Apothecary is a series focusing on natural remedies produced or grown wild in local habitats. Influences come from family and Indigenous practices centered on improving physical, mental health, and well being.
Eggs are nature’s perfect food. However, most people think nothing of throwing out eggshells, not realizing the full health benefits found within the hard casing. When dried and ground into a powder, eggshells are an excellent source of natural calcium, around 40% according to Healthline, and deliver cost savings to your wallet.
Eggshell composition
In addition to calcium and protein, eggshells also contain small amounts of other minerals, including strontium, fluoride, magnesium, and selenium. Just like calcium, these minerals play a role in bone health.
Directions for eggshell powder
Before diving into the instructions, ensure you are using farm eggs — direct from an actual farm. Why? Factory farmed eggs have been processed using a sterilized solution and may be harmful to ingest the residue.
- Wash the farm eggs before cracking (otherwise, you will have chicken poop in your food)
- Throw eggshells onto a baking sheet.
- Place in a preheated oven at 250-degree Celsius or 482 Fahrenheit.
- Bake eggshells for 20 minutes to kill the potential for salmonella.
- Remove eggshells from the oven and cool.
- Use a mort and pedestal or an electronic grinder until eggshells are a fine powder.
- Store powder in a secure container in a cool, dry place.
The eggshell powder has a long shelf life, and you can continue to use it within six months and beyond.
Personal Testimonial
I’m in my mid-forties. Gasp! Middle age! As a woman, I must consume ample calcium to ensure I maintain bone density in this critical time of life. How much is enough? Harvard Medical School explains:
Like many women, you may have memorized the minimum daily calcium requirement — 1,000 milligrams (mg) a day for women ages 50 and younger and 1,200 mg for women over 50 — and followed it faithfully in an effort to preserve your bones.
Three to five times a week, I consume a nutrient-dense deep green smoothie and place a level teaspoon of eggshell powder inside. The powder is flavorless. Given I have incorporated the practice of eating eggshell powder for the last four months, my nails and hair are visibly healthier. I also feel peace of mind knowing my body is receiving essential nutrients allowing me to remain durable — well into my golden years. Over the last two months, I sprinkle a 1/4 teaspoon into my dog’s food once a day. Astor’s nails are healthy and growing at a rapid rate!
Egg facts
Did you know that eggs direct from a farm do not need to be refrigerated? Farm eggs have a built-in natural protective coating and are nature’s way of preserving the eggs. The opposite is true of sterilized factory-farmed eggs, and the protective layer removed, requiring refrigeration.
Resources
- Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/eggshells-benefits-and-risks
- Dr. Axe: https://draxe.com/nutrition/eggshell/
- Pete and Gerry’s Organic Eggs: https://www.peteandgerrys.com/blog/diy-eggshell-calcium-powder
- National Library of Medicine: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15018022/
Credit to my Mom, Sheila Beasley, who continues to teach me the wonders and bounties of our natural world, a life long learner of the incredible health benefits sitting outside our doorstep.
