Osteoporosis, which is a condition characterized by weak or brittle bones, affects 10 million Americans. It can occur at any age and can affect both men and women but is most common in older women. Performing weight-bearing exercises like weight lifting and walking, and eating a diet rich in calcium, magnesium and potassium, and vitamins D and K, may help prevent or slow progression of osteoporosis. Your doctor may also prescribe drugs that help increase bone density. Some herbs may also help prevent bone loss but scientific evidence that they work is limited.
Black Cohosh
University of Maryland Medical Center notes that black cohosh, a member of the buttercup family, contains compounds called phytoestrogens that may help protect against bone loss. The roots and rhizomes of the black cohosh plant are used to make a variety of herbal preparations including teas, tinctures and capsules. Ask your doctor how much you should use. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine states that black cohosh has been linked with liver problems, although it is unclear whether it was the cause of these effects. Other side effects may include stomach discomfort and headache. Do not take this herb if you have a hormone-sensitive medical condition like breast cancer.
Red Clover
Study results published in the May 2009 issue of "Clinical Interventions and Aging" show that red clover improves hormone-related osteoporosis. However, the study was carried out in rats, not in people with the condition. MedlinePlus notes that although this herb is sometimes used to prevent osteoporosis, supporting evidence is insufficient. Red clover is likely safe, but side effects may include rash, muscle aches, nausea and vaginal bleeding. Do not use red clover if you have a hormone-sensitive condition or a bleeding disorder. It may interact with other medicines you may be taking including the birth control pill.
Horsetail
Horsetail, also known as Equisetum arvense, contains silicon which may help strengthen bone. However, clinical trials evaluating its potential as an osteoporosis treatment are lacking. RxList reports that horsetail may not be safe as it contains enzymes that break down the vitamin called thiamine. Do not use this herb if you have diabetes or a heart or kidney problems. Avoid horsetail if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or you have a thiamine deficiency. This herb may interact with the mood-stabilizing drug, lithium. Concomitant use is not advised.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Osteoporosis
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Black Cohosh
- PubMed: Effect of an Isoflavones-Containing Red Clover Preparation and Alkaline Supplementation on Bone Metabolism in Ovariectomized Rats
- MedlinePlus: Red Clover
- RxList: Horsetail
