Natural Herbal Remedies For Lowering High Cholesterol

Many people seeking to lower their high cholesterol feel anxiety about prescription medications because of potential side effects, while others simply prefer natural methods.

For those people, natural herbal remedies are a necessity, although they may not know exactly what herbal remedies they may need. The following are some of the best natural herbal remedies for lowering high cholesterol:

- Garlic

Perhaps one of the most highly praised herbal remedies, garlic has been touted for its many health benefits. Among those benefits is support of the cardiovascular system, including lowering levels of triglycerides in the blood. In addition, studies have recently shown that a daily garlic regimen can lower serum cholesterol as much as 12% in four weeks. Although garlic lowers the total cholesterol level, it also raises the good cholesterol level.

- Guggul (Guggulipid)

Guggul is extracted from the gum resin of the mukul myrrh tree, and has long been used to treat obesity and arthritis. At 1500mg per day, guggul has been shown to reduce serum cholesterol levels by 14 to 27% over a 12-week period. In addition, guggul can help prevent the buildup of arterial plaque, as well as reverse buildup that has already started.

- Red yeast rice

A traditional Chinese herb used both for medicine and for food preservation and coloring, red yeast rice is also effective in balancing blood cholesterol levels. Recent studies have found that red yeast rice can lower bad cholesterol levels by as much as 15%.

- Policosanol

Derived from refined sugar cane, policosanol has anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties. According to studies, policosanol can also significantly lower total and bad cholesterol levels over a period of eight weeks. In addition, policosanol also works to raise good cholesterol levels and prevent blood clots.

- Curcumin

Curcumin is a standardized extract from turmeric. In addition to anti-viral and anti-inflammatory effects, curcumin helps neutralize the free radicals that oxidize bad cholesterol and cause cholesterol plaque. Curcurmin also helps lower bad cholesterol and total cholesterol levels.

- Fish oil

While many people are aware that Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil help prevent heart attacks, most do not realize that the fat in fish also helps lower bad cholesterol and prevent blood clots. Those who do not like fish or who have fish allergies will be happy to know that supplements work as well as the real thing in lowering cholesterol.

Other, more common herbs and supplements are also believed to reduce bad cholesterol levels. Among these are:

Vitamin E
Vitamin C
Green Tea
Licorice Extract
Aspirin (80 mg twice per week)
Extra Virgin Oil (1 tablespoon daily)

Natural herbs and supplements usually do not have the side effects common in prescription medicines, which makes them safe to take for longer periods of time. Not all herbs and supplements are safe for everyone, though, because of interactions with other medications, so always discuss your options with your doctor.

If you are able to take them, however, natural herbal remedies are an excellent option for lowering high cholesterol.