Bad cholesterol, also known as low-density or very low-density lipoproteins --- LDL and VLDL --- are substances in your blood that circulate cholesterol and triglycerides throughout your body where they can store and clog arteries. While good cholesterol, or high-density lipoprotein, helps remove cholesterol from your blood, bad cholesterol can lead to cardiovascular disease. Herbs may be an effective way to help you lower bad cholesterol and maintain heart health. Consult your health care provider before starting herbal treatment.
Rooibos
Rooibos, or Aspalathus linearis, is a tall bush native to South Africa. Traditional healers make a caffeine-free tea from the leaves and twigs and use it to treat stress and heart disorders. In a study published in the January 2011 issue of the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology," researchers from South Africa found that rooibos tea is an important antioxidant, rich in flavonoids. Patients who drank it daily for six weeks significantly lowered their LDL and raised their good cholesterol levels. Check with your doctor before combining rooibos with other cholesterol-lowering medicines.
Guggul
Guggul, or Commiphora mukul, is the gum resin from a small tree native to India. Indian Ayurvedic healers use guggul for arthritis, obesity, hemorrhoids, skin disorders, atherosclerosis and high cholesterol. In their 2000 book, "The Herbal Drugstore," Linda B. White, M.D., and medicinal plant expert, Steven Foster recommend guggul extract, standardized to 5 to 10 percent guggulsterone, the active ingredient, for lowering LDL and triglycerides, and raising good cholesterol. They caution that you may have to keep taking the herb for up to three months before seeing any improvement. Discontinue use if you experience stomach irritation or an allergic reaction.
Flax
Flax, or Linum usitatissimum, is an annual herb found throughout the Mediterranean. The seeds are a folk remedy for constipation, colitis and diverticulitis. In their 2009 book, "Medicinal Plants of the World," botanist Ben-Erik van Wyk and biologist Michael Wink state that flaxseeds contain mucilages that increase bulk in the large intestines. Mucilages bind cholesterol and fat, preventing their absorption into the blood and lower bad cholesterol. In his 2003 book, "Medical Herbalism," herbalist David Hoffmann notes that flaxseed oil contains omega-3 fatty acids that inhibit the production and lower the levels of VLDLs. Drink plenty of liquids with flaxseeds to prevent intestinal blockage.
Artichoke
Artichoke, or Cynara scolymus, is a perennial herb found throughout Europe. The leaves contain chemicals that block cholesterol absorption in the colon and prevent its synthesis in the liver. In a study published in the April 2010 issue of "Phytotherapy Research," researchers in Turkey and North Cyprus found that a leaf extract significantly lowered LDL and VLDL levels in test animals with induced hypercholesterolemia. White and Foster recommend eating the leaves or using a powdered extract. Avoid artichoke leaves if you have gallbladder problems.
References
- "Journal of Ethnopharmacology"; Effects of rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) on oxidative stress and biochemical parameters in adults at risk for cardiovascular disease. Jeanine L.Marnewick, et al.; January 2011
- "The Herbal Drugstore"; Linda B. White, M.D., Steven Foster; 2000
- "Medicinal Plants of the World"; Ben-Erik van Wyk and Michael Wink; 2009
- "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine"; David Hoffmann; 2003
- "Phytotherapy Research"; Artichoke leaf extract reduces oxidative stress and lipoprotein dyshomeostasis in rats fed on high cholesterol diet; Z. Küskü-Kiraz, et al.; April 2010
