Cholesterol is a type of fat (lipid) produced by the liver that is present in the outer layer of cells in the body. This is important for the effective functioning of the cells and regulates hormone production by the glands in the body. But, excess amount of cholesterol will do more harm than good. Though proper medication and exercises are the first hand treatment for high cholesterol, it is always advisable to take an herbal supplement that will help the body to fight the ill effects of high cholesterol.
In our body, due to the oxidation of LDL (low density lipids) cholesterol, there is plaque deposit on arteries, which obstructs blood supply to the heart and leads to coronary heart diseases and related ailments. Herbs rich in anti oxidants thwart this oxidation process and reduce the risk of thickened arteries.
Most Effective Herbs For Cholesterol
Garlic
Think of herbal remedies for cholesterol and the first thing to come to your mind will be those white pearly pods of garlic. It has been widely used in lowering LDL or the bad cholesterol. Garlic being a powerful antioxidant, destroys free radicals and inhibits their oxidation that causes accumulation of LDL cholesterol. Garlic pods are either taken in fresh form or as supplements.
Alfa Alfa
The leaves, sprouts and seeds of this perennial flowering plant are of high medicinal value. This herb contains the active compounds namely saponins that helps to bring down the levels of cholesterol in blood. The saponins and the fibers present in the herb bind with the cholesterol molecules and check their absorption into the blood. Hence, alfa alfa is used for treating blocked arteries due to the accumulation of cholesterol.
Hawthorn
The berries of Hawthorn have been used since long for lowering cholesterol and improve heart functioning. Hawthorn contains antioxidants including quercetin and OPCs(Oligomeric procyandins), which destroy free radicals in the body. The free radicals are known to increase the level of bad cholesterol in the body and hence destruction of free radicals will keep the cholesterol level under check. Due to lowering of cholesterol, thickening of arteries is hindered and a free flow of blood into the heart is ensured.
Cinnamon
The action of cinnamon in lowering cholesterol in the body is compared to the mode of action of statins, the cholesterol -lowering drug. But with the difference that with cinnamon there are no side effects. The bark of the cinnamon tree is used in medicine. This herb helps to increase the catabolism of LDL cholesterol in plasma and lowers the concentration of this bad cholesterol in the blood plasma.
Coriander
The seeds and leaves of coriander are found to be effective herbal remedy for bringing down levels of cholesterol concentration in the body. Studies have shown that intake of coriander seeds , which are rich in are rich in dietary fiber and anti-oxidants , will reduce the levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol in the blood. Due to this property, coriander seeds form a major part of traditional medicine as a herb to save the heart from the ill effects of cholesterol.
Elecampane
The dried roots of this herb is administered internally as a herbal remedy for treating increased cholesterol levels. The herb plays a major role in increasing the fat metabolism in the body and hence helps to bring down the level of cholesterol in the body.
Ginger
Studies show that the intake of the spicy rhizome of ginger plays a key role in keeping cholesterol levels under check. Ginger extracts have antiatherogenic effect, due to which they reduce the LDL levels in the blood plasma. It also prevents the oxidation and aggregation of the low density lipoproteins (LDL) in the arteries and reduces the risk of heart diseases.
Fenugreek
Herbalists advise the intake of fenugreek seeds for cholesterol patients as it lowers the bad cholesterol while keeping the good cholesterol level stable. The seeds contain the medicinal steroids called saponins that work to inhibit the synthesis and absorption of cholesterol into the blood.
Fenugreek
Herbalists advise the intake of fenugreek seeds for cholesterol patients as it lowers the bad cholesterol while keeping the good cholesterol level stable. The seeds contain the medicinal steroids called saponins that work to inhibit the synthesis and absorption of cholesterol into the blood.
Guggul
This is a potent herb used widely in Indian Ayurveda for the treatment of cholesterol. The resin from the guggul tree contains steroids called guggulsterones that have a damaging effect on the bad cholesterol levels in the body. At the same time the herb is known to raise the levels of good (HDL) cholesterol. Being a powerful antioxidant, guggulsterones work against the oxidation of LDL cholesterol and prevents thickening of arteries.
Licorice
The root of licorice plant is used in treating cholesterol even from ancient days. Licorice root extract contains the bio-chemical compounds called flavonoids that work to lower the LDL cholesterol levels in the body.
Burdock
Extract from the root of the burdock plant is rich in soluble fibre and hence hinders accumulation of bad cholesterol in the body. It also hastens the excretion of bad cholesterol. Due to the presence of saponins, burdock root is used for expansion of clogged blood vessels and enhance the pumping rate of the heart muscles.
Capsicum
Herbalists advise intake of capsicum as salads daily as this will help to keep cholesterol levels under control. Research studies show that the oleoresins in Capsicum prevent the accumulation of cholesterol in the liver as well as the arteries.
Siberian Ginseng
Ginseng, a ‘cure all’ herb has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine even before 2000 years. The active compounds in ginseng called ginsenocides have a cholesterol lowering effect, which brings down the level of LDL cholesterol in the blood.
Oats
Intake of oats is advised in the least processed form in order to harness its cholesterol-lowering effect. Oats contains bet-glucans that helps to keep cholesterol levels under control.
Dandelion
Root of the dandelion plant is used to make herbal preparations to treat high cholesterol. The herb contains chemicals that act as hepatic stimulants (that works on the liver where cholesterol is produced) and also phytosterols, which will prevent accumulation and deposit of cholesterol in the blood vessels.
