Herbs to Lower Cholesterol

This page on herbs to lower cholesterol supplements the other pages on naturally lowering cholesterol and cholesterol supplements.

Please be mindful of the fact that, while herbs and supplements may help to keep your cholesterol levels under control, they usually do not correct the deeper underlying condition. As high cholesterol is very largely a lifestyle and dietary issue, changes in those areas are definitely needed to effect true and permanent healing.

There are literally hundreds of beneficial foods and herbs for high cholesterol. Many of these cholesterol lowering herbs do so indirectly, for example by improving blood circulation thereby helping to increase the removal of cholesterol from the body.

The following are herbs for cholesterol control which I would use (together with dietary and lifestyle changes, of course) if I had a serious cholesterol problem. My ‘chosen’ herbs to lower cholesterol are really just simple foods and beverages.


Garlic

Garlic emulsifies cholesterol and also loosens it from the walls of arteries. Besides lowering cholesterol levels, garlic also has a host of other benefits to the body – it strengthens the immune system; is a natural antibiotic which fights infections and kills harmful bacteria throughout the body; has anti-inflammatory effects; reduces high blood pressure; alleviates gas and bloating; and is a general digestive aid. Garlic is also a powerful cancer fighter.

Add some garlic to your diet today - chopped and raw is best.


Green Tea

There are studies which show that green tea can increase High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (the ‘good’ cholesterol) levels, as well as lower triglyceride and Lower Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (the ‘bad’ cholesterol) levels.

Green tea, of course, also comes with many other documented health benefits – it strengthens the immune system, protects against digestive and respiratory infections, is a powerful antioxidant, fights cancer, prevents heart disease, and last but not least, it is a wonderfully refreshing beverage.

Brew some and enjoy on a daily basis!


Psyllium

Psyllium is a good source of soluble fiber. Its seeds contain a type of mucilage that swells tremendously when combined with water, and the resulting enlarged mass is very gelatinous in nature. This makes it a very good intestinal cleanser. By absorbing cholesterol, psyllium lowers the amount of cholesterol which is absorbed by the intestines into the blood stream.

By keeping the bowels moving and absorbing clogged up waste material in them, psyllium improves colon and intestinal health and cleanliness, and this in turn prevents autointoxication and results in better overall health.


Red Yeast Rice

Red yeast rice is available as a standalone cholesterol supplement and it is perhaps the ‘big gun’ among the herbs to lower cholesterol which I would use to obtain relief in my cholesterol levels, while allowing time for the results of my other efforts to kick in.

Red yeast rice reduces cholesterol levels by slowing down the production of cholesterol in the body. It is so effective that some Statin prescription drugs (for cholesterol control) are made based on it! With my preference for all things natural, with little or no side effects and much higher effectiveness, I would go straight for red yeast rice over prescription drugs, anytime, no doubt about it.

Please note, however, that the use of red yeast rice may not be safe for people with liver disease, kidney disease or serious infections, as well as children, nursing women and those who have had organ transplants. If you belong to one of these groups, do find out more first.


Other Simple Foods and Herbs to Lower Cholesterol

These other herbs and foods also have cholesterol lowering effects, and you may want to consume them in moderate amounts.