Many African-American families in Chicago face the challenge of dealing with sickle cell anemia, the most common form of sickle cell disease (SCD). 1 out of every 500 African-American births and over 35,000 Hispanic-American births see an occurrence of this disease according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 1 in 12 African-Americans carry the Sickle Cell trait. September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month, but not many people are as focusing on natural ways to deal with sickle cell.
Patients with sickle cell disease have red blood cells that become hard and pointed instead of soft and round, obstructing the blood flow to all parts of the body. Normal red blood cells are soft and doughnut-shaped which allows them to squeeze smoothly through small blood vessels. The physical results of sickle cell can lead to severe, dagger-like pain in the chest, musculo-skeletal areas, and the abdomen, as well as non-healing leg ulcers. It can also lead to stroke, lung disease, gallstones, and kidney disease. Teens with the disease may develop jaundice, feel tired, and have trouble fighting infections, and they may reach puberty later than other teens.
One herbalist in the Chicago area had a client who was a young man with sickle cell anemia who had a terrible, large, open sore on his foot and the doctors saw no alternative but to amputate the foot. He learned about this herbalist and came to her for help. Medina Nance helped this man to save his foot. She had “before” and “after” photos showing the huge, open sore that healed up to a small scab. She gave all praises to God and her client was very thankful for her recommendations on natural products such as Chlorophyll to clean the blood and products he pored directly on the sore to heal it. Another young boy who had many visits to the hospital including blood transplants also found an herbalist that was able to help him. He said a product called Intestinal Smooth and Build gave him relief and he realized that he was in the hospital less.
Celebrities in the African-American community like T-Boz of singing group TLC battles with Sickle Cell disease and she has shared stories and is a spokesperson for the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc. Famous Jazz Trumpet player Miles Davis had Sickle Cell. Actor Lorenz Tate and his brothers of Chicago have The Tate Bros. Foundation, to raise awareness of Sickle Cell. They held a charity event in Chicago during Labor day weekend.
Thanks to advances, patients with sickle cell disease are living longer than they did several decades ago, when many died during their childhood. One doctor wrote in the Chicago Defender newspaper great tips to avoid Sickle Cell crisis:
Healthy lifestyle is important including staying hydrated. People with Sickle Cell need to change their diet if they eat lots of processed foods and try to eat more wholesome foods. Avoid white sugar and try natural sweeteners.
Based on Conventional Western medicine there is no cure for sickle cell disease. For natural health practitioners working on getting to the root of the disease and disorder and finding the nutrition and minerals the body is lacking is the key. Natural alternatives are available to help the condition. For every disease and disorder there is a natural alternative. Chinese medicine deals with “The concept of ‘Chi,’ yang-deficiency, stagnant blood, and ‘dampness’ to get to heart of the sickle cell disease” according to one Chinese herbalist.
Some suggested supplements for Sickle Cell is:
Pau d’ Arco and B vitamins good for red blood cells
Uva Ursi
Red Beet Root Formula
I-X and Chlorophyll are good blood builders.
Colon Cleanse to clean and detox the blood, colon and even at the cellular level.
Colloidal Minerals
Essential Fatty Acids
HY-A is good for conditions such as Sickle Cell.
Echinacea for white blood cells.
Thai Go is a power fruit juice blend that is a natural pain killer.
All the products mentioned above are by Nature Sunshine products, an herbal supplement company that is over 35 years old. You can find these products on this site: http://www.mynsp.com/motherknowsbest. Contact Certified Herbalist Marguerite Wright for a personalized herbal program. She can be reached at: momsherbs@gmail.com.
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