Bad news: A person can live with high cholesterol for years and accumulate much silent, potential damage that can include cardiovascular disease and stroke. Very commonly, statins prescribed are among the most effective drugs at lowering low-density lipoprotein levels. However, many might prefer alternative natural remedies to help their cholesterol levels. Here are 9 best herbal medicines that help lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health naturally.

Understanding Cholesterol and Its Impact on Heart Health

Blood cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance. Your body needs some cholesterol to build healthy cells, but excessive quantities can cause blocked arteries, which may lead to heart attacks or strokes. There are two kinds of cholesterol:

• LDL, or Low-Density Lipoprotein – often called “bad” cholesterol, builds up in the walls of the arteries.
• HDL is known as “good” cholesterol, it actually helps in scavenging the excess cholesterol which keeps on circulating in the blood.

Indeed, the balance between LDL and HDL decides the health of the heart.

Advantages of Herbal Remedies Over Prescription Drugs

While prescription drugs such as statins can work wonders in eliminating excess cholesterol in your body, sometimes they may cause side effects that range from slight muscle pains and digestive disorders up to cases of damage to the liver. Herbs tend to be lighter on your body while offering benefits that are holistic enough to address even the central problem, such as inflammation or lousy digestion.

9 Powerful Herbal Medicines That Assist You in Lowering Cholesterol

Let’s dive into the 9 most effective herbal medicines that can lower cholesterol naturally.

1. Garlic

Garlica is more than just a flavor to add in your meal; it, after all, is said to be a known remedy to lower cholesterol. Studies have revealed that the intake of garlic lowers the level of total cholesterol and LDL, but in turn, slightly increases the level of HDL cholesterol. The active compound in the herb is allicin that reduces the cholesterol production by the liver.

2. Turmeric

The other spice is turmeric has the same bright yellow color, with very high levels of anti-inflammation, aside from helping in managing cholesterol. This curcumin is found in the spice; it cuts down LDL cholesterol and prevents plaques from getting formed inside the arteries, making it lower in heart disease.

3. Green Tea

The catechins in the green tea further reduce LDL cholesterol and can even raise the overall cholesterol level. Having it daily can enhance cholesterol balance and help in promoting heart health.

4. Ginger

Ginger is perhaps one of the most common folk remedies used for cholesterol reduction. It does so by blocking the uptake of cholesterol into the blood. Therefore, it reduces the LDL and increases the HDL; it is also an extremely strong ammunition for heart health.

5. Psyllium Husk

Source of soluble fiber, which includes the binding effect on the intestines with bile acids that causes discharging cholesterol and not absorbing its reabsorption into the bloodstream. One of the best that can be used to those who want to improve digestion and ensure heart healthy.

6. Fenugreek

Fenugreek seeds are rich in soluble fiber, which limits cholesterol entry into the intestines. Dietary and supplement intakes of regular fenugreek seeds decrease total cholesterol and LDL levels and improve heart function.

7. Guggul

Guggul is one of the earliest Ayurvedic medicines that lowers cholesterol. Guggulsterones are the active ingredients found in guggul. It aids in increasing HDL cholesterol levels while lowering the quantity of LDL cholesterol.

8. Artichoke Leaf Extract

Among the other lesser known herbs, artichoke leaf extract also helps in controlling cholesterol levels. It acts by stimulating the production of bile inside the body; this results in a diminished level of LDL cholesterol in the blood.

9. Holy Basil

Holy basil is also known as Tulsi and has been looked upon by Ayurvedic medicine for benefits like cholesterol. The herb supports a reduction of total cholesterol and makes circulation better, meaning that it is a great addition to any heart health.

How to Add These Herbs to Your Daily Life

There’s no need to do something dramatic to get these herbs into your life. Here are a few ways to get started:

Cooking with Herbs

For instance, most of these herbs are relatively easy to add to your diet-garlic, turmeric, and ginger. Sautéing a bit of garlic in olive oil, adding turmeric to soups and stews, or grating some ginger into your tea or drinks are all easy ways to help create little differences in your diet.

Herbal Teas and Supplements

Other herbal supplements that you might require including in your list are green tea, psyllium husk, and guggul. You can brew teas from them or add them directly as supplements. You can also obtain supplements of artichoke leaf extract and holy basil; therefore, all these cholesterol-reducing agents need not be too intimidating to include in your daily routine.

Other Lifestyle Enhancements to Enhance Effects of Herbal Medicine

Herbs prove to be most potent in combination with good lifestyle. To enhance the benefits of herbal medicine, consider the following lifestyle tips:

Diet and Exercise

Eating a diet high in fiber, lean proteins, and good fats (such as omega-3s) also lowers cholesterol. Regular exercise elevates HDL levels to keep your heart in order.

Reducing Stress

Chronic stress could be a bit of a culprit in lowering cholesterol levels. Having classes in mindfulness, yoga, or meditation keeps the stress in check and continues to support the heart.

Conclusion

Herbal medicines: A very easy, effective means to reduce cholesterol and maintain good heart health. Supplementing the diet with herbs like garlic, turmeric, and green tea would be helpful in the long run. Added to an active lifestyle, they could be an excellent remedy to use instead of drugs or, at least, to complement your heart with natural products. Here are nine herb