Herbal Sources of Calcium

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body, according to the National Institutes of Health's Office of Dietary Supplements. While 99 percent of the body's calcium is stored in the bones and teeth in order to maintain their strength, the remaining 1 percent is used for other important bodily functions. Calcium is needed to help muscles and blood vessels contract and expand, to aid in the secretion of hormones and enzymes and to send messages through the nervous system. While an abundance of calcium-rich food sources exist, many plants and herbs also contain natural concentrations of the mineral. Many calcium-rich herbs can be found in your backyard or even planted in your garden.

Burdock Root

• The burdock plant is a weed found worldwide. Coarse, heart-shaped leaves give way to prickly flower heads, or burrs, which easily snag on fabric. While not as popular in Western civilization, the root of the burdock plant is widely harvested. The root has a mildly sweet yet pungent flavor and contains 61.2 mg calcium for every 125 g. The calcium in the burdock root helps to purify the blood and balance out hormones.

Dandelion

• Dandelions, those pesky weeds growing rampant in your yard, are a great source of calcium. In fact, 1 oz. of dandelion actually has more calcium an ounce of milk. It is the jagged leaves and stems that hold all the calcium, not the bushy yellow heads. Tender buds sprouting up during the spring are the best to eat. As the season progresses and summer arrives, the dandelion becomes progressively more bitter. When picking dandelions in the wild with the intention of eating them, it is important to know whether or not any chemicals have been sprayed in the surrounding area. One hundred grams of dandelion contains 187 mg of calcium. Calcium from the dandelion helps promote the flow of blood through your veins and arteries.

Lemongrass

• Native to the southern part of India, lemongrass is a plant that grows in tufts of long, course blades. Although not related to the lemon, the plant has a strong citrus odor and taste. Because of this, lemongrass is a popular ingredient in cuisines all over the world, predominantly in Southeast Asia. Lemongrass can be chopped and served raw or dried and ground into an herbal powder. One hundred grams of lemongrass contains 65 mg of calcium. The calcium in the plant helps control heart rate and blood pressure.