By Leen Randell
Updated: Jul 19, 2024
10 Best Herbal Creams For Osteoporosis
Herbal creams for osteoporosis are topical preparations containing plant extracts that help to strengthen bones and alleviate symptoms associated with osteoporosis.
They work by increasing bone density, reducing inflammation, and improving calcium absorption. Examples of herbal creams for osteoporosis include those containing saw palmetto, ginseng, and horsetail.
These creams can help improve mobility and reduce pain, enhancing the quality of life for individuals with osteoporosis, enabling them to engage in daily activities with greater ease and comfort.
The following article describes in detail the most important creams for osteoporosis, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.
- 1. Silybum marianum
- 2. Ginkgo biloba
- 3. Boswellia serrata
- 4. Curcuma longa
- 5. Aloe vera
- 6. Urtica dioica
- 7. Rosa x rugosa
- 8. Calendula officinalis
- 9. Lavandula angustifolia
- 10. Sambucus nigra
- What is the best combination of herbal creams to use for osteoporosis?
- What ailments similar to osteoporosis are treated with herbal creams?
1. Silybum marianum
Silybum marianum, also known as milk thistle, creams helps with osteoporosis because of its rich antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
The plant's silymarin compound has been shown to promote bone health by stimulating collagen production, improving bone density, and enhancing calcium absorption. Additionally, the cream may reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the bones, which are common factors contributing to osteoporosis.
By supporting bone health and reducing inflammation, Silybum marianum creams can help alleviate osteoporosis symptoms and improve overall bone health.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Silybum marianum creams that help with osteoporosis.
- Silymarin: Silymarin helps with osteoporosis by inhibiting bone resorption and promoting bone formation, thereby reducing the risk of bone fractures.
- Flavonoids: Flavonoids help with osteoporosis by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, which can contribute to bone loss and osteoporosis development.
- Terpenoids: Terpenoids help with osteoporosis by inhibiting the activity of osteoclasts (cells responsible for bone breakdown) and promoting osteoblast activity (cells responsible for bone formation), thereby maintaining bone density.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of milk thistle used to make creams for osteoporosis.
- Seeds: The seeds of Silybum marianum are rich in silymarin, a flavonoid complex that has antioxidant properties, helping to protect bones and improve bone density.
- Leaves: The leaves of Silybum marianum are used to extract silymarin, which is believed to aid in bone health and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
- Flowers: The flowers of Silybum marianum are also a source of silymarin and are used in creams for osteoporosis due to their potential to protect bones and improve bone density.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic milk thistle for osteoporosis.
- Harvest fresh or dried silybum marianum flowers and leaves from a trusted source.
- Combine 10 grams of dried silybum marianum flowers and leaves in a clean glass jar.
- Steep the silybum marianum mixture in 100 milliliters of jojoba oil for 2-3 weeks in a cool dark place.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve into a clean glass container.
- Mix 10 milliliters of the silybum marianum infused oil with 10 grams of beeswax and 10 grams of shea butter to create a smooth cream.
2. Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo biloba, also known as maidenhair tree, creams helps with osteoporosis because of its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
The cream's active ingredients, including flavonoids and bilobalide, improve blood circulation, which in turn boosts bone density. Enhanced bone mineralization and reduced inflammation contribute to stronger bones and a lower risk of fractures. Additionally, the cream's vasodilatory effect increases the delivery of essential nutrients and minerals to bones, promoting overall bone health and osteoporosis prevention.
This natural remedy offers a promising solution for osteoporosis treatment and prevention.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Ginkgo biloba creams that help with osteoporosis.
- Flavonoids: Flavonoids in Ginkgo biloba, particularly quercetin and kaempferol, have antioxidant properties that help protect osteoblasts (bone-forming cells) from oxidative stress, promoting bone health and density.
- Bilobalide: Bilobalide, a sesquiterpene trilactone, has been shown to inhibit the activity of osteoclasts (bone-resorbing cells), which helps reduce bone resorption and potentially slow down osteoporosis progression.
- Ginkgolides: Ginkgolides, a type of diterpene, have been found to have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation in the bones, which can contribute to osteoporosis development.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of maidenhair tree used to make creams for osteoporosis.
- Leaves: The leaves are used due to their high flavonoid and terpenoid content, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties beneficial for bone health.
