A balanced diet and regular exercise are the 2 vital keys to staying fit and healthy. These are the natural ways to prevent any disorder including those affecting your bones and joints. Here comes the herbal remedies to improve bone health.
There is an additional, natural way that could make your bones stronger, and that way is to use herbal remedies.
Herbal remedies to improve bone health include plant-based natural sources derived from roots, fruits, flowers, stems, leaves, and other parts of the trees, shrubs, and herbs. Several herbs possess powerful medicinal properties that could improve your bone health. Let us have a look at the top 11 herbal remedies you can use to avoid bone and joint disorders.
The 11 best herbal remedies to improve bone health
1. Red clover
Red clover is revered for its ability to produce estrogen-like action in the body. This herb is particularly beneficial for menopausal women who are at risk of osteoporosis.
Regular use of red clover would help you avoid the effects of menopause on bone health, thanks to the estrogen-like compounds called formononetin present in it.
The natural plant-based estrogen in this plant would reduce the effect of the reduced estrogen production in your body and inhibit or slow down the progress of osteoporosis. [1]
2. Black cohosh
Black cohosh contains estrogen-like substances called phytoestrogens that might help to inhibit bone loss.
Research studies have revealed that black cohosh also possesses the ability to promote bone formation. This indicates that regular use of black cohosh would help women avoid osteoporosis occurring due to menopause as well as aging. [2]
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
The detoxifying properties of apple cider vinegar could be effective for eliminating excess uric acid from the body. This would help to reduce the risk of gout that occurs due to the deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints.
Apple cider vinegar can also act as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent. These properties can help to inhibit damage to the joints and reduce the risk of osteoarthritis, and spondylosis.
4. Horsetail
The use of Horsetail is recommended for people who have a fracture or degenerative disorder like lumbar spondylosis. Horsetail possesses regenerative properties that could help to slow down the bone loss caused due to aging. [3]
Horsetail also contains silicon that is believed to prevent bone loss by stimulating the process of bone formation. It would help to promote the activities of the bone cells called osteoblasts. This would lead to increased production of bone cells.
At the same time, it may also reduce the activities of osteoclasts that break down the old bone cells. These effects of Horsetail are believed to support bone formation and reduce bone loss thereby making the bones stronger. [4] [5]
Horsetail is also revered for its ability to speed up the healing of bones after a fracture.
5. Arnica montana
The use of Arnica montana is specifically recommended for managing injuries and fractures. It can ensure faster healing of bones by promoting the regeneration of new bone cells.
Arnica montana can help heal strained or sprained muscles, ligaments, and tendons. The use of this herb could be beneficial for athletes who are at risk of injuries while on the field.
The oral intake of the extracts of Arnica montana and its topical application may help to speed up wound healing and help them recover faster. [6]
6. Soy
Soybeans are used to make food products like tofu and soy milk. The soybeans, just like red clover, are believed to possess compounds that could produce estrogen-like action.
Soybeans also offers a rich natural source of isoflavones. Isoflavones would not just inhibit bone loss but also produce an antioxidant action thereby protecting the bones against free radical damage.
7. Cherries
Cherries contain vitamin C that could protect the bones against antioxidant damage thereby inhibiting the development of osteoarthritis.
Vitamin C is also known for its ability to improve immune system functions. It would strengthen the body defenses against pathogens and reduce the risk of bone infections such as osteomyelitis. [7] [8]
It may also help to regulate the immune system functions and minimize the symptoms of autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis.
8. Dandelion
The leaves, stems, and flowers of dandelions offer a natural source of calcium. Calcium is the most essential bone-building nutrient the body needs.
A lack of calcium can make the bones weaker and prone to fractures. Drinking dandelion tea regularly is believed to replenish calcium stores in the body and thus, make the bones stronger. [9]
9. Hawthorn
The hawthorn berry could help to support bone repair by increasing the circulation of blood to the affected part. It would improve the supply of oxygen, calcium, vitamin D, and other healing nutrients to the bone tissues and thus, restore bone health.
This herb may also improve collagen production in the body and encourage the formation of a stronger bone matrix. [10]
10. Nettle
Nettle is a powerful nutritive herb that can promote bone-building processes. It provides calcium in a readily absorbed form.
So, unlike oral supplements, calcium from this herb is easily absorbed by the intestine thereby improving the availability of this nutrient to the bones.
An increased supply of calcium makes bones stronger and reduces the risk of osteoporosis. [11]
11. Tongkat Ali
Tongkat Ali is one of the best herbs you can use for preventing bone loss and reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
It can support the functions of the osteoblasts thereby improving bone formation processes. This herb may also expedite the healing of bones and help patients recover faster after a fracture. [12]
Conclusion
Natural remedies offer several benefits that could be attributed to the medicinal compounds present in them. Unlike medications, herbal remedies are considered as safer as they are derived from plant-based sources. These remedies are not known to cause serious side effects.
Also, regular use of these herbal remedies is expected to work as an effective preventive strategy to help you avoid bone health disorders. These remedies are easily available and can be included in your regular diet.
You can add these herbs to the dishes while cooking or use them in the form of teas or powders. The varied medicinal potential of these herbs would inhibit or slow down the development of inflammatory, degenerative, autoimmune, and other forms of diseases affecting the bones and joints.
References:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23762138
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18555764
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5512407/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22672309
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23106302
- http://cms.herbalgram.org/herbclip/249/review43679.html?ts=1592619944&signature=dd1e2d951945dc6ab1ce618e408b79a7
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6098779/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16569051
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3401523/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3350435/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4708629/
- https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2012/714512/
