Herbs for osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is more prevalent in women who have gone through menopause and have lower levels of bone protecting estrogen in their bodies. Whilst drugs and surgery is available this is not recommended due to the risks and side effects related to them – especially through hormone replacement therapy.
Instead the experts believe that simple changes to your lifestyle, such as living a healthier life and getting more calcium can be just as effective. That said, the best way to treat the disease is believed to be alternative medicine and to find out more about herbs for osteoporosis read on.
The different herbs and plants for osteoporosis
 There are two types of herb for treating osteoporosis: phytoestrogenic and non-estrogenic herbs. The former such as Black Cohosh and Dong Quai contain estrogenic components that are produced by plants. Although they are good for treating low hormone levels they aren’t the best solution for treating hormonal imbalance.
By adding hormones these herbs for osteoporosis cause a further decrease of body-own hormone levels. In contrast the non-estrogenic herbs, such as Macafem, nourish hormonal glands and make the body produce more of the natural hormones. Here is a list of herbs for osteoporosis:
•  Alfalfa – vitamin K, found in this and other vegetables such as kale and spinach can help prevent bone loss caused by estrogen deficiency.
• Horsetail – dating back to the antient Greeks this herb contains silicon and this makes it ideal for protecting bones from calcium loss. The best way to take it is as a tea.
• Parsly - with a longstanding reputation for treating arthritis and bone health its high boron and fluoride levels help against bone thinning and osteoporosis.
• Black Cohosh – discovered by Native Americans a few centuries ago the herb has been widely used for more than 40 years in Europe. Studies have found that the plant based estrogens in Black Cohosh inhibit bone loss and this makes it a good herb for treating osteoporosis.
• Dong Quai – native to China, Japan and Korea this root is often boiled or soaked in wine before being removed and taken orally. It is believed to have a balancing effect on the female hormonal system although studies have questioned its use.
• Wild yam – known for easing menstrual cramps in the 17th and 18th the wild plant is touted as a natural source of estrogen, however, there is no scientific evidence of its effectiveness.
• Red clover – containing isoflavones this herb helps to replace lost estrogen in the female body. Also known for its uses before menopause as it can prevent the natural process starting early.
• Pigweed – an easily digestible source of calcium. The herbal plant is great steamed and its high calcium content helps strengthen bones and reduce the chances of developing osteoporosis.
• Macafem – a dehydrated vegetable plant that produces a radish-like root and is regarded by some as the best on the market. Being a non-estrogenic herb it doesn't contain any estrogen and thus helps nourish your hormonal glands to produce more efficiently and therefore is considered as an excellent osteoporosis treatment.
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