Get your Calcium from Herbs!

Written by: Salome Wagenbach, Master Herbalist

WHAT IS CALCIUM?

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in our body. And our bodies don’t produce it. Our small intestine absorbs this essential mineral at a rate of about 30% and we must get the large amounts we need through the food we eat. While over 99% of the calcium we absorb is used to maintain bone integrity and build strong teeth, the remaining percent is no less important. Let’s dive into that 99% first of all.

As we age, our bone mineral density decreases, which explains why half of all women over the age of 50 will break a bone due to low bone mass. Critical as it is towards maintaining bone structure, calcium also collaborates with enzymes to form bones. It also is necessary to keep your teeth strong and true and your gums healthy.

The remaining small amount of calcium that circulates through our bloodstream and is found in our muscles and tissues is so carefully regulated by the body, that if these levels get too low, our body will rob calcium from our bones to supply the need. Calcium aids in blood coagulation, muscle contraction and neuron communication. It also improves cardiac function and regulates blood pressure. This essential mineral is so important to the structural development of our body – it is found in arterial walls, epithelial tissues, nerve sheaths and ligaments.

WHY DO WE NEED CALCIUM?

Calcium deficiency can be experienced through a multitude of symptoms as the body can no longer function optimally. These symptoms include muscle spasms, brittle nails, bone fractures, neural weakness, seizures, and congestive heart failure.

Certain conditions such as hypoparathyroidism, kidney failure or septic shock can lead to calcium deficiency. Some medications or supplements or an inadequate amounts of vitamin D can inhibit the ability of your body to utilize calcium properly. Also, a diet high in foods that have been refined or heavy with caffeine, sugars, and starches can contribute to insufficient calcium levels.

As your body goes through certain developmental stages, it requires more calcium. For example, during pregnancy your body is working to create new arteries, new tissue, and new bones. Not only that, as calcium is believed to lower blood pressure, deficient levels can increase your risk of preeclampsia. Menopause is another time of life when calcium levels take a dip.   

SO, TAKE A CALCIUM TABLET THEN?

Make no bones about it – you cannot take a calcium supplement and expect to have strong bones. This is because your body requires an array of minerals and vitamins to create sufficient bone density and calcium is just one of those building blocks. Bone loss is not just calcium deficiency. It is mineral deficiency.

Here we’ll highlight just a few co-nutrients that are essential for the absorption of calcium.

Vitamin K. This vitamin facilitates osteoblastic activity and optimizes the absorption of calcium.

Vitamin D. The sunshine vitamin assists in the absorption of calcium. It works so closely with calcium you could call it a twin sister.

Silica. Silica facilitates collagen synthesis and enhances the absorption of calcium.

Magnesium. Magnesium not only maintains bone density, but also regulates the absorption of calcium. It can keep you from accumulating too much.

Boron. This trace element helps absorb vitamins and minerals.

Potassium. This mineral reduces the loss of calcium.

Wow, all these nutrients really work together! Calcium tablets alone won’t supply all of this. Now is when whole-food supplements step in.

When you create a tincture, your solvent will extract a variety of organic compounds from the plant. This balanced extract not only contains calcium, but also has a host of other nutrients that naturally walk hand-in hand with calcium and prevent the buildup of excess calcium in unwanted areas. The body then eliminates the excess nutrients that it does not assimilate.

Here’s a preview of the Herbal Calcium that Walnut Creek Botanicals offers. This comes as a DIY kit or a ready-made tincture.

Shavegrass (Often referred to as horsetail). Shavegrass is famous for its silica content which enhances calcium absorption and is important for bone density.

Oatstraw. Oats are mineral-rich, especially in calcium! Bonus – it is also considered to be neuro tonic. There are so many good things to say about oats but we’ll focus on these two points.

Nettles. Nettles are a super-food! Loaded with calcium, boron, and vitamins C, D and K, it’s been long thought to reduce your risk of osteoporosis and kidney disease. You’ll also find iron, magnesium, potassium and B vitamins here.

Cornsilk. Yes, those small thread-like silks are edible. What’s more, they contain many simple nutrients, especially potassium and vitamins C and K.

Chamomile flower. Traditionally, chamomile has been used as a nervine and a digestive. But its also anti-inflammatory and has small amounts of calcium.

Skullcap. Known for its high antioxidant content, skullcap also modulates the nervous systems. It contains calcium, magnesium and potassium along with other nutrients.

TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING?

It sounds like a catch 22, but too much calcium is believed to lead to weak bones. Taking too many pure calcium supplements can contribute to the formation of kidney stones and increase risk of calcium buildup in the arteries as well as cause headaches, fatigue, and excess thirst.

Severe hypercalcemia can result in neurological challenges, kidney malfunction, and muscle weakness, although this is often related to hyperparathyroidism or cancer.

SOLUTION

Undoubtedly, dietary sources such as leafy greens, black beans and seeds are our best way to get the nutrients we need. But as we age and our diet may not keep up with the demand, herbal supplements are the next best thing because of their ‘checks and balance’ system. Chock full of nutrients, Walnut Creek Botanical’s Herbal Calcium contains the minerals needed to optimize the absorption of calcium.