- Seeds: The seeds are used because they contain a high concentration of bilobalide, a compound that has been found to improve bone density and reduce bone resorption.
- Barks: The barks are used due to their rich content of ginkgolic acid and flavonoids, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that may help alleviate osteoporosis symptoms.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic maidenhair tree for osteoporosis.
- Combine 100g of ginkgo biloba extract with 200g of base oil in a double boiler at 60°c.
- Heat the mixture gently for 30 minutes to allow the oil and extract to blend evenly.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth to remove any impurities or excess plant material.
- Add 10g of beeswax and 20g of emulsifying wax to the mixture and heat until fully incorporated.
- Pour the final mixture into small containers and let cool to achieve a smooth and consistent texture.
3. Boswellia serrata
Boswellia serrata, also known as frankincense, creams helps with osteoporosis because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
It promotes bone health by stimulating the production of osteoblasts, cells responsible for bone growth and repair. Additionally, Boswellia serrata creams may help reduce inflammation and pain associated with osteoporosis, allowing for better mobility and flexibility.
The cream's topical application allows for direct delivery of active compounds to the affected area, providing targeted relief and promoting overall bone health.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Boswellia serrata creams that help with osteoporosis.
- Terpenes: These compounds may inhibit the production of inflammatory mediators that can lead to bone degradation and osteoporosis.
- Phenolics: These antioxidants can help prevent oxidative stress and inflammation that contribute to bone loss and osteoporosis.
- Acids: This compound may inhibit the activity of enzymes that break down bone tissue, helping to maintain bone density and prevent osteoporosis.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of frankincense used to make creams for osteoporosis.
- Resin (from roots): The resin from Boswellia serrata roots is used to create creams for osteoporosis due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to alleviate pain and promote bone health.
- Rhyzomes: The rhyzomes of Boswellia serrata are used to make creams for osteoporosis due to their rich content of boswellic acids, which have anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties that help to reduce bone loss and promote bone density.
- Roots: The roots of Boswellia serrata are used to create creams for osteoporosis due to their ability to modulate the activity of osteoclasts (cells responsible for bone breakdown) and promote the activity of osteoblasts (cells responsible for bone formation), leading to improved bone health.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic frankincense for osteoporosis.
- Weigh 10 grams of dried boswellia serrata resin and crush it into a fine powder.
- Mix 5 grams of beeswax and 2 grams of coconut oil in a double boiler over low heat.
- Add the crushed boswellia powder to the beeswax and coconut oil mixture and stir until combined.
- Remove the double boiler from the heat and let the mixture cool and solidify for 30 minutes.
- Whip the cooled mixture with a hand mixer until it becomes a smooth and creamy texture.
4. Curcuma longa
Curcuma longa, also known as turmeric, creams helps with osteoporosis because of its rich content of curcumin, a potent anti-inflammatory compound.
This property helps to reduce inflammation in the bones, promoting bone density and strength. Curcumin also stimulates the production of osteoblasts, cells responsible for bone formation, and inhibits the activity of osteoclasts, cells that break down bone tissue.
By reducing bone resorption and increasing bone formation, turmeric creams can help alleviate symptoms of osteoporosis and promote overall bone health.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Curcuma longa creams that help with osteoporosis.
- Curcumin: Curcumin helps with osteoporosis by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes, reducing inflammation in the body, and promoting bone growth and density.
- Demethoxycurcumin: DMC helps with osteoporosis by inhibiting the activity of osteoclasts, cells that break down bone tissue, thereby reducing bone resorption and promoting bone density.
- Curcumenol: Curcumenol helps with osteoporosis by inhibiting the activity of osteoclasts and promoting the activity of osteoblasts, cells that build bone tissue, thereby reducing bone resorption and promoting bone density.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of turmeric used to make creams for osteoporosis.
- Rhyzomes: They are rich in curcumin, a bioactive compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help alleviate osteoporosis symptoms.
- Leaves: They contain a variety of flavonoids, including kaempferol and quercetin, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and bone-protective effects.
- Roots: They are a rich source of curcumin and other bioactive compounds that can help improve bone density and reduce inflammation associated with osteoporosis.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic turmeric for osteoporosis.
- Melt 100g of beeswax in a double boiler over low heat for 10 minutes.
