Herbs for Improving Bone Health and Reducing Osteoporosis

By Jessica Rogers April 16, 2023 15 mins read 168 Views

Medications can help strengthen and heal bones but there are also several herbs that you can incorporate into your daily diet that can improve bone health and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

Chamomile, for example, can protect your bone strength by affecting estrogen levels. It is particularly beneficial for postmenopausal women.

Lemongrass

Lemongrass is a natural herb that can be used for improved bone health and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. It contains compounds that improve the formation of bone tissue and promote new growth. It also provides calcium, which is a key mineral for regrowth and repair.

The citral in lemongrass oil can help reduce inflammation and ease joint pains. It can even protect against fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot and ringworm.

It can also help lower blood pressure, which may cut the risk of heart disease and diabetes. It also contains potassium, which can help you fall asleep and feel refreshed.

As with other herbs, lemongrass can be used in cooking and for herbal tea. It can also be applied topically to soothe skin irritations and other issues. It can also be used in aromatherapy to freshen the air and promote sleep.

Horsetail

Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) is an herb that has been used for thousands of years. It is an ancient plant that has a single stem and non-photosynthetic leaves that expand through pores rather than seeds.

It is an important herb for improving bone health and reducing the risk of osteoporosis. It contains silicon, a trace mineral that helps build bones and maintain connective tissue.

Besides its silica, horsetail also contains calcium, potassium and magnesium. It can help strengthen brittle bones, increase bone density and improve bone flexibility.

Test-tube studies show that horsetail can inhibit overly active bone cells called osteoclasts and stimulate osteoblasts. Both osteoblasts and osteoclasts are responsible for the synthesis and breakdown of bone, so it is possible that horsetail may help prevent osteoporosis by stimulating both processes.

It is an herb that can be taken in the form of tea, capsules or tincture. It should be taken only as directed by your healthcare provider and is not recommended for people who are pregnant, breastfeeding or those with thiamin deficiency.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is a powerful herb that can help improve bone health and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. It helps increase the number of cells that produce bone tissue, reduces inflammation, and slows down the breakdown of bone calcification.

This herb can also reduce stress levels and rebalance hormones in the body. It can also help normalize thyroid function and support adrenal function.

The roots, fruits, and leaves of ashwagandha have been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years to promote general health, immunity, mental clarity, and energy levels. Its roots are rich in essential nutrients and volatile oils that boost immune system function.

A study published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine found that ashwagandha can improve thyroid function in people with hypothyroidism. It was found to improve serum TSH and T4 levels more than a placebo. However, it’s important to check with your doctor before using ashwagandha if you have a condition that affects your thyroid, such as Graves’ disease.

Turmeric

Curcumin in turmeric is known for its ability to prevent the loss of bone minerals and maintain bone density. It also helps influence the activity of bone-producing cells and those that absorb old ones.

Researchers at Genoa University in Italy found that supplementing with a daily dose of turmeric increased bone density by seven per cent in people with osteoporosis over a six-month period. Scientists believe that curcumin balances out the activity of 'osteoclasts', cells that break down older bones before new ones are formed.

The study involved men and women who had been suffering from osteoporosis but were otherwise healthy. Ultrasound scanning was used to measure their bone density before and at the end of the trial.

Turmeric supplements typically contain a mixture of the three major curcuminoids in different proportions, which have been demonstrated to prevent bone loss in a number of clinical studies. We tested two extracts that were similar to those marketed today, both essential oil-free and containing a mixture of these compounds, for efficacy in the ovariectomized rat model of postmenopausal osteoporosis. One was a complex turmeric fraction containing 41 percent curcuminoids and the other was a curcuminoid-enriched turmeric fraction with 94% curcuminoids.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the side effects of basil?

Basil is an herb that originated in tropical regions of India, Africa, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina, and Chile.

The plant is easy to grow in most climates and requires little maintenance. Basil also thrives in poor soil conditions and is very drought tolerant.

As for the health benefits, more than 200 known compounds are found in basil, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, lignans, polysaccharides, essential oils, vitamins, and minerals.

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, basil contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties which may help relieve symptoms associated with arthritis, asthma, allergies, bronchitis, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, digestive disorders, depression, eczema, insomnia, infections, migraines, osteoporosis, psoriasis, respiratory problems, stress, and ulcers.

