Herbal remedies for osteoporosis: what is safe and effective?

The main treatment for osteoporosis is prescription drugs, such as bisphosphonates, and may also include physical therapy. But in addition, there are several herbal remedies that are believed to have the potential to help overcome the symptoms of osteoporosis and control the severity of the disease.

Herbal remedies for osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is bone loss that often affects older people and women. When osteoporosis attacks, it is a sign that bone mineral density decreases, making it prone to fractures and brittleness. To help relieve bone loss or osteoporosis, here are various herbal remedies that can be consumed:

1. Red clover (red clover)

Reporting from research published in Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, red clover extract is believed to be a herbal remedy for people with osteoporosis.

The results of the study found that consuming red clover extract for 12 weeks had a good effect on bone health in menopausal women. From the research results it was found that this supplement helps protect the spine from the effects of aging bones due to age and osteoporosis.

Another study also states that the process of decreasing bone density occurs more slowly in women who regularly consume this herb. Why? Red clover is reported to contain isoflavones which are structurally similar to natural estrogens in the human body.

Estrogen itself is a hormone that helps protect bone density and strength. Decreased levels of the hormone estrogen in the body are one of the main factors that increase the risk of osteoporosis.

2. Black cohosh

Black cohosh is an herb that is popularly used by American Indians to treat women's health problems. Black cohosh is widely used to treat menopause symptoms, PMS syndrome, menstrual pain, acne, and induce labor. But besides that, this one herbal medicine is also often used to treat osteoporosis.

Black cohosh contains phytoestrogens (estrogen-like substances) which are believed to help prevent bone loss. A study in the journal Bone found evidence that black cohosh supports bone formation in mice.

However, black cohosh cannot be used as a substitute for estrogen in any medication, including hormone therapy. In some parts of the body, black cohosh has been found to increase the effects of estrogen. Meanwhile, black cohosh has been observed to reduce the adverse effects of estrogen on the body.

Still, further research is needed to strengthen the evidence whether this herbal remedy is truly effective for osteoporosis or not. Be sure to discuss with your doctor the benefits and side effects of this herbal medicine before consumption.

3.Horsetail

Horsetail is a herbal remedy that is strongly suspected to help treat osteoporosis. Usually this herbal plant is consumed as a supplement, tea, or herbal compress.

The silicon content in horsetail is believed to be able to help reduce bone loss. In addition, plants with Latin names Equisetum arvense This is also thought to stimulate bone regeneration.

Horsetail is a plant that contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. This content has compounds that work like diuretic pills, or in other words, make you urinate frequently. Therefore, you are usually advised to drink lots of water so that the fluids that are lost and come out can be replaced.

In addition to osteoporosis, this herbal remedy is also used to treat fluid buildup in the body, such as edema. High cholesterol levels, heavy menstruation, and kidney stones can also be relieved by symptoms of this herbal remedy. However, further research is still needed to prove its effectiveness.

Herbal medicine is not the main treatment for osteoporosis

Although natural, keep in mind that herbal medicine is not a substitute for the main treatment. There are no studies that 100 percent guarantee that herbal remedies can replace medical drugs for osteoporosis. Much research is still needed to strengthen the reported evidence of the potential of herbal remedies for osteoporosis.

The purpose of herbal medicine itself is not to cure but to relieve symptoms and severity. Therefore, herbal medicines are usually only given as a complement to other doctor's medicines. You also need to consult with your doctor to decide which herbal medicine is safe and suitable for your condition. Because, the active ingredients in it might interfere with the work of the main drug.

Herbal medicines that are consumed may react negatively to the drugs you are taking. Instead of alleviating the condition, herbal remedies can actually worsen bone and body health.

Therefore, always consult a doctor before taking herbal medicines either in the form of supplements or other extracts.

How to choose the right herbal medicine

Choosing herbal medicine can not be arbitrary. Therefore, you need to ask the doctor's permission and approval first. This is done to avoid the risk that the drug might mess with the main treatment.

If the doctor has given you the green light to take certain herbal medicines, be careful before buying them. Don't be easily tempted by cheap prices and promising advertisements. It would be much better if you ask your doctor to recommend some appropriate products.

Products that you buy on the market can actually be checked first on the website of the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) http://cekbpom.pom.go.id/.

This is intended to see whether the drug has been registered with the BPOM or not. Usually you can check it through the registration number printed on the packaging, brand, or product name.

Also make sure to check the expiration date of the herbal medicine for osteoporosis that you buy. This is to anticipate expired drugs that are still circulating on the market.

After everything is safe, read the instructions for use about when to drink it and how many times to use it.