- Combine 50g of coconut oil and 20g of shea butter in a separate saucepan.
- Heat the coconut oil and shea butter mixture over medium heat until fully incorporated.
- Add 10g of turmeric powder to the cooled melted beeswax mixture.
- Stir in 50ml of distilled water and 10 drops of vitamin e oil.
5. Aloe vera
Aloe vera, also known as aloe, creams helps with osteoporosis because of its rich source of vitamins A, C, and E, as well as its high concentration of antioxidants and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
These nutrients are essential for maintaining bone health and density.
Aloe vera creams have been shown to promote collagen production, improve bone mineralization, and reduce inflammation in the body, all of which can contribute to a reduction in osteoporosis symptoms and improvement in bone density.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Aloe vera creams that help with osteoporosis.
- Polysaccharides: These complex sugars help stimulate collagen synthesis and improve bone density by promoting the growth of new bone tissue.
- Anthraquinones: This anthraquinone compound has been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the joints and bones, thereby alleviating osteoporosis symptoms.
- Vitamins and minerals: The presence of these essential vitamins and minerals in Aloe vera creams can help support bone health by promoting calcium absorption, reducing oxidative stress, and enhancing bone density.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of aloe used to make creams for osteoporosis.
- Leaves: Aloe vera gel - It's used to make creams for osteoporosis due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce bone loss and promote bone density.
- Leaves: Aloe vera polysaccharides - They are used to make creams for osteoporosis because they can stimulate the production of growth factors that promote bone growth and density.
- Leaves: Aloe vera glycoproteins - They are used to make creams for osteoporosis as they can help regulate calcium and phosphorus levels in the body, essential for maintaining strong bones.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic aloe for osteoporosis.
- Extract 100g of aloe vera gel from 2 aloe vera leaves that have been peeled and chopped into small pieces.
- Melt 50g of beeswax in a double boiler over low heat for about 10 minutes.
- Combine 50g of coconut oil and 10g of vitamin e oil in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Whisk 50g of distilled water into the melted beeswax mixture until it reaches a smooth consistency.
- Blend the aloe vera gel and the beeswax mixture together in a mixing bowl for about 5 minutes.
6. Urtica dioica
Urtica dioica, also known as stinging nettle, creams helps with osteoporosis because of its rich content of bioactive compounds that promote bone health.
The cream's anti-inflammatory properties soothe and calm bone tissue, reducing inflammation and pain associated with osteoporosis. Additionally, the cream's ability to stimulate collagen production and improve bone density helps to strengthen bones, making it an effective natural remedy for osteoporosis sufferers.
Its unique combination of nutrients also supports overall bone health and well-being.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Urtica dioica creams that help with osteoporosis.
- Isorhapontigenin: This flavonoid helps to prevent bone loss by inhibiting the activity of osteoclasts, which are cells responsible for breaking down bone tissue.
- Quercetin: This flavonoid has anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce inflammation in the body, which can contribute to osteoporosis by interfering with bone formation and density.
- Furanocoumarin: This type of phenolic compound has been shown to stimulate the production of osteoblasts, which are cells responsible for building bone tissue, thereby helping to maintain bone density and prevent osteoporosis.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of stinging nettle used to make creams for osteoporosis.
- Leaves: They are rich in flavonoids and other compounds that help to improve bone density and reduce inflammation associated with osteoporosis.
- Roots: The roots of Urtica dioica contain high amounts of rutoside, a flavonoid glycoside that helps to improve blood circulation and reduce inflammation in bones.
- Stems: Urtica dioica stems contain bioactive compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helping to promote bone health and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic stinging nettle for osteoporosis.
- Harvest 10 to 20 fresh leaves and stems of urtica dioica, wearing protective clothing.
- Chop the harvested urtica dioica into small pieces using a sharp knife, avoiding any damage.
- Steep 2 tablespoons of chopped urtica dioica in 1 cup of boiling water for 5 minutes, then strain.
- Mix 2 tablespoons of the urtica dioica infusion with 2 tablespoons of beeswax and 2 tablespoons of coconut oil.
- Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly, until the beeswax has melted and the mixture has cooled to room temperature, then fill into containers.
7. Rosa x rugosa
Rosa x rugosa, also known as beach rose, creams helps with osteoporosis because of its high concentration of antioxidants and essential fatty acids.
