how can herbs help with my high cholesterol?

Cholesterol isn’t all bad. We need cholesterol for many of our bodily processes such as building cell membranes, making hormones like estrogen and testosterone, and producing vitamin D. Your liver makes all the cholesterol your body needs, but by consuming animal products we get additional cholesterol from our diet. Cholesterol moves through our bloodstream as two types of lipoproteins, low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL). LDL is commonly considered the ‘bad cholesterol, whereas HDL is what I call ‘happy cholesterol’.

HDL can be increased by eating healthy fats like avocados, salmon, nuts and seeds, quitting smoking, and exercising at least 30 minutes per day for five days a week.

You can help lower LDL by following the same principles as above AND limiting foods high in cholesterol and saturated fats, increasing soluble fiber (which reduces absorption of cholesterol into your bloodstream), and drinking alcohol in moderation.

Why do we care about LDL? High levels cause a buildup of plaque in the arteries, which leads to a higher risk for heart attack and stroke. What’s considered a high level of LDL? Typically, you want the number to be below 100 mg/dl or ideally below 70 mg/dl.   

In addition to dietary and lifestyle changes, here are a few plants and herbal medicine remedies for lowering LDL.

Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) has been studied for its potential to help lower LDL cholesterol. Research suggests that it may reduce total cholesterol, triglycerides, and even increase HDL (happy) cholesterol. Bergamot or oil of bergamot can be found in teas like Earl Grey or in capsule form. The term ‘bergamot’ is commonly used, so I want to specify that when using it for cholesterol-lowering benefits, I’m not referring to bee balm (Monard spp.) or bergamot essential oil.

Psyllium husk is one of the best forms of soluble fiber there is. For those of us who don’t love oatmeal (Hi…I’m the problem, it’s me), drinking a daily glass of psyllium husk is a quick and effective method of helping to rid the body of excess cholesterol. You can find psyllium on its own, but It’s also the primary ingredient in the product Metamucil. ALWAYS mix psyllium in a big glass of water or juice. You want it to become gelatinous, mucilaginous and gooey. Pro tip: drink it down quickly. As a side effect, psyllium husk can also help with digestion and constipation.

Guggul (Commiphora mukul) is an anti-inflammatory that has been shown to lower cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar. Guggul is contraindicated for those with hyperthyroidism and should be used with caution of you’re already taking a statin medication. You can find it in tincture form or as a capsule.

There are many herbs and foods that can be supportive for the cardiovascular system. Too many to name! If you’re experiencing high cholesterol, Diabetes, high blood pressure, varicose veins or other cardio concerns, reach out to schedule a botanical balance session.