Lemon Egg recipe for calcium deficiency and osteoporosis
I have used this recipe to help me increase my bone density which was lowered as a result of osteopenia. It is not a cure for low bone density but may help as part of a treatment package. The following recipe has been given to me via Jim O'Hearn, a Melbourne based naturopath. It is based on an old Italian recipe used originally for pregnant women, and he has changed it over the years. It makes a version of calcium citrate - which is said to be one of the easiest calciums to absorb. What matters is not only how much calcium you take but how much you absorb and use. Please only use this recipe in consultation with your Doctor or bone specialist and monitor your progress. I only knew how much to take following a series of calcium absorption tests organised through my doctor. Please note that, while I have put this recipe on my website in good faith and with the hope of helping others, I accept no responsibility for the outcomes gained from its use. Do not use it if you have a tendency towards kidney stones or you already have plenty of calcium in your system.
- Carefully fill a wide mouth jar with clean, whole, uncracked eggs. (Rachel's comments - make sure the egg shells are clean/sterilised first. I use 3 eggs at a time. This makes enough mixture for me for about a week. However people's needs are different.)
Cover the eggs with freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Close the jar tightly and place in the refrigerator. (Slowly, you should start to see bubbles forming on the egg shells, then the egg shells dissolving and finally the mixture turning white).
Gently agitate the jar a few minutes about 3 times a day. (The mixture will slowly turn white with the calcium from the egg shells. As soon as the bubbling has stopped, your lemon egg is ready.)
It should take no longer than 36 - 48 hours for the action to be completed. If you leave the mixture for longer, it will tend to get thick and the eggs will begin to absorb more of the lemon juice taste. (Rachel's comments: or the eggs may split and leak into the mixture. Also I have found occasionally it doesn't work and that this is usually when the lemons are not fresh enough.)
Carefully remove the eggs and use them as normal. There should still be a soft membrane around the eggs but no shell as this has dissolved into the lemon juice to make calcium citrate.
Place a tight lid on the mixture that remains after the eggs have been removed and shake well.
Take no more than one teaspoon per day initially because it can be very powerful. Start slowly. The amount may gradually be increased over time to 1 to 2 tablespoonfuls. (Rachel's comment - I have had my calcium absorption levels tested by my Dr. and I have absorbed high quantities from this mixture. The tests helped me to work out what the best amount was for me - at one stage I was taking too much - so take it easy. I now take 3 - 4 dessertspoons a day. Each individual has different needs.)
Take the mixture for two weeks, and then leave off for two weeks. (Rachel's comments: I have corresponded with Jim and he says in my case the break may not be needed, so I only occasionally stop taking it.)
Don't heat. If you take this solution to boiling point it would be useless. The bonds have been changed and the body can no longer use the calcium.
Questions I have been asked by readers and my answers
NB: Please know I am not a Dr so I don’t know all the answers with regards to calcium absorption and I am not able to comment on your individual needs, so please do talk it all through with a medical practitioner who knows about calcium and bones, and knows you personally and can monitor your progress/calcium.
- How do I clean the eggs appropriately? Do not boil. I just wipe each one with metholated spirits on a tissue and then rinse well under the tap and wipe dry.
- I was thinking I could start off with just one egg so i do not overdo it to start with. Is this okay? Please take no more than one teaspoon per day initially because it can be very powerful. Start slowly. This means one egg will be sufficient.
- I understand the mixture will go off in around 3 days:, is this correct? Mine keeps much longer than this.
- Should one try to consume the entire mixture before it goes off? NO! Absolutely not. Please take no more than one teaspoon per day.
- What kind of calcium blood readings did you have before taking the supplement and afterwards? I had very low readings when I started taking it. Then went to above normal and had to readjust the dosage until I had normal levels. I take it most days and have done for years.
- Do you have any idea how much total calcium one individual egg in lemon juice could provide (approximately)? No, sorry I don’t. We did have it analysed at the Chemical Labs once but I haven’t kept the analysis. This is something you may be able to arrange if you want to know exactly what you have. The most important things as far as I am concerned is not how much calcium you are taking but how much you are absorbing. (I had taken calcium in in other forms e.g. yoghurt, pills from the Dr. cheese etc but not absorbed it).
- I am 38 years old and my calcium has been low for the last 2 years, there has been no examination of my bone density. At the age of 38 it might be a good idea to have your bone density checked. Peak bone density is meant to occur in the 20s so before you meet the menopause it may be useful to get a baseline measure and see how they are.
Further information
There are other tips, E-magazines, a book, and more that can help you. For example,
Other tips on the website:
Ten Tips to "Boost your Bones", by Rachel Green, and
10 tips to Boost Your Calcium Intake, by Rachel Green.
Free E-magazines are also available including:
07-Jul-2004, Number 141: Since when was persistence good for me? by Rachel Green.
If you are over 40 there is an inspiring book Midlife and Happiness, by Rachel Green. The life stories of 14 different people are included.
May your bones be strong,
Best wishes,
Rachel Green
PO Box 344, Kelmscott, Western Australia 6991.
Phone: +61 8 9390 1188. Fax +61 8 9390 1199
E-mail:
| These tips are only general in nature and may not apply to all people, all cultures or all situations. While every care has been taken to ensure the tips are useful, no responsibility can be taken for the results gained from their implementation. Please seek individual professional and medical guidance for any difficulties you may have with your health. Thank you.
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