To know what to supplement, one must first understand what bones are lacking. From the perspective of Western medicine, osteoporosis is caused by the loss of calcium, so "bone supplementation" means supplementing calcium and substances that promote calcium absorption, such as vitamin D, vitamin C, and estrogen. However, in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the situation is much more complex, and the health of bones is often closely related to the health of various organs.
Additionally, a deficiency in the Spleen can affect the gastrointestinal absorption of nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, trace elements, proteins, and amino acids. Qi stagnation and blood stasis are contributing factors, as blood stasis obstructs the meridians, preventing qi, blood, and body fluids from nourishing the muscles and bones. This tells us that if blood circulation is poor, nutrients cannot be delivered to the bones in a timely manner. There is an old Chinese saying, "A rolling stone gathers no moss," which also applies to bone health. Therefore, nourishing the blood and strengthening the Spleen are prerequisites for "bone supplementation."
Therefore, the treatment of osteoporosis should focus on "supplementing what is deficient." Among tonifying herbs, those for Yang primarily focus on the Kidneys; those for Blood focus on nourishing the Blood and strengthening the Spleen; and those for Qi focus on strengthening the Spleen and replenishing Qi. This leads to the current principles of TCM for preventing and treating osteoporosis: First, the basic formula consists of herbs that tonify the Kidney, strengthen the Spleen, and replenish Qi. Commonly used herbs include prepared Rehmannia root, Angelica sinensis, Astragalus root, goji berry, deer antler glue, tortoise shell, Codonopsis root, white peony root, dodder seed, Chinese yam, Eucommia bark, and glossy privet fruit. Second, the formula is often supplemented with herbs that invigorate blood and dispel stasis. These are the most commonly used herbs besides the tonifying ones. Commonly used herbs include Achyranthes root, red sage root, Ligusticum root, Corydalis root, peach kernel, pangolin scales, and millettia vine.
In addition, it is also important to pay attention to unhealthy lifestyle habits that can affect the efficacy of bone supplementation. For example, avoid consuming excessive amounts of stimulants like tea and coffee; in winter, try to drink less alcohol to avoid weakening the body's resistance; do not eat foods high in oxalic acid (such as spinach, amaranth, and lettuce) together with high-calcium foods like fish soup and bone soup, as oxalic acid and calcium can form calcium oxalate, which affects calcium absorption; eating less greasy and fried food can also ensure the effectiveness of the supplementation.