Heal Broken Bones Faster with Natural Medicine

Natural medicines and therapies can help speed the healing of broken bones. Bones have the amazing ability to heal themselves, and this healing begins before you even see a doctor. However, doctor’s visit is always recommended to ensure that the bones are aligned properly and will join in a clean line.

The outer layer of the bone is a storehouse of mineral deposits. The inner layer is called the marrow. The red marrow makes red blood cells, while the yellow marrow is used to store fat. Bones continually undergo changes in a process called “bone remodeling.” Osteoclast cells break down old bone and osteoblast cells trigger new bone cells to form. As soon as a bone breaks, the osteoblasts get to work. Fibroblast cells create protein fibers called collagen. As bones heal, they form a matrix of osteoblasts, which later harden, or ossify, becoming bone. It takes three to four months to recreate the solid, stable bone in most cases. But some bones have more blood supply so they heal faster, for instance, toe bones, whereas wrist bones can take longer.

To speed bone healing, you can incorporate the following changes into your life:

LIFESTYLE

• Stop smoking. Smoking slows the blood flow to the bones, thereby slowing healing. Smokers take longer to heal broken bones.
• Stop drinking. Alcohol slows the formation of the osteoblasts.
• Decrease or eliminate caffeined drinks like coffee, tea, and colas which increase calcium excretion. Since your body needs all the calcium it can get to heal your bones, it is wise to minimize sources of calcium loss.

NUTRITION

Protein
Because the bones need protein to build, add proteins to your diet. Meat, fish, soy, nuts, beans, and dairy are all good sources. Dairy has the added advantage of containing calcium.

Calcium
Recommended dose (RDA) is 800-1200 milligrams a day for adults. There is no research to suggest that adding calcium speeds bone healing, but be certain to maintain normal intake levels.

Vitamins

• Vitamin C is important link in the formation of collagen. Adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet can fill this need.
• Vitamin D aids in calcium absorption. The latest suggestions for vitamin D consumption have raised the minimum required dose from 2,000 to 4,000 daily. http://www.healthnews.com/blogs/melanie-grimes/natural-health/vitamins-supplements/increased-vitamin-d-intake-treat-depression-obesityBe sure to take in that much while healing bones.
• Vitamin K, found in leafy greens, also aids bone repair.

HOMOEOPATHY

Arnica
In any homeopathic first aid, Arnica is the first drug of choice. Its remarkable ability to reduce bruising and swelling from trauma has been well documented. Arnica can be used immediately after the break, to reduce swelling and vascular congestion.

Symphytum
The homeopathic remedy Symphytum, or Comfrey, has been known for centuries as Knitbone. It has a remarkable ability to speed the healing of bones. Symph is a great remedy when the bone refuses to knit together and also if the pain remains long after the fracture is healed. Herbalists have long used comfrey, or Knitbone. The roots and leaves contain Allantoin, used in wound healing. Culpepper suggested a salve made from powdered root in water applied externally. But the homeopaths have found Comfrey’s usefulness in broken bones when taken internally. Doses of Symph 30c taken daily have sped up bone healing by one-third.

Ruta
To treat bruised bones and for bones that are slow to repair. Ruta is also beneficial to the connective tissues around the bones and the periosteum. This remedy is indicated if the pains are worse from the cold and damp.

Calcarea phoshoricum
A homeopathic remedy also used as a tissue salt, sold in 3x potency. The salt is essential in facilitating the union of broken bones. The homeopathic indication for this remedy is bones that are slow to heal and a cold sensation in the limbs. The pain is worse at night and in cold, damp weather. CALCAREA CARB, CALCAREA PHOS, RUTA and SYMPHYTUM are all useful for bones that fail to heal.

Eupatorium perfoliatum
Known as Boneset, Eup perf heals the bones and the pain. The pain experienced by a person needing this remedy is a deep soreness, as if beaten, that are worse by motion and in the morning.

As soon as the trauma occurs, begin daily treatment with Arnica 30c. When the swelling is reduced, continue taking Symphytum 30c daily until the bone is healed. Use other remedies as indicated by their modalities and symptoms.

OTHER THERAPIES
In 1994, ultrasound bone growth stimulators were approved by the FDA. Treatments are available to speed certain types of broken bones with the use of electrical stimulation, ultrasound, and magnets. Magnets increase blood flow to the area, thereby speeding healing.
Deep tissue massage and techniques like cranio-sacral massage can increase blood flow and send healing energy. A study at Harvard University showed that hypnosis can be used to reduce bone healing time from eight weeks to six.

Bones heal without scars and most of the time the bones are stronger than they were before the break. Rest, eat a healthy diet, and you will be back to normal in no time.