Basil is also a culinary spice and is often added to tomato sauces, soups, salads, pasta dishes, rice dishes, dips, casseroles, pizza toppings, pesto, chicken wings, and popcorn.

However, like all herbs, basil should be consumed in moderation. Too much of anything is not good for you. For example, eating large amounts of basil could lead to stomach upset. And if you have sensitive tummies, avoid consuming basil during pregnancy.

If you are pregnant or nursing, consult your doctor before taking herbal supplements.

You should only take one type of supplement at a time. If you take other medications, make sure they do not interact with each other.

You should never use herbs while on medication unless directed by your doctor.

Some people experience allergic reactions when using herbs, especially those allergic to ragweed. Symptoms include hives, swelling around the mouth or eyes, shortness of breath, chest tightness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, dizziness, fainting, heart palpitations, blurred vision, loss of consciousness, seizures, or even death.

Some people who take certain medications may develop an allergy to basil. These drugs include:

Antacids (like Alka Seltzer)
Anti-anxiety medicines (Valium, Xanax, Ativan, etc.)
Beta-blockers (like Propranolol)
Blood thinners (like Coumadin)
Calcium channel blockers (like Amlodipine)
Cholesterol-lowering drugs (like Lipitor, Zocor, Mevacor, and Pravachol)
Diabetes medicine (like Glucophage)
Diuretics (like Lasix)
Heartburn medicines (like Prilosec OTC)
Hormone therapy (like Premarin, Tamoxifen, Femara)
Insulin (like Humalog, Lantus, Novolin R)
NSAIDs (like Aleve, Motrin, Advil, Excedrin, Tylenol, Ibuprofen)
Oral contraceptives (like Ortho Evra, Yasmin, Loestrin, Ovrette, Yaz, and Seasonale)
Pain relievers (like Aspirin, Celebrex, Vicodin, Percodan, Darvocet, Dilaudid, Fiorinal, Tylenol 3s, Naproxen, Motrin, Tramadol, Ultram, Voltaren

Is it okay to use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?

It is best to pick up fresh herbs whenever possible when using herbs.

Although dried herbs are convenient, they don’t provide the same benefits as fresh herbs.

Fresh herbs contain essential oils that give your food a unique flavor. These oils help preserve the nutrients within the herb.

Dried herbs lose all their flavor after drying, so they cannot replace fresh herbs.

You should only use dried herbs if you absolutely must. Otherwise, you should get your fresh herbs from the market.

What is the difference between basil and oregano?

Both of these herbs belong to the Lamiaceae family. They share similar flavors, but the differences are obvious.

Oregano is more pungent than basil. It also adds an extra layer of flavor to foods.

Basil leaves are smaller than oregano leaves. They are also softer and less aromatic.

The two herbs are often used interchangeably. Although they are quite similar, each has its distinctive qualities.

Statistics

Studies have shown that cinnamon can lower fasting blood sugars by 10-29% in diabetic patients, which is a significant amount (9Trusted Source10Trusted (healthline.com)
For those with high cholesterol, garlic supplementation appears to reduce total and/or LDL cholesterol by about 10-15% (72Trusted Source73Trusted (healthline.com)

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How To

What to look for in herbs?

Herbs contain natural compounds that may help treat various conditions. In addition, herbal remedies may provide relief when used along with conventional treatments.

Herbal remedies include teas, capsules, tablets, ointments, creams, lotions, oils, and topical applications. Some of these products are meant to be taken internally, while others are applied externally.

The most common uses of herbal remedies include relieving minor aches and pains, treating cold symptoms, reducing fever, controlling coughs and sore throats, easing digestion problems, soothing skin irritations, alleviating menstrual cramps, and providing general health benefits.

When buying herbs, look for the following:

Freshly picked plants. Avoid dried herbs unless they've been stored in a cool place. If possible, buy herbs directly from farmers' markets.
Pure extracts. These are made by extracting the active ingredients from herbs using alcohol or water. Look for 100% pure extractions.
Certified organic herbs. Organic herbs must meet strict standards set forth by the USDA.
Natural flavors. Many herbs have strong scents that can overwhelm other foods. Adding flavorings such as vanilla, almond, or orange helps mask their smell.
Potency. The amount of active ingredient per unit weight varies depending on the type of herb.
Packaging. When purchasing herbs, check the packaging to ensure that it's clean and free of chemicals.