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Herbal Cholesterol Treatments

Herbal cholesterol treatments can aid in lowering "bad" (LDL) cholesterol levels as well as increasing "good" (HDL) levels. These treatments also decrease your chances of experiencing any side effects as those found in pharmaceutical remedies. Many herbal treatments are used in everyday cooking in the form of spices while others are considered natural remedies whose use must be supervised by a medical professional.

  1. Red Yeast Rice

    • Red yeast rice contains naturally occurring statins known as monacolins. A potent monacolin, known as lovastatin, is used by the pharmaceutical industry in cholesterol lowering medications. These statins are known to limit cholesterol synthesis. There is dispute over whether red yeast rice is a dietary food supplement or herb remedy, according to the FDA. Red yeast rice has been used in Chinese medicines for over 5,000 years, according to Dr. Ram Gordon.

      Since red yeast rice is not regulated by the FDA, there is no conformity to regulations in its manufacture. Pregnant or breast feeding women and individuals taking the drug lovastatin are advised against using red yeast rice.

    Garlic

    • Eat garlic. Garlic lowers LDL while increasing HDL cholesterol levels. Garlic is known for its anti-clotting, anti-coagulating properties that reduce the likelihood of plaque forming in your blood vessels, according to Womenfitness.net, the Mayo Clinic and the USDA. Using garlic powder or supplements is an effective herbal cholesterol treatment, also.

    Green Tea

    • Drink green tea. Green tea lowers bad cholesterol while also increasing good cholesterol levels. It can be enjoyed in a variety of forms ranging from liquid, capsule to powder. Green tea contains beneficial amounts of antioxidants which help remove the harmful cholesterol from your body, according to the USDA and the Mayo Clinic. Consume at least 600 mg daily.

    Turmeric

    • Use turmeric. Commonly found in curry mixes, turmeric has powerful cholesterol lowering properties and would be beneficial as part of your herbal cholesterol treatment program. According to herbal-supplements-guide.com and the Mayo Clinic, turmeric contains curcumin which lowers LDL levels and improves blood circulation.

    Other Herbs

    • Consume psyllium. You can buy psyllium in either seed form, powder form or capsule form in your natural foods section. According to the USDA, the Mayo Clinic and Womenfitness.net, consume between five and 10 grams daily to lower your harmful LDL cholesterol levels by 9 percent. Sprinkle some on your morning bowl of oatmeal or add some to your protein drink.

      Licorice root, guggulipid, ginger, grape seed extract and butcher's broom all contain notable amounts of cholesterol lowering properties, according to Womenfitness.net.

    Caution

    • It is recommended that you obtain professional medical advice prior to starting any herbal cholesterol treatment. Some of these herbs may be used under medical supervision only. This can prevent you from experiencing drug interactions, allergies or other health harming results.

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