What does it do?
Bones keep our body in shape, protect our vital organs, and allow us to move. Bone health is surely important. As we age,
bones gradually lose their density and become more fragile; joints wear and tear, make the bones rub each other,
causing bone outgrowth to form bone spurs and inflammation (osteoarthritis, OA) with pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Joint inflammation may be caused by extensive and repeating sport activities as well.
Bone damages like bone spurs and OA are not reversible, but the symptoms can be treated with
pain killers like acetaminophen (Tylenol), which relieves pain but does not affect swelling, and NSAIDs
(non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen, which decrease pain and swelling.
Some people cannot take these medicines because of the adverse drug reactions.
Bone health has long been a focus in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which states that bones are governed by the kidneys,
a primary source of essence of life and of the Yin and Yang energy. Thus, bone health requires a strong kidney function.
When the kidney function is compromised, the bone mass gets more easily lost and joints are more easily worn out.
TCM also considers osteoarthritis the result of stagnation of Qi and Blood in the joints caused by Wind, Cold, or Dampness.
BonekinderTM is a Chinese herbal medicine formulated in the principle of TCM to maintain bone health.
It tonifies the Kidneys to strengthen the bones and tendons, nourishes the Blood to promote circulation,
dispels Wind and unblocks meridians to alleviate pain and reduce swelling.
Bonekinder consists of the following Chinese herbs:
Rou Cong Rong (Cistanche herb)
is an important Chinese herb that nourishes the Kidneys and enhances the Yang energy.
Gu Sui Bu (Drynaria rhizome) nourishes the kidneys and
is well known among Chinese medicines for its property
in promoting healing of bones after injury. In studies of osteoporosis animal models, Drynaria extracts can
significantly increase bone mineral density and promotes bone-forming osteoblast differentiation and mineralization;1,2
Bu Gu Zhi (Psoralea fruit) tonifies the kidneys, strengthens the Yang energy,
reserves the essence. In studies of osteoporosis animal models, Psoralea extracts increase
serum calcium levels and decrease urinary calcium excretion, reduce bone loss and lead to the gain
in bone mineral density.3
Bai Shao (Paeonia root)
nourishes the blood, harmonizes the liver and relieves pain.
Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis root)
is a well known Chinese herb that both nourishes and moves the blood.
Chuan Xiong
is a unique Chinese herb that both invigorates the Blood and moves Qi. It expels wind and relieves pain.
Chuan Niu Xi (Cyathula root) is famous for clearing Wind and Dampness,
invigorating the blood and unblocking the channels. The Chinese herb also nourishes the liver and the kidneys to strengthen bones and tendons.
Ru Xiang (Boswellia)
invigorates Blood and moves Qi to unblock channels and alleviates pain.
Mo Yao (Myrrh)
invigorates Blood to remove blood stasis, reduces swelling, and relieves pain. It is often used together with Boswellia.
Yan Hu Suo (Corydalis rhizome)
invigorates the Blood, moves Qi, and alleviates pain.
Fu Zi (Zhi) (Prepared Aconitum root) is
perhaps the best known Chinese herb for restoring the Yang energy. It disperses cold, warms the channels, and alleviates pain.
Gan Jiang (Dry ginger) warms the middle and expels cold. is a unique Chinese herb that both invigorates the Blood and moves Qi. It expels wind and relieves pain.
Wang Bu Liu Xing (Vaccaria seeds) invigorates the Blood and reduces swelling.
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References
1. Xie YM, Ju DH, Zhao JN Effect of osteopractic total flavone on bone mineral density and
bone histomorphometry in ovariectomized rats. Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2004 Apr;29(4):343-6.
2. Jeong JC et al., Drynariae Rhizoma promotes osteoblast differentiation and mineralization in
MC3T3-E1 cells through regulation of bone morphogenetic protein-2, alkaline phosphatase,
type I collagen and collagenase-1. Toxicol In Vitro. 2004 Dec;18(6):829-34.
3. Tsai MH et al., Psoralea corylifolia extract ameliorates experimental osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats.
Am J Chin Med. 2007;35(4):669-80.
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