Little ironweed (Vernonia cinerea) has been used in traditional medicine systems, particularly in parts of Asia, to support or treat anemia. The justification for this use is primarily based on traditional practice rather than robust scientific validation. In Ayurveda, for example, Little ironweed is sometimes recommended for conditions involving blood disorders, with the belief that it may help improve blood quality or increase hemoglobin levels. Some local medicinal texts and ethnobotanical reports from India and Southeast Asia mention its use in decoctions or infusions aimed at "purifying the blood" or treating symptoms associated with anemia, such as weakness and fatigue.

However, scientific studies specifically evaluating the efficacy of Little ironweed for anemia are scarce. Few animal studies have explored its hematinic (blood-building) potential, and the results are preliminary, with no large-scale clinical trials in humans. The plant does contain some minerals and bioactive compounds, but there is insufficient evidence to confirm that these constituents are present in adequate amounts to meaningfully impact anemia, especially iron-deficiency anemia. Overall, the use of Little ironweed for this purpose remains rooted in tradition and ethnomedicine, and the scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness is minimal at this time.