Osteoporosis is a degenerative condition characterized by gradual weakening of bones. About half of all women over the age of 35 have signs of osteoporosis, according to Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." This condition can produce bone pain, and can increase your risk for fractures. Although herbs cannot cure osteoporosis, they may slow the progression of this condition and reduce pain. Check with your doctor before taking any herb to treat osteoporosis.
Black Cohosh
Black cohosh is a North American herb that the Algonquian Indians used as a treatment for fatigue, arthritis and sore throats. Early European settlers along the Ohio River Valley believed that it could cure yellow fever and malaria. Black cohosh contains phytoestrogens, which are substances that may help prevent loss of bone mass, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. This may help slow the progression of osteoporosis. Talk to your physician before treating osteoporosis with black cohosh. This herb may encourage abnormal blood clotting, which may increase your risk of stroke.
Feverfew
Ancient Greek physicians recommended feverfew to regulate menstrual cycles and ease childbirth. This herb may also offer benefits for people with osteoporosis. The chemical compounds in feverfew may help reduce bone pain, and may alleviate joint inflammation associated with osteoporosis, according to Balch. Consult your physician before using feverfew to address osteoporosis -- this herb may cause abdominal pain. Also, avoid taking this herb if you take prescription anticoagulants, because it may further inhibit blood clotting.
Red Clover
Traditional Chinese physicians recommended red clover as an expectorant to treat coughs, colds and bronchitis. Eclectic physicians in the 19th century believed that this herb could heal and prevent cancer. Red clover contains isoflavones, which are substances that may inhibit bone loss in women, according to UMMC. However, researchers are not clear whether whole red clover, rather than isoflavone extractions, provide significant osteoporosis benefits. Check with your doctor if you plan to treat osteoporosis with red clover. Like black cohosh, it may increase your risk of developing internal blood clots.
Horsetail
Horsetail has a long history of use in herbal medicine -- Chinese healers recommended it for arthritis pain, and Roman herbalists recommended it for nosebleeds. Horesetail contains silica, a mineral that may improve your body's absorption of calcium, according to Balch. This may help your body rebuild bone cells and slow the progression of osteoporosis. Talk to your doctor before taking horsetail -- it contains equisetime, which is a nerve poison.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Osteoporosis
- "The New Healing Herbs"; Michael Castleman; 2010
