Because of an estrogen deficiency that can develop once ovarian hormonal production halts, many women may develop life-threatening osteoporosis in postmenopause. While drugs and surgery can treat this bone disease, neither option should be undertaken without appropriate consideration as they pose serious health risks.
Continue reading to learn about some of the best plants and herbs for osteoporosis as well as various treatment options for this debilitating health condition.
Plants and Herbs for Osteoporosis
Here is a list of the best plants and natural herbs for osteoporosis:
Alfalfa. This plant is rich in vitamin K, which has a positive effect on bone mineral density and decreases fracture risk. The vitamin is also found in green leafy vegetables, like kale, spinach, and collards, as well as fish, liver, meat, eggs, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, and more.
Common horsetail. Studies suggest that because common horsetail (Equisetum arvense) contains silicon, this herb is ideal for protecting bones from calcium loss. Horsetail was reportedly first used by the ancient Greeks as a wound healer. It is best taken as a tea.
Veld grape. Veld grape (Cissus quadrangularis) has been used for centuries for its bone-healing properties. The plant has been documented in Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Curculigo orchioides. The rhizomes of this flowering plant native to the subtropical regions of Asia are traditionally used in Chinese medicine for maintaining healthy energy; nourishing the liver and kidneys; and treating disorders and diseases of bone metabolism, such as osteoporosis.
Dong quai. Native to China, Japan, and Korea, this root is often boiled or soaked in wine before being taken orally. It is believed to have a balancing effect on the female hormonal system; however, some studies question its effectiveness.
Red sage. Red sage (Salvia miltiorrhiza) increased the early formation of dense callus in bones, and microscopic examination has discovered that the herb is able to increase bone-building osteoblast activity, making it ideal as herbal medicine for osteoporosis.
Red clover. Studies discovered that daily supplementation of red clover extract with isoflavones positively influences bone health. Its consumption decreases bone-reabsorbing activity and encourages bone-building activity, increasing bone mineral density short-term.
In addition to implementing the aforementioned herbal remedies for osteoporosis, postmenopausal women can look into incorporating hormone-regulating supplements to their health regimens for treating osteoporosis naturally. These supplements encourage the endocrine system to produce its own hormones, thus helping treat the underlying cause of hormonal imbalance causing the condition.
With proper management and treatment, you don't have to let this incapacitating disease progress any further. Take action for your own bone health today!
Sources
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- National Osteoporosis Foundation. (2018). Prevention and Healthy Living. Retrieved October 26, 2018, from https://www.nof.org/preventing-fractures/prevention/prevention-and-healthy-living/
- Pearson, D.A. (2007). Bone health and osteoporosis: the role of vitamin K and potential antagonism by anticoagulants. Nutrition in Clinical Practice: Official Publication of the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, 22(5), 517-544. Retrieved October 26, 2018, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17906277
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- Thorup, A.C. et al. (2015). Intake of Novel Red Clover Supplementation for 12 Weeks Improves Bone Status in Healthy Menopausal Women. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2015, 689138. doi: 10.1155/2015/689138
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