In my post a few weeks ago, I listed 10 signs you may be suffering from iron deficiency. If you, like me (and my kiddos), fit into some of these categories, I have good news! You can improve your iron levels by making your own iron tonic from easily assimilated herbs. It’s simple to do, and it saves a lot of money to make your own!
If you have severe symptoms of anemia, it’s important to have your iron levels checked. Anemia can be dangerous and may require serious action, but for many people, increasing iron consumption with foods and herbs is sufficient.
The herb I used for this iron tonic is yellow dock. Yellow dock has a reputation among some as being the best source of iron available. The high quantity of vitamin C and iron in this plant makes it one of the best blood builders available. It not only builds the blood, it also cleanses the blood and tones the entire body. It’s known to help relieve constipation and clear up chronic skin problems. It’s also an excellent source of vitamin A and trace minerals. (Source)
DIY Iron Tonic For Anemia
2 oz. of yellow dock (I got mine here)
8 tablespoons honey or more according to taste (Raw is best. You can buy raw honey here.)
To make this tonic, I made a strong decoction. (Recipe adapted from here.)
- Place the yellow dock in a quart jar and cover with boiling water to the top of the jar.
- Let steep over night, or for at least 4 hours. This is an infusion. The water will pull lots of vitamins from the herb and result in a very healthy liquid.
- In the morning, pour the herbs and liquid in a pan and simmer the herbs until there is 1 cup of liquid left.
- Strain the herb from the liquid
- Pour the liquid into a jar
- Add the honey in while the liquid is very hot so it dissolves well.
- Store in refrigerator for 3 months
Dosage: Adults take 1 tablespoon daily; Children take 1 teaspoon daily
If you’re like me and you would rather use a natural source of iron instead of prescriptions and synthetic forms, give this yellow dock decoction a try. I think you’ll be pleased with the result!
Do you struggle with anemia? How do you treat it?
Would this be safe for pregnant women? I’m always told around the second or third trimester that I’m low on iron. I take an iron supplement, but it can be constipating and/ or make me nauseous. I would love to do something more natural! I have been trying to up my consumption of iron containing foods, like red meat, and cooking pretty much everything in iron pans. I think that has helped some, but I’ll have to see what the doctor says.
Thank you!
Hi, Sarah! From what I’ve read yellow dock is not on the list of the safest herbs for pregnancy. It’s a blood cleanser so I would check with a doctor first if you are seriously considering it. Liquid chlorophyll helps to build iron and is great for pregnant women with anemia! You can read about it here: http://tinyurl.com/h85wlq8
Jill York recently posted…DIY Sweet Dreams Pillow Mist
Thanks, Jill. I thought I’d heard that “cleansing” herbs weren’t necessarily safe during pregnancy. I’ll have to look into chlorophyll!
Thanks, again! =)
Anytime! 🙂
I have used yellow dock in the past with great results! Would the tonic be more beneficial then just buying a tinature?
As far as I know it’s just a different way to take it! Thanks, Renee! I’m so glad this herb has given you great results! 🙂
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Hi
I like your recipe but i would recommend adding honey only when formula is warm….heating honey makes it toxic!
Best
Briya
Hi, Briya! This recipe doesn’t heat the honey. You do put it in after it’s done decocting and is strained. Thanks!
I made something similar with yellow dock for my pregnancies to deal with low iron. Aviva Jill Romm’s (now MD) pregnancy and post partum books are invaluable as are Susun Weed’s – google Aviva jill romm or susun weed and yellow dock recipe for anemia – you will see it’s highly recommended and extremely effective! 😉
I love Aviva Romm! Thanks for sharing!
I notice you did not add the spirits as are included in the original recipe you adapted your from. What wad the deciding factor in that omission. Also, you mentioned using molasses but did not include that in the recipe you shared. How much molasses? Equal to the amount of honey, replaced?
Thank you
The brandy in the original recipe was optional so I chose to leave it out. I don’t think it necessary. The original recipe also calls for honey. I don’t see molasses mentioned.