Cholesterol problems are increasing day by day, thanks to the diet and lifestyle changes and lack of exercise that today’s youth are so used to. High cholesterol levels are the stepping stones towards a host of diseases and life threatening conditions like stroke, heart attacks etc. Therefore it is very essential to keep cholesterol problems under check and prevent diseases that can be very dangerous for your body.
Cholesterol can be kept under check by practising a variety of natural and herbal methods. Below are certain herbs that can be tried for keeping the bad cholesterol levels low and good cholesterol levels high.
1. Red Yeast Rice
A regular ingredient in Chinese medicines for reducing cholesterol, red yeast rice contains monacolins which are statins that are occurring naturally and are added in medications that are used for reducing the production of bad cholesterol. Since many cholesterol patients would be on lovastatin drugs which are the forms of monacolins present in red yeast rice, advice must be taken from a physician before starting this herbal treatment. Pregnant and lactating women too must exercise caution while taking red yeast rice for reducing cholesterol.
2. Turmeric
Turmeric is a wonderful herb that can be used for reducing your cholesterol. Regular intake of turmeric is necessary for reducing the cholesterol. Turmeric contains curcumin which helps in increasing blood circulation and reducing the bad LDL cholesterol in the body. Take a teaspoon of freshly ground turmeric every day to keep yourself from cholesterol problems.
3. Psyllium Husk
Psyllium husks are obtained when the seeds of Plantago ovata, an Asian herb are crushed. These husks are known to reduce the LDL cholesterol levels in the body. Normally found in breakfast cereals, just 12 grams of this husk in powder, capsule or as diet is all that you need to maintain your cholesterol levels. They are also good for treating irritable bowel syndrome and constipation.
4. Ginger
Ginger too has abundant cholesterol lowering properties when taken consistently. Take a piece of ginger every day to reduce stomach ailments, keep blood circulation high and also to reduce bad cholesterol.
5. Hawthorne
Hawthorne is a herb that can be safely administered for treating elevated levels of cholesterol in the body. Hawthorne tincture can be taken four times a day in quantities of one teaspoon each. If it is capsules that you take, 2000 mg can be taken every day. Though hawthorne can be taken for extended periods without any side effects, it is still better to consult a herbalist before taking them to rule out conflict with other medications and diseases.
6. Guggul
Guggul is an Indian herb that can be used for reducing cholesterol levels in the body. The resin produced by this tree is available as capsule for consumptions. 500 mg is normally administered to patients with cholesterol problems. Guggul is also known to raise the levels of HDL while reducing the LDL levels in the body.
Warning
Though most herbal treatments are completely safe on their own, when faced with other diseases and if you are taking other medications, they might cause interactions with these drugs and prevent the effectiveness of these drugs on your body. Therefore always consult a herbalist before undertaking herbal treatments.
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