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Herbs That Reduce Cholesterol

"High cholesterol" refers to elevated low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and low high-density lipoproteins (HDL). Dr. Andrew Weil explains that LDL is what is meant by "bad cholesterol." Individuals with high cholesterol are at greater risk for cardiovascular diseases. While there are many prescription pharmaceuticals that can lower cholesterol, herbal remedies may offer natural and possibly safer alternatives.

  1. High Cholesterol

    • High cholesterol is a condition in which plaque accumulates in the arteries and blocks blood flow to all of the major organs, including the brain. James Balch writes in Prescription for Nutritional Healing that cholesterol is necessary for proper brain and nerve function. Cholesterol is a fatty substance that attaches to LDLs, which transport cholesterol throughout the body and allow cholesterol to deposit in the arteries. If there is too much cholesterol, high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) cannot pick up the excess to transport it out of the body. Therefore, LDL and HDL levels must achieve a balance. Serum cholesterol is in the bloodstream. Dietary cholesterol is in food and is only one source of serum cholesterol. Cholesterol levels are affected by diet and genetics. High cholesterol is linked to heart disease, gallstones and high blood pressure, among other conditions.

    Herbs

    • Herbal remedies offer alternatives for lowering cholesterol levels. Herbs that doctors James Balch and Andrew Weil recommend include hawthorn, goldenseal, turmeric and red rice yeast extract. Use herbs in conjunction with recommended nutrients such as calcium and coenzyme Q10. As with prescription remedies, individuals with high cholesterol should accompany herbal solutions with healthy diet and exercise.

    Hawthorn

    • Hawthorn contains phytochemicals, including acetylcholine, beta-carotene, catechin and pectin, to name only four of hawthorn's 17 phytonutrients as listed in Prescription for Nutritional Healing. Hawthorn has amino acids, calcium, magnesium and potassium, in addition to a long list of valuable nutrients. Hawthorn dilates coronary blood vessels, lowers cholesterol and strengthens heart muscles. Hawthorn can reduce fatty deposits and is considered to be beneficial for cardiovascular, circulatory and high cholesterol disorders.

    Goldenseal

    • Goldenseal is an anti-inflammatory with cleansing properties generally used to fight respiratory ailments. With phytochemicals such as beta-carotene and nutrients zinc, magnesium and B vitamins, goldenseal reduces blood pressure and performs as commonly prescribed statins do. According to a 2006 study at the Veterans Administration Palo Alto Health Care System, goldenseal may be an effective cholesterol-lowering herb.

    Turmeric

    • Turmeric often is used to lower LDL levels. According to Prescription for Nutritional Healing, turmeric promotes healthy circulation and lowers cholesterol. Turmeric's properties include phytochemicals beta-carotene and calcium nutrients, to name but two. (See References 5) With few clinical trials to support cholesterol-lowering claims, turmeric may be helpful in the fight against high-cholesterol. The National Institutes for Health (NIH) National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) funds research into turmeric's potential.

    Red Rice Yeast Extract

    • Dr. Andrew Weil recommends red rice yeast extract above all alternative remedies for high cholesterol. According to Dr. Weil, red rice yest extract provides naturally occurring statins and delivers combinations of statins, which reduces side-effects that can accompany pharmaceutical statins. Since red rice yeast extract reduces the body's ability to make coenzyme Q10, Weil advises taking co Q10 with red rice yeast extract. According to the Mayo Clinic, "Red yeast rice contains several compounds collectively known as monacolins, substances known to inhibit cholesterol synthesis." This alternative remedy is the center of a hot debate with its manufacturer, the Food and Drug Administration, and pharmaceutical makers of prescription statins.

    Expert Insight

    • With promising evidence for certain herbal alternatives to prescription statins, individuals with high-cholesterol should consult with a physician and do as much private research as possible. Always discuss possible drug interactions and sensitivities. Heart and vascular health is an urgent health issue. Keep in mind that not every claim is genuine and should be approached with healthy caution.

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