CHOLESTEROL LOWERING HERBS

Studies shown that many herbs have cholesterol lowering properties . Some of them are the following

Cinnamon

Cinnamon  has a historical use as a spice and as medicine. Cinnamon is the brown bark from a cinnamon tree. Traditionally, it is in use to control blood sugar and high-cholesterol levels and may also relieve digestive problems or improve your appetite. Its bioactive compound works similar to statins(cholesterol-lowering drug) in lowering cholesterol level with no/low side effects.

Arjuna

Arjuna is an herbal remedy for heart ailments; it can lessen the effects of stress and nervous conditions. Arjuna improves cardiac functioning and regulates blood pressure. It improves circulation of blood to the heart and tones the heart.  It inhibits absorption of lipids in the blood, thus reduce cholesterol levels in the blood. It is a mild diuretic, so it can help lower hypertension. Arjuna lessens the ability of the blood to clot, so it can prevent stroke and heart attack

Coriander

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) is a cholesterol lowering herbal, which is a diuretic in nature that makes the kidneys perform their roles of excretion better. Therefore, the kidneys flush out the excess unneeded cholesterol from the body.

Holy basil

Holy basil (Ocimum sanctum) is a plant native to India and is in use traditionally in Ayurvedic medicine as an “adaptogen.” Adaptogen means increased body's resistance against physical, chemical or environmental stressors. Tulsi can dissolve cholesterol build-up in the arteries and releases it into the bloodstream and then kidneys expel them as waste.

Red yeast rice

Red yeast rice is in use for centuries in China, both as a food and as a medicinal product. It is producing from red-rice by fermenting it with yeast called Monascus purpureus. Its therapeutic uses are to promote blood circulation and as a digestive stimulant. Research shows, red yeast rice inhibits to produce cholesterol, by stopping an enzyme in the liver.

Fenugreek

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seeds are hard, yellowish-brown, angular and with a side of about three millimeters. Fenugreek is native to India and southern Europe. Fenugreek’s steroidal saponins are capable of inhibit cholesterol absorption and synthesis. Trials have shown that fenugreek lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood

Liquorice

Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) or licorice plant are a legume, native to southern Europe and parts of Asia. Its root extract has a sweet flavor. It boosts overall health; licorice root promotes normal heart rhythm, thus good for heart health and improves hormonal balance in women

Hawthorn

Hawthorn (Crataegus species) is a berry-like fruit of trees from the species of Crataegus, which has documents as a food in China as early as the seventh millennium before Christ. Hawthorn is in use for the treatment of heart disease as far back as the 1st century. It dilates blood vessels, relaxes, antioxidant and reduces angina symptoms. It is useful to treat angina, coronary artery disease, mild congestive heart, and irregular heartbeat. It restores normal blood pressure so effective for both low and high blood pressure patients.

Alfalfa

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is a medicinal herb, a perennial flowering plant. People use Alfalfa’s leaves, sprouts, and seeds to make medicine. The saponins in alfalfa are appearing to decrease cholesterol (and not triglycerides) levels by binding with cholesterol and prevent its normal absorption. It helps in clearing arteries congested with cholesterol.

Allium sepa

Bulbs of allium cepa lower cholesterol levels

Guggulipid 

 An ancient Indian herb that has been shown to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Guggulipid reduces LDL (bad cholesterol) levels and has performed better than modern drugs in several trials.

Green Tea 

 Among its many therapeutic benefits green tea has been shown to lower the amount of LDL's in the blood stream, and aids in the prevention of blood vessel constriction.

Turmeric 

 Apowerful herb used in curry dishes, turmeric contains curcumin which lowers LDL levels and improves blood circulation.

Olive Leaf 

 Native to the Mediterranean region, studies have shown that olive leaf extract may lower cholesterol levels, as well as facilitate blood flow and lower blood pressure.

Ginger 

According to a study in the New England Journal of medicine, ginger helps reduce cholesterol in the body. This powerful herb used often in Chinese cooking also helps lower blood pressure and thins the blood.

WARNING

Remember that herbal remedies too are medicines (containing bioactive chemicals), so may have some side effects. It may also interact with other medicines you are taking. It is best to avoid or get advice from (registered) herbal practitioners before taking it, if the treatment is for pregnant women, breast-feeding mother, child, or older people.