Osteoporosis occurs more in women than men, due to hormonal decline in later years. Bones become weak, brittle and more prone to breaks or fractures, even with simple tasks not usually associated with broken bones. Many of the medications for osteoporosis are cost-prohibitive, and insurance companies frequently do not want to reimburse the costs of the drugs. Herbs can offer a more natural and less expensive means to manage osteoporosis's symptoms. Consult a doctor, however, before beginning any herbal treatment as they can sometimes interact with medications and affect certain medical conditions.
Black Cohosh
The black cohosh plant contains phytoestrogens which are similar to the estrogen produced naturally by the body, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center. Estrogen protects the body from bone loss, and as people age, estrogen declines. Black cohosh is available in both a tincture and dried herb form. Those at risk for osteoporosis should take a dose as recommended on the label.
More study is needed to determine whether black cohosh carries the same risk for development of breast cancer as other supplemental estrogen products.
Stinging Nettle
Also known as just plain nettle, this plant provides a plethora of nutrients to the body. Iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and protein provide bones with many of the basic nutrients needed for strong bones and growth. Available as a capsule or in tea form, nettle can be taken according to the label directions or as three cups of tea daily, according to Linda B. White, M.D. and Steven Foster in their book, "The Herbal Drugstore."
Horsetail
Horsetail provides a rich source of silica, states Phyllis A. Balch, certified nutritional consultant. Silica helps the body absorb calcium, the key nutrient for strong bones. Drinking one cup of horsetail tea or taking 400 to 500mg per day of the dried herb, provides the body with enough silica to strengthen bones, nails and hair, states White.
Alfalfa
The mineral-rich alfalfa plant provides calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and almost every other vitamin known, says Balch. Alfalfa gives the added benefit of aiding in the absorption of nutrients making the calcium and phosphorus it provides even more effective. Balch recommends 1,000 to 2,000g daily or adding a handful of fresh sprouts to the daily diet.
Red Clover
The isoflavones contained in red clover act as a mild form of estrogen, and may slow down bone reabsorption, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Available as a tea or in capsule form, red clover also provides relief from other menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes. White recommends up to three cups of red clover tea daily or capsules taken according to package directions.
References
- "Prescriptions for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch; 2006
- "The Herbal Drugstore"; Linda B. White, M.D. and Steven Foster; 2000
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Osteoporosis