The unique combination of these compounds may aid in reducing inflammation and promoting bone health. Rosa x rugosa creams have been found to stimulate collagen production and improve skin elasticity, which can be beneficial for osteoporosis sufferers who experience fragile skin and bones.
This natural remedy may also help to fortify bone density by promoting cell growth and regeneration.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Rosa x rugosa creams that help with osteoporosis.
- Flavonoids: These plant-based compounds help with osteoporosis by enhancing bone density and reducing inflammation, which can contribute to bone loss.
- Rosmarinic acid: This phenolic compound exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help protect bone tissue from damage and promote bone health.
- Triterpenoids: These compounds, particularly ursolic acid, have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which can help slow down bone resorption and promote bone formation.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of beach rose used to make creams for osteoporosis.
- Flowers: They are used to make creams for osteoporosis due to their high content of flavonoids, which have been shown to have bone-strengthening properties.
- Leaves: They are used to make creams for osteoporosis due to their rich content of salicylic acid and other compounds that help to reduce inflammation and promote bone health.
- Barks: They are used to make creams for osteoporosis due to their high content of phenolic compounds, which have been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help to support bone health.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic beach rose for osteoporosis.
- Harvest 1 cup of dried rosa x rugosa flowers and leaves at dawn when the dew is still present.
- Steep the herbs in 2 cups of boiling water for 5 to 7 minutes to release their active properties.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve into a clean container to remove solids.
- Mix 1/4 cup of beeswax and 1/4 cup of coconut oil in a double boiler to melt and combine them.
- Add 2 tablespoons of the herbal infusion and 2 drops of vitamin e oil to the melted wax mixture and stir well.
8. Calendula officinalis
Calendula officinalis, also known as pot marigold, creams helps with osteoporosis because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
The cream's active compounds, such as triterpenoids and phenolic acids, help to reduce inflammation and improve bone health. By reducing inflammation, it may help to slow down bone loss and promote bone healing. Additionally, the cream's antioxidant properties help to protect bones from oxidative stress, which can contribute to bone degradation and osteoporosis.
This may help to improve bone density and reduce the risk of fractures.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Calendula officinalis creams that help with osteoporosis.
- Saponins: Saponins present in Calendula officinalis may help with osteoporosis by reducing inflammation and promoting bone health, although more research is needed to confirm their specific effects.
- Flavonoids: Flavonoids, such as Quercetin, in Calendula officinalis may help with osteoporosis by reducing bone resorption, promoting bone formation, and inhibiting osteoclast activity, ultimately contributing to improved bone density.
- Calendulic acid: Calendulic acid, a tricyclic compound found in Calendula officinalis, may help with osteoporosis by inhibiting the activity of osteoclasts, which are cells responsible for bone resorption, thereby reducing bone loss.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of pot marigold used to make creams for osteoporosis.
- Flowers: They are the most used part of Calendula officinalis due to their high concentration of flavonoids, triterpenoids, and carotenoids, which contribute to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties beneficial for osteoporosis.
- Leaves: They are the second most used part, as they contain similar bioactive compounds to the flowers and are often used in combination with them to enhance the overall effect.
- Seeds: They are also used, as they contain saponins and other compounds that may help in bone health and density, although their use is less documented compared to flowers and leaves.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic pot marigold for osteoporosis.
- Harvest 1 cup of fresh calendula officinalis flowers at peak blooming time for maximum potency.
- Infuse 1 cup of dried calendula officinalis flowers in 2 cups of carrier oil for 2 weeks.
- Strain the infused oil through cheesecloth and discard the solids to obtain 1 cup of infused oil.
- Mix 1/2 cup of beeswax with 1/2 cup of shea butter and 1/2 cup of coconut oil.
- Heat the oil mixture and beeswax blend in a double boiler to create a smooth and creamy consistency.
9. Lavandula angustifolia
Lavandula angustifolia, also known as English lavender, creams helps with osteoporosis because of its unique combination of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
The linalool and linalyl acetate present in the plant have been shown to stimulate bone growth and density by increasing osteoblast activity and decreasing osteoclast activity. Furthermore, the cream's ability to relax and reduce stress can also contribute to improved bone health by reducing the release of cortisol, a hormone that can break down bone tissue.
