[al from Canada]

Dear Barbara,

You are right about the red-blood cell stimulants promoting tumor growth but sometimes it's a trade-off. There are many ways to get sick. Personally, I feel that a transfusion is safer if your blood monitoring agency is top notch. In terms of building blood, carefull with iron because if there is too much it will promote tumors in the liver. The mushroom groups; cordicyeps (sp), maitake, and the others are all known for the positive action on the blood. As well, an adaptogen like rhodiola rosia (note the rosea because there are many knids of rhodiola) and gingsene will also help blood.
good luck,
Al