Many dietary supplements may be helpful in reducing plaque accumulation in your arteries. According to the American Heart Association, the accumulation of plaque in your arteries is called atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis typically affects large and medium-sized arteries, impairing blood flow through your blood vessels. Before taking dietary supplements to help reduce plaque accumulation in your arteries, talk with your doctor about proper dosage, possible side effects and potential drug interactions.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek, also known as Trigonella foenum-graecum, is an herb and dietary supplement that may be helpful in reducing plaque accumulation in your arteries. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, fenugreek, a member of the legume family, has been used for centuries to help treat numerous health problems. Fenugreek has a bitter, mucilaginous taste. The seeds of the plant are used for medicinal purposes. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that fenugreek is an anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic and anti-atherosclerotic, or a substance that combats plaque accumulation in your arteries. Tilgner cautions that fenugreek should not be taken if you are pregnant. Meet with your doctor to discuss possible side effects, appropriate dosage and potential drug interactions before taking fenugreek to help reduce plaque accumulation in your arteries.
Fo Ti
Fo ti is an herbal supplement that may be beneficial in treating plaque accumulation in your arteries. Botanical.com states that fo ti, also known as Polygonum multiflorum, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to help treat a wide variety of health conditions. Fo ti, a member of the buckwheat family, has a bitter and slightly sweet taste and warming tendencies. The root of the plant is used medicinally. According to Tilgner, fo ti is an antioxidant that reduces your cholesterol levels and decreases your atherosclerotic lesions, or plaque. The principal constituents in fo ti are chrysophanic acid, chrysophanol and emodin. Tilgner cautions that you should avoid taking this herb if you are pregnant. Fo ti is also contraindicated with diarrhea, as it may cause further gastric irritation. Consult with your physician before taking fo ti to discuss proper dosage, potential side effects and possible drug interactions.
Ginger
Ginger, also called Zingiber officinalis, is an herbal supplement that help reduce plaque accumulation in your arteries. According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, ginger is a perennial herb native to Asia, although it is now cultivated in countries throughout the tropics, including China, Jamaica, Haiti and Nigeria. Ginger has an aromatic and spicy taste and possesses heating, stimulating and drying tendencies. Practitioners of botanical medicine use the roots of the plant to help treat many health conditions. Tilgner states that ginger is an antioxidant and anti-atherosclerotic that helps decrease blood platelet aggregation and lowers your risk of thrombus, or blood clot, formation. Large doses of this herb are contraindicated during pregnancy, warns Tilgner. Before taking ginger to help reduce plaque accumulation in your arteries, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
