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Chinese Herbs for Cholesterol

Although the understanding of cholesterol's health consequences is a modern discovery, a number of herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine reduce levels of low-density lipoproteins (LDL), the bad cholesterol, while maintaining a good relationship of high-density lipoproteins (HDL).

  1. Pu Erh Tea

    • Although still not commonly known outside of China and areas with high concentrations of people of Chinese descent, pu erh tea is becoming better known as reports of its cholesterol-lowering properties spread. Pu erh tea is made from a different type of tea plant than other teas. The plant used for pu erh is much more ancient and is considered the ancestor of the modern tea plant. In addition to lowering LDL cholesterol levels, pu erh tea lowers blood levels of triglycerides.

    Red Rice Yeast

    • Red rice yeast, the ingredient used to make red Chinese barbecued pork red, is the source of the extracts that were made into the first commercial statin drug for cholesterol reduction. Merck & Co. derived the original statin drug, Mevacor, from red rice yeast. As a result, there has been much controversy on whether red rice yeast is a food or a drug. Merck and other manufacturers argue that red rice yeast should not be sold as a food item. Traditional medical practitioners and gastronomy experts argue that red rice yeast has been used as a food item since its first recorded use by a Chinese doctor in 800 A.D. The first instance of directions for its manufacture being recorded was published during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644).

    Da Suan

    • Da suan, or garlic, has been used in a number of herbal medicine traditions, including in China. It is prescribed for a number of modern conditions, including high cholesterol. The use of garlic in Chinese medicine predates written records. In addition to many other health benefits, garlic reduces the serum concentration of LDL cholesterol in the blood. Garlic works over time, so regular consumption is very important. For people who don't like the taste of garlic, many companies manufacture odorless garlic capsules.

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