Can herbs lower cholesterol quickly?

Key takeaways

• Some herbs can help reduce cholesterol levels, but if you need to lower your levels quickly, it’s best to use them alongside other options.
• In some studies, certain supplements have been able to lower cholesterol in as little as 4 weeks. However, other herbal treatments may take several months to see results.
• Medication can also be effective if you need to lower cholesterol quickly, and you should discuss all options with a doctor or healthcare professional for the most suitable and personalized treatment plan.

Overview

If you are concerned about having high cholesterol levels and would like to lower them quickly, some herbs and spices may be a good option to support traditional treatment methods.

However, it’s best not to rely on these remedies alone because more high quality research is needed into the doses and effectiveness of herbs for cholesterol.

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About herbs and cholesterol

Some herbs and spices may reduce your total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) levels. They may have this effect without significantly affecting your low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, sometimes known as “bad” cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, sometimes known as “good” cholesterol.

For example, some 2020 research suggests that certain herbs and herbal extracts may have various benefits for your cardiovascular health, including reducing processes that lead to a buildup of LDL cholesterol.

This is encouraging, and you may consider including them in your treatment plan. However, if you are hoping to lower your cholesterol levels quickly, you will likely want to reduce your LDL levels and raise your HDL levels.

Which herbs can lower cholesterol?

There are several herbs that may be able to lower cholesterol.

Turmeric

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a common herb used in cooking and a key ingredient in curry powder.

According to a 2019 review, turmeric supplementation may decrease LDL levels and increase HDL levels in your blood. However, this effect was not particularly quick — the recommended treatment times were longer than 8 weeks to see results.

Holy basil

Holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum), also known as tulsi, is a member of the mint family.

A 2018 review study suggested that short-term supplementation with holy basil can reduce total, LDL, and very LDL (VLDL) cholesterol in adults with metabolic disease. It’s well-tolerated for up to 3 months.

Artichoke

Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus, variety scolymus) is a thistle species commonly used for food.

A 2021 review study of the available data on the effects of artichoke juice on cholesterol levels reported that it reduced levels of TC, TG, and LDL.

It also showed a reduction in HDL, so if your HDL levels are too low, it might be best to speak to a doctor or healthcare professional about whether this would suit you.

The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends the Mediterranean diet, which includes vegetables like artichokes. You can find one of their recipes here.

Black cumin

Black cumin (Nigella sativa) is the seed of a flowering plant, also known as kalonji, fennel flower, or black caraway.

A 2020 review suggests that black cumin may significantly reduce LDL, VLDL, and triglycerides in your blood. The included studies lasted anywhere from 2 weeks to 12 months.

Fenugreek

According to a 2020 review of studies, fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) may be an effective medicinal plant for people seeking to improve their cholesterol levels.

It lowers TC, TG, and LDL levels and raises HDL levels.

How quickly can you lower cholesterol without medication?

It’s difficult to know how quickly herbal supplements can reduce your cholesterol levels. Most of the studies looked at cholesterol levels over the course of several weeks.

According to a scientific statement from the AHA, lifestyle-only approaches are the first step to try if you have mildly or moderately elevated blood pressure and blood cholesterol.

This includes:

• becoming more physically active (if you can)
• making balanced food choices
• losing weight
• quitting smoking, if you smoke
• drinking alcohol in moderation

Moderate exercise can help reduce your LDL cholesterol and raise your HDL cholesterol. Additionally, according to a 2019 review, if you get enough exercise, your HDL may more effectively help your body manage excess LDL levels.

Taking these steps will go a long way to improving your cholesterol levels quickly, but remember that it is always best to get the advice of a doctor or healthcare professional before starting a new exercise plan.

Dietary adaptations and lowering cholesterol

For people trying to manage cholesterol levels, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends choosing foods that are:

• low in trans fat and saturated fat
• low in added sugars
• low in sodium (salt)
• high in fiber, such as oatmeal and beans
• high in unsaturated fats, such as avocado, vegetable oils, and nuts

Following this type of meal plan may help prevent and manage high levels of LDL and TG while increasing your beneficial HDL levels.

Considering medication

If following the CDC’s guidance is not enough to bring your cholesterol levels within their optimal ranges, you may need to consider taking medication. You may also require medication if you have other health considerations or your cholesterol levels put you at a high risk of harm.

In the 2021 update of his book, Cholesterol Lowering Drugs, Kenneth R. Feingold, MD, lists eight classes of medication available to treat high cholesterol. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, commonly known as statins, are one of the safest and most often prescribed options.

There are currently seven statins