Rickets is a bone-related disorder that occurs in some children. FamilyDoctor.org notes that most cases of rickets are caused by low levels of vitamin D, which in turn softens your bones and causes them to break easily. In some cases, this condition may also be inherited. The herbal treatment of rickets may be helpful, although you should consider talking with your physician about procedures, risks and alternatives before using herbs for your health problem.
Rickets
Without adequate vitamin D, your gastrointestinal tract is unable to absorb calcium and phosphorus, making it difficult to maintain adequate levels of these nutrients in your bones. MayoClinic.com states that children who are ages 6 months to 2 years, who have darker skin, who live at northern latitudes, who were born prematurely and who have been exclusively breast-fed have a greater risk of developing rickets. Several characteristic signs and symptoms of this condition include bowed legs, an excessively curved spine, and thickened ankles and wrists.
Herbal Treatments
The most commonly prescribed non-herbal supplements for rickets are calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D. Certain herbs, however, may also be helpful in treating this childhood disorder. According to Phyllis A. Balch, a certified nutritional consultant and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," dandelion root, nettle and oat straw are often used to help treat rickets, due to their ability to help build bone. These herbs are also good sources of calcium and magnesium.
A Commonly Used Herb
Nettle is an herb that is commonly used to treat rickets. Balch notes that nettle has been used to treat a wide variety of ailments, including malabsorption syndrome, benign prostatic hyperplasia, anemia, arthritis, rheumatism, hay fever, allergic disorders and kidney problems. Nettle has diuretic action and serves as an expectorant and pain-relieving agent. Nettle is indigenous to Africa, Asia, North America and elsewhere. The flowers, leaves and roots of the nettle plant are used in herbal preparations.
Considerations
In many cases, dietary changes are also helpful in treating rickets. In order for rickets to develop, your diet would need to be sufficiently lacking in calcium and vitamin D. The best sources of these nutrients, states Balch, are milk and certain other types of dairy products, such as yogurt and cottage cheese. Consider eating more raw fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds and sardines. Consider also avoiding sugar, junk food and carbonated drinks.
References
- FamilyDoctor.org: Rickets
- MayoClinic.com: Rickets
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
