Can hawthorn water improve symptoms of anemia?
Jul 23, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
In general, whether hawthorn water can improve anemia symptoms depends on the specific circumstances. It may have a certain auxiliary effect for individuals with mild iron-deficiency anemia accompanied by poor digestion; however, for other types of anemia or severe anemia, it typically cannot provide improvement. To manage anemia in daily life, it is important to first determine the type of anemia and then supplement the specific nutrients needed accordingly.
Whether hawthorn water can improve anemia symptoms generally depends on the specific circumstances. It may have a certain auxiliary effect for mild iron-deficiency anemia accompanied by poor digestion; however, it is usually ineffective for other types of anemia or severe anemia. Detailed analysis is as follows:
If the condition is mild iron-deficiency anemia accompanied by weak digestion and poor appetite, moderate consumption of hawthorn water may be helpful. Hawthorn can promote the secretion of digestive fluids, improve appetite, and aid the body in better absorbing iron from food, thereby indirectly assisting in alleviating symptoms of mild anemia caused by iron deficiency. In such cases, it can be consumed together with iron-rich foods.
However, for non-iron-deficiency types of anemia such as thalassemia or megaloblastic anemia, or cases of severe anemia, hawthorn water cannot provide improvement. These types of anemia require treatment targeting the underlying cause, such as supplementation with folic acid, vitamin B12, or specific therapies. Relying solely on hawthorn water cannot supply the necessary nutrients or address the root problem.
In daily life, to improve anemia, it is important first to identify the type of anemia and then supplement the required nutrients accordingly—for example, consuming more iron-rich foods like lean meat, animal liver, and spinach for iron-deficiency anemia. A balanced diet should also be maintained. Hawthorn water should be consumed in moderation, avoiding excessive or empty stomach consumption to prevent gastrointestinal irritation. Combining this with regular作息 (作息 translates to作息 should be translated as "rest and sleep routine") and appropriate exercise can better support nutrient absorption and improve the anemic condition.
