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Top 10 herbs for Cholesterol Management

Anyone can have high blood cholesterol. Also, as there are no warning signs, you may be surprised to learn that you have high blood cholesterol. The best way to lower your high blood cholesterol is to eat foods low in saturated fat, total fat, and cholesterol; be more physically active; and lose weight, if you are overweight.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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. Due to the potential uterine stimulating properties of fenugreek, which may cause miscarriages, fenugreek should not be used during pregnancy.

7. 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.

8. 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. Guggul should be used with caution by women with liver disease and in cases of inflammatory bowel disease and diarrhea.

9. 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 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.

10. 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 with your physician. Doses of these herbs need to be carefully administered to avoid side effect.

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