Cholesterol is a fat like substance that circulates in the blood and is produced by the body from dietary cholesterol and saturated fats in food. Cholesterol is not harmful if kept within acceptable limits.

It is used by the body to perform a variety of vital functions, including building and maintaining cell membranes, hormone synthesis, and the manufacture of Vitamin D. It is only when blood cholesterol levels become too high, that too much cholesterol can become a problem. Reduce levels of LDL (the 'bad' form of cholesterol), Maintain healthy levels of HDL (the 'good' form of cholesterol). dangerous plaque build up in the arteries,atherosclerosis.

Herbs Used for Cholesterol Control

Alfalfa * Apple * Barley Grass * Bilberry * Black Walnut * Cacao * Carob * Celery * Chicory * Coconut * Dandelion * Evening Primrose * Fenugreek * Flax * Fo-Ti Root * Garlic * Ginger * Grapes * Hawthorn * Jiaogulan * Milk Thistle * Motherwort * Oats * Psyllium * Pumpkin Seed * Rooibos * Rosemary * Tea * Turmeric * Yucca *

Alfalfa For: Cholesterol
Profile	The leaf from this grain decreases cholesterol levels and shrinks plaques that are already present. Alfalfa also slows the progress of atherosclerosis by keeping cholesterol from entering the body from food. The alfalfa saponins, which are soaplike compounds, form an insoluble foam with cholesterol inside the intestine. Linda B. White, M.D., The Herbal Drugstore (2003)

Caco - chocolate For: Cholesterol levels
Profile	Chocolate contains stearic acid, which does not raise bad cholesterol levels, and cocoa butter which is in chocolate, contains oleic acid, which actually may raise good cholesterol.

Coconut oil For: Cholesterol
Profile	The cholesterol-lowering properties of coconut oil are a direct result of its ability to stimulate thyroid function.

Fo Ti For: Cholesterol, liver
Profile	The herbs lecithin content is believed to help prevent the accumulation of cholesterol in the liver and the retention of fats in the blood stream. Steven Foster and Yue chongxi, Herbal Emissaries (1992)

Grapefruit For: Lower LDL cholesteol
Profile	Studies show that the phytochemicals called liminoids in pink and red grapefruit make them powerful LDL busters. But this snack is not for everyone. Because grapefruit can interfere with the breakdown of certain medications, including statins and calcium channel blockers, don't eat a lot of grapefruit or drink the juice as a snack if you're on these medications. Dr. Arthur Agatston. Cholesterol-Lowering Snacks. (March 2010), TheSouthBeachDietTMNewsletter_20100303

Oats For: Lowering cholesterol
Profile	Phytochemicals called beta-glucans are responsible for oats well advertised help in lowering cholesterol, (barley is better) James Duke, The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook (2000)

Organic Apples For: Lower LDL cholesteol
Profile	Research shows that the antioxidants in apple peels can slow down the oxidation of LDL cholesterol and help prevent plaque buildup. Since it is important to eat the peels, buy organic if possible and always wash fruit throughly. Dr. Arthur Agatston. Cholesterol-Lowering Snacks. (March 2010), TheSouthBeachDietTMNewsletter_20100303

Psyllium For: Lower cholesterol, blood pressure
Profile	As a soluble fiber, the mucilage contained in psyllium helps to lower cholesterol, ( and to a lesser extent triglycerides). It also may help reduce blood pressure. James Duke, The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook (2000)

Pumpkin seeds For: Lower LDL cholesteol
Profile	Sunflower seeds, pistachios, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, pine nuts, flaxseeds, and almonds are particularly high in plant sterols, which can help reduce LDL cholesterol. Eat a few handfuls, or about 1/4 cup per day. Dr. Arthur Agatston. Cholesterol-Lowering Snacks. (March 2010), TheSouthBeachDietTMNewsletter_20100303

Tea For: Cholesterol
Profile	Drinking tea lowered low-density lipoprotein, the LDL "bad" cholesterol in recent studies.

Walnuts, almonds, cashews For: Healthy Heart and cholesterol levels
Profile	Moderate consumption of nuts has been shown to lower blood lipid levels particularly among subjects with higher LDL-C or with lower BMI. . Nut Consumption and Blood Lipid Levels. (May, 2010), JAMA

Cholesterol Control Information

• Hypertension HBP :
  Carefully chosen herbal remedies can help to lower blood pressure, as well as to improve the overall functioning of the heart, arteries.
• Heart Tonics/Cordials :
  The primary benefits and properties of heart healthy herbs are to increase the flow of blood, tone and strengthen the blood vessels.