This question gave me a chuckle so I thought it worth sharing and using as the subject line too…
“My 2 primary herb goals: bones & boners. I’m 67, very active, recently diagnosed with osteoporosis. Need to boost T both for bone health and sexual health. What are the most effective herbs/combos? Would be great if you can recommend at least two combos for alternating cycles. Thanks, you herbal terrorist!” — Jon
Great question.
In the Western reductive approach these two items would have zero relation, except that some of the same hormones effect each.
In the Chinese medicine view these two are intimately connected as they’re both related to Jing which covers both the bones and reproductive organs.
So most Jing herbs will likely help here, but I’ll pick some of the herbs I think are best.
Tongkat Ali is my top pick. Some studies have looked at its effect on not just testosterone but related to bone health and found positive results. And of course, this herb is most well known for sexual benefits.
Another top herb is Horny Goat Weed.
Again, we see some studies specifically around bone loss. One looked at the “active” constituent icariin and how it stimulates proliferations of human osteoblasts, by increasing bone morphegenetic protein 2. Whew, that’s a mouthful!
Another study looked at post-menopausal women, where osteoporosis is most common. It focused on the fact that Horny Goat Weed has phytoestrogens that can in turn help with bone growth.
This makes some guys want to run away. But they shouldn’t. Both testosterone and estrogen are important for both men and women for both bone and sexual health. One gets paid attention to for men, and one for women, most often but they’re both needed.
Then there is Cistanche. Known as the “Stalk Enlarger” this one, also has some evidence showing that it helps strengthen bones by “promoting osteoblast activity and inhibiting osteoclast activity”.
You could try these one at a time or also mix them as a way to cycle through them.
Funny enough that these are three of the five ingredients inside Thor’s Hammer. While we market that for sex, I guess we could do it for bone health too!
You might also look at Pearl Powder for the bioavailable calcium and other nutrients it contains.
That covers the herb side of things. But before I go I’d like to talk about sending the signal to your bones to get stronger.
Weight-bearing exercise.
And actually, the more weight (done safely of course), the better.
You don’t need to lift 1000 lbs like I’ve done.
But putting more weight on your bones than just what you’re walking around with, tells the bones to become stronger.
I’m a huge fan of partial moves for that particular reason.
Not just that but it provides a hormonal signal that helps to increase bone density as well as muscle mass. That hormonal signal translates into the bedroom as well.
And don’t forget vitamin D which actually functions as a hormonal signal as well.
Do all this and you should be good to.
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