and weak digestion. When digestive fire (Agni) becomes impaired, the food consumed fails to nourish the Rasa (plasma) and Rakta (blood) dhatus.

Pathogenesis (Samprapti):

  1. Agnimandya leads to accumulation of Ama (undigested toxins).

  2. Ama vitiates Pitta dosha which then burns and depletes Rakta dhatu.

  3. Vata dosha gets aggravated due to depletion and dryness, leading to fatigue and instability.

  4. The complexion of the body turns pale or yellowish, and vitality decreases.

Ayurveda emphasizes that the heart, liver, and spleen are key sites for blood formation. Imbalance in these organs reflects as weakness and emotional fatigue. The disease affects not only the physical plane but also the Manas (mind), leading to sadness, anxiety, and poor enthusiasm.

Herbal Remedies for Anaemia

Ayurveda recommends Rasayana (rejuvenating) and Raktavardhak (blood-promoting) herbs to rebuild blood tissue, improve digestion, and strengthen Ojas.

Key Ayurvedic Herbs for Anaemia:

  1. Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa): Enhances haemoglobin and purifies blood.

  2. Amalaki (Emblica officinalis): Rich in natural vitamin C, improves iron absorption.

  3. Mandur Bhasma: Classical preparation to increase haemoglobin levels.

  4. Draksha (Grapes): Nourishes Rasa and Rakta dhatus, provides energy.

  5. Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus): Balances Pitta and supports female health.

  6. Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia): Detoxifies and supports liver function.

  7. Lohasava and Dhatri Lauha: Potent Ayurvedic formulations for Pandu Roga.

  8. Beetroot, Spinach, Black Sesame Seeds, and Dates: Recommended dietary inclusions.

Lifestyle Recommendations:

Eat warm, nourishing foods with ghee and spices like cumin and coriander.

Avoid sour, fermented, and stale foods.

Maintain proper sleep and emotional balance.

Regular yoga, Pranayama, and meditation to enhance oxygenation and circulation.

Conclusion

Anaemia, or Pandu Roga in Ayurveda, is not merely a deficiency disorder — it represents a deep imbalance in Rakta Dhatu and overall vitality (Ojas). While modern medicine focuses mainly on replenishing iron or vitamin deficiencies, Ayurveda looks beyond numbers to restore the body’s natural ability to produce and sustain healthy blood. The approach involves correcting Agnimandya (weak digestion), purifying Rakta Dhatu, and revitalizing Ojas through personalized herbal formulations, Rasayana therapy, and lifestyle refinement.

For effective management, dietary discipline plays a crucial role — foods rich in natural iron such as pomegranate, dates, black sesame, and jaggery should be combined with herbs like Punarnava, Mandur Bhasma, Amalaki, and Draksha. Gentle yoga, regular sleep, stress reduction, and mindful eating form the pillars of recovery.

Raseshwar Herbal’s Ayurvedic philosophy emphasizes healing through balance, where the aim is not only to correct haemoglobin levels but to rejuvenate Rakta Dhatu and restore strength, glow, and stamina. With a thoughtful combination of time-tested herbs, lifestyle guidance, and the power of Ayurveda, one can overcome anaemia naturally and reclaim vibrant health.

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