10 Herbs To Control Your Cholesterol
Millions
take statin drugs to help lower their cholesterol,
making it one of the most popular classes of prescription drugs
on the market today, but like most prescription medications,
these drugs are often unnecessary, as most people could lower
their LDL cholesterol levels simply by changing their diet and
lifestyle. Whether your health is at the top of its game or
not, there are a number of valuable plants which can help you
management your cholesterol levels naturally. Known as curative
herbs, these natural substances help in cholesterol management
thereby promoting peak health by balancing and revitalizing
the system.
Alfalfa
Herb
Animal studies
indicate that saponins in alfalfa seeds may block absorption
of cholesterol and prevent the formation of atherosclerotic
plaques. It seems that fibers and chemicals in alfalfa appear
to stick to cholesterol, keeping it from staying in the blood
or depositing in blood vessels. More of the harmful types of
cholesterol leave the body, while high-density lipoprotein (HDL)
- the “good” kind of cholesterol -- appears to be
unaffected. One small human trial found that 120 grams per day
of heat-treated alfalfa seeds for eight weeks led to a modest
reduction in cholesterol. However, avoid consuming the large
amounts of alfalfa seeds (80 to 120 grams per day) for it may
potentially cause damage to red blood cells in the body.
Capsicum
Fruit
Capsicum
is a spicy herb commonly used in chili and salsa. Extract has
stimulating properties and creates increased blood flow. Slow
and sluggish circulation that accumulates toxins is quickened,
and blood moves to the extremities of the body taking with it
needed oxygen and nutrients to the cells. In scientific studies
capsicum has been shown to lower high blood pressure and high
cholesterol.
Garlic
Bulb
Garlic has
been used throughout the centuries, for treating various illness.
The most important and unique feature is its high content of
organosulfur substances. Garlic contains at least four times
more sulfur than other high sulfur vegetables-onion, broccoli
and cauliflower. It keeps the cholesterol levels in our blood
in good balance. It does this by lowering serum cholesterol
levels while raising ‘good’ HDL-cholesterol levels.
Garlic has anti-clotting effects that reduce plaque formation
in blood vessels and clots that cause heart disease and stroke.
Psyllium
Use of psyllium
has been extensively studied as a way to reduce cholesterol
levels. An analysis of all double-blind trials in 1997 concluded
that a daily amount of 10 grams psyllium lowered cholesterol
levels by 5% and LDL cholesterol by 9%. Since then, a large
controlled trial found that use of 5.1 grams of psyllium two
times per day significantly reduced serum cholesterol as well
as LDL-cholesterol. Generally, 5 to 10 grams of psyllium are
added to the diet per day to lower cholesterol levels. The combination
of psyllium and oat bran may also be effective at lowering LDL
cholesterol
Red
Yeast Rice
Since 800
A.D., red yeast rice has been employed by the Chinese as both
a food and a medicinal agent. Its therapeutic benefits as both
a promoter of blood circulation and a digestive stimulant. Researchers
have determined that one of the ingredients in red yeast rice,
called monacolin K, inhibits the production of cholesterol by
stopping the action of a key enzyme in the liver (e.g., HMG-CoA
reductase) that is responsible for manufacturing cholesterol.
Red yeast rice has been clinically investigated as a therapy
for reducing cholesterol in two human trials. In one trial,
both men and women taking 1.2 grams (approximately 13.5 mg total
monacolins) of a concentrated red yeast rice extract per day
for two months had significant decreases in serum cholesterol
levels. In addition, people taking red yeast rice had a significant
increase in HDL (“good”) cholesterol and a decrease
in LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. Elevated triglycerides
were also found to be lowered. Red yeast rice is commercially
available in capsules and 2.4 grams (approximately 10 mg monacolins)
per day is often recommended in divided amounts for a trial
period of up to 12 weeks. If successful after this period of
time, it may be used for long-term management of high cholesterol.
Fenugreek
Seeds
They contain
alkaloids (mainly trigonelline) and protein high in lysine (Lysine
is an essential amino acid needed for growth and to help maintain
nitrogen balance in the body.) and L-tryptophan. Its steroidal
saponins are thought to inhibit cholesterol absorption and synthesis.
Trials have shown that fenugreek lowers elevated cholesterol
and triglyceride levels in the blood, but does not lower HDL
(“good”) cholesterol levels. The typical range of
intake for cholesterol-lowering is 5–30 grams with each
meal or 15–90 grams all at once with one meal. As a tincture,
3–4 ml of fenugreek can be taken up to three times per
day. Due to the potential uterine stimulating properties of
fenugreek, which may cause miscarriages, fenugreek should not
be used during pregnancy.
Butcher's
Broom
Anti-inflammatory;
strengthens walls of blood vessels; great for someone going
into surgery, as it is used for post-op problems such as thrombosis,
etc.; aids circulation to brain, arms and legs; good for the
bed-ridden or the elderly; diuretic; lowers bad cholesterol;
great for pregnant women and people who stand for long periods
of time, as it eliminates swelling.
Guggul
It contains
resin, volatile oils, and gum. The extract isolates ketonic
steroid compounds known as guggulsterones. These compounds have
been shown to provide the cholesterol- and triglyceride-lowering
actions. Guggul significantly lowers serum triglycerides and
cholesterol as well as LDL and VLDL cholesterols (the “bad”
cholesterols). At the same time, it raises levels of HDL cholesterol
(the “good” cholesterol). As antioxidants, guggulsterones
keep LDL cholesterol from oxidizing, an action which protects
against atherosclerosis. Guggul has also been shown to reduce
the stickiness of platelets—another effect that lowers
the risk of coronary artery disease.Daily recommendations for
the purified guggul extract are typically based on the amount
of guggulsterones in the extract. A common intake of guggulsterones
is 25 mg three times per day. Most extracts contain 2.5–5%
guggulsterones and can be taken daily for 12 to 24 weeks for
lowering high cholesterol and/or triglycerides. Guggul should
be used with caution by women with liver disease and in cases
of inflammatory bowel disease and diarrhea. A physician should
be consulted before treating elevated cholesterol and triglycerides.
Licorice
Root
Derived
from the root of a shrubby perennial plant native to Europe
and Asia, It boosts overall health. licorice root appears to
promote normal heart rhythm (China Journal of Chinese Materia
Medica, 1991, vol. 16) and enhance hormonal balance in women
(Endocrinology Japonica, 1988, vol. 35). Plus, it's often used
for detoxifying the liver. The plant's root contains a variety
of chemical agents, including glycoside glycyrrhizin. The amount
of glycyrrhizin varies from 7 percent to 10 percent, depending
on growing conditions. In case you decide to use, opt for the
DGL (deglycyrrhizinated) form.
Hawthorn
Berry
Its preparations
are widely used by physicians in heart conditions. Tonic for
the heart, dilates blood vessels, relaxant, antioxidant. Its
bioflavonoid content assists in increasing the flow of blood
to the heart muscles, thereby reducing the symptoms of angina;
also prevents or reduces degeneration of the blood vessels.
Used to treat angina and coronary artery disease; useful for
mild congestive heart and irregular heartbeat. Restores blood
pressure to normal and is therefore useful for not only high,
but low, blood pressure.
Some other
herbs used in the management of cholesterol are: Ginseng, turmeric,
Cayenne, Aloe Vera, Saffron, Dandelion, True Blue Skullcap,
Thyme Herb, Black Cohash, Gaurana, Yellow Dock, Burdock Root,
Echinacea Root, Red Clover blooms. Do not consume these herbs
without consultation from your Naturopathic Doctor. Doses of
these herbs need to be carefully administered to avoid side
effects.