This makes English lavender creams a promising natural remedy for osteoporosis prevention and management.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Lavandula angustifolia creams that help with osteoporosis.
- Linalool: This terpene helps reduce inflammation and stress, which can contribute to the development of osteoporosis by promoting bone health and density.
- Luteolin: This flavonoid has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help protect against bone loss and promote bone formation, making it beneficial for osteoporosis treatment.
- Caffeic acid: This phenolic acid has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which can help reduce bone resorption and promote bone formation, ultimately contributing to the management of osteoporosis.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of english lavender used to make creams for osteoporosis.
- Flowers: They are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce bone resorption and promote bone health.
- Leaves: They are a rich source of flavonoids and other bioactive compounds that may help to inhibit bone loss and promote bone growth.
- Stems: They contain terpenes and other compounds that may help to reduce inflammation and promote bone health in individuals with osteoporosis.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic english lavender for osteoporosis.
- Harvest fresh lavandula angustifolia flowers at dawn when essential oils are most concentrated and store them in airtight containers.
- Dry the harvested flowers in a low-temperature dehydrator at 30°c for 24 hours to preserve their medicinal properties.
- Combine 100g of dried lavandula angustifolia flowers with 200g of carrier oil such as sweet almond oil in a clean glass jar.
- Steep the mixture in a double boiler for 4-6 hours to extract the plant's medicinal properties into the oil.
- Strain the infused oil through a cheesecloth or coffee filter to remove the dried flowers and store the cream in a cool dark place.
10. Sambucus nigra
Sambucus nigra, also known as elder, creams helps with osteoporosis because of its unique combination of flavonoids, anthocyanins, and phenolic acids.
These bioactive compounds have been shown to stimulate the production of osteoblasts, the cells responsible for bone formation, while also inhibiting the activity of osteoclasts, the cells that break down bone tissue. This balance promotes bone health and density, making Sambucus nigra creams a potential complementary therapy for osteoporosis prevention and management.
Its natural anti-inflammatory properties also aid in reducing bone pain and discomfort.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Sambucus nigra creams that help with osteoporosis.
- Flavonoids: These plant-derived compounds have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation that may contribute to bone loss associated with osteoporosis.
- Phenolic acids: These compounds have been shown to have potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which may help protect against bone resorption and promote bone formation.
- Saponins: These compounds may have a positive effect on bone health by stimulating the production of osteoblasts, which are cells responsible for bone formation, and potentially reducing the activity of osteoclasts, which are cells involved in bone resorption.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of elder used to make creams for osteoporosis.
- Flowers: They are used due to their high content of isoflavones and other phytoestrogens, which help in alleviating osteoporosis symptoms.
- Leaves: Leaves are utilized due to their rich antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which aid in bone health and density.
- Barks: The barks of Sambucus nigra contain bioactive compounds like flavonoids, which help in bone strengthening and protection against osteoporosis.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic elder for osteoporosis.
- Harvest sambucus nigra elder flowers at their peak of potency during the summer months for optimal benefits.
- Combine 100g of sambucus nigra flowers with 500ml of vegetable oil in a glass container.
- Infuse the mixture in a cool dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking daily to enhance extraction.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth into a clean container, pressing on the solids to extract all liquid.
- Add 10g of beeswax and 10g of shea butter to the infused oil, heat until melted and mix thoroughly.
What is the best combination of herbal creams to use for osteoporosis?
The best combination of herbal creams that help with osteoporosis is a blend of arnica, aloe vera, and ginseng.
Arnica helps to reduce inflammation and promote bone growth, while aloe vera soothes and calms the skin. Ginseng, rich in antioxidants, enhances bone density and improves overall bone health. Additionally, creams containing saw palmetto, horsetail, and calendula may also be beneficial.
These natural ingredients work together to provide a comprehensive approach to osteoporosis management, promoting bone health and reducing symptoms.
What ailments similar to osteoporosis are treated with herbal creams?
Ailments similar to osteoporosis/creams.html">osteoporosis/creams.html">osteoporosis that are treated with herbal creams are arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia.
These conditions involve joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation, which can be alleviated by topical herbal creams containing anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving compounds like turmeric, ginger, and capsaicin.
Additionally, creams enriched with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals may help promote joint health and reduce symptoms associated with these conditions.