Osteoporosis, a bone disease common in women after menopause, causes weak and brittle bones, which may result in breaks and fractures. Causes of the condition include thyroid diseases, lack of calcium and other essential vitamins and minerals, alcoholism, rheumatoid arthritis, anorexia, kidney failure or long-term use of thyroid medications and corticosteroids. Luckily, staying healthy and eating a balanced diet can help prevent the osteoporosis, and several herbs may treat the condition, though you should use them only under a doctor's supervision.
Black Cohosh
Black cohosh contains phytoestrogens, estrogen-like chemical compounds that may help protect against bone loss caused by osteoporosis. An 2003 animal study published in the "Journal of Bone and Mineral Metabolism" found that rats given black cohosh exhibited significantly lower markers for bone loss in their urine. While this study provides some evidence that black cohosh may prove useful for treating osteoporosis, further clinical trials and human studies are required.
A standard dosage consists of two to four milliliters of black cohosh tincture diluted in tea or water three times per day. Pregnant or nursing women and individuals with liver problems should not take black cohosh.
Red Clover
Another possible herbal remedy for osteoporosis, red clover contains isoflavones that may slow or reduce bone loss in women. A study published in the February 2007 edition of "Phytotherapy Research" found that isoflavones extracted from red clover significantly increased bone mineral content in rats.
Researchers note that these findings suggest red clover isoflavones effectively reduce bone loss induced by estrogen deficiency. While further scientific studies are needed, many herbalists prescribe red clover for treating osteoporosis based on anecdotal evidence alone. Standard dosages include two to three cups of red clover tea per day, 60 to 100 drops of red clover tincture per day or one milliliter of fluid extract per day.
Flaxseed Oil
In his book "Earl Mindell's New Herb Bible," herbalist Earl Mindell recommends taking flaxseed oil for osteoporosis. While no scientific evidence exists to back this claim, Mindell suggests that flaxseed oil helps retain the calcium essential for strong bones. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends taking one to two tablespoons of flaxseed oil daily or one to two capsules daily for the best results.
Other Herbs
Anecdotal evidence suggests that several other herbs may benefit sufferers of osteoporosis, though they lack clinical support. Green tea extract, for example, helps maintain collagen, an important component in bone. Other herbals for osteoporosis include chaste tree berry, wild yam, lady's mantle, kelp, oatstraw, horsetail and milk thistle. Always talk to your doctor before taking any of these herbs, however, as side effects or prescription drug interactions may occur.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Osteoporosis
- PubMed: Effects of an Isopropanolic Extract of Cimicifuga Racemosa on Urinary Crosslinks and Other Parameters of Bone Quality in an Ovariectomized Rat Model of Osteoporosis
- PubMed: Effects of Phytoestrogenic Isoflavones From Red Clover (Trifolium pratense L.) on Experimental Osteoporosis
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Flaxseed
- "Earl Mindell's New Herb Bible"; Earl Mindell; 2000
