How to Build Strong Bones with Herbs
Building and maintaining bone health is something that many Americans struggle with. According to Carol Simontacci, RD, Osteoporosis may threaten up to 44 million people in the United States. There are several ways to build stronger bones including weight training and supplementing your diet with specific herbs. Using herbs to promote bone growth is relatively easy and cost effective. In addition, herbs are easy to integrate into your life as they can be ingested as a beverage, as a food or in pill form.
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Instructions
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Ingest Horsetail in liquid or pill form. Horsetail is an herb that is also known by the name Equisetum arvense. Native Americans often used it to treat wounds. It's a source of silica which promotes bone strength. To ingest it in liquid form, steep one stalk of Horsetail in hot water for three hours. You may drink Horsetail in liquid form for up to three days at a time. Many health food stores offer it in supplement form. The dosage and amount may vary. Follow the instructions on the label or seek the advice of a nutritionist.
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Supplement your diet with Alfalfa. It is an herb that is rich in vitamin K, calcium, iron, phosphorus and vitamin C. The vitamin K is the true bone building nutrient in alfalfa as it promotes bone growth and also helps to keep calcium in the bones. It can be ingested in both tea forms, as food and in pill form. It can be found in all forms at most health food stores. Alfalfa sprouts are also available in many grocery stores. To prepare alfalfa in tea form, add 1 to 2 teaspoons to 8 ounces of boiling water. Let it steep for 15 minutes before drinking it. There is no standard pill dosage. It varies by manufacturer. Consult a health care professional for dosage information.
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Drink barley grass juice. Barley grass, also known as Hordeum distichon L., has been used by Asian and Middle Eastern cultures since ancient times. It's filled with a plethora of vitamins including most of the B vitamins, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. Barley Grass also has alkalizing properties which is beneficial to preventing damage to bones and maintaining strong bones. Barley grass juice can be purchased from many health food stores.
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Tips & Warnings
It's best to try one new supplement at a time in case you have an allergic reaction. It's easier to determine the source that way.
Rinse alfalfa sprouts with water before eating them.
Barley Grass should not be consumed by those that have Celiac disease.
Do not take supplements without first consulting a health care professional.
Do not consume barley grass, alfalfa or horsetail if you are pregnant or lactating.
