There are many herbs for lowering cholesterol, and more people are learning to use these natural alternatives. One of the advantages of using herbs to control high cholesterol is you eliminate the potential side effects of prescription drugs.
Reduce Cholesterol with Culinary Herbs
A few herbs that reduce cholesterol naturally can be found in most kitchen spice racks.
Cilantro, the salsa spice, also known as Coriander is useful for helping boost the kidneys into removing cholesterol from the body. Allowing cholesterol to pass from the body before it is absorbed will help lower the amount in the blood stream.
Cinnamon has been proven to lower cholesterol when ingested daily. This spice provides a reduction of LDL, the bad cholesterol and triglycerides.
Garlic is another herb for lowering cholesterol as it breaks up cholesterol preventing it from attaching to blood vessel walls.
Basil attacks plaque already formed on blood vessel walls.
Lower Cholesterol with Herbal Tea
Stress is bad for the body especially for people who are prone to high blood pressure and cholesterol. Taking a few minutes each day to sit and enjoy a cup of tea provides many healthy benefits not available in a pill. Tea and certain herbal teas are known to help lower cholesterol.
The health benefits from Green tea have been documented. Having a few cups or glasses of this tea daily will help.
Ginger is a tasty way to reduce cholesterol naturally while taking a few moments to sit and relax.
The peels of high citrus fruits made into tea or added to your favorite tea can also contribute to lowering your cholesterol.
Chamomile, valerian, and licorice are additional herbs for lowering cholesterol that can be brewed into a tea. Do not use licorice if you have high blood pressure.
If you are a smoker, add a teaspoon of royal jelly to your tea and other beverages. Royal jelly, the special food fed to queen bee larvae, has been shown to eliminate the cholesterol raising effects of nicotine.
Food Herbs for Cholesterol
Many of the herbs used to reduce cholesterol naturally can be eaten fresh.
Alfalfa is one. Alfalfa sprouts, leaves and seeds added to salads provide variety and health benefits to any salad.
Flaxseed is another plant with seeds and sprouts that add a unique flavor when added to many healthy dishes including salads, sandwiches and rice.
Fresh raw tomatoes, while not technically an herb, provide large quantities of Vitamin C, and contain nicotinic acid, a substance that reduces cholesterol naturally.
Reishi, shitake, maitake, and cordyceps mushrooms contain properties that aid the cardiovascular system.
Additional cholesterol lowering herbs that can be enjoyed as a food include cayenne pepper, leeks, safflower seeds, rhubarb and oats.
Herbal Supplements for Lowering Cholesterol
Many herbs taken as a dietary supplement can help lower cholesterol. Some of these are evening primrose, hawthorn berry, fenugreek and ginseng. Supplements that contain more than one herb that to reduce cholesterol should not contain fillers like lactose, sugar or starch. Remedies that use alfalfa as a binder are the most beneficial. See Fenugreek Benefits.
The choices of herbs for lowering cholesterol are many. Supplements, foods and beverages that reduce your cholesterol levels naturally may add flavor and variety to your daily meals.
Disclaimer: Always consult your medical professional before trying any homemade treatment. This site is designed for informational purposes only and is not rendering medical advice or professional services.
A few herbs that reduce cholesterol naturally can be found in most kitchen spice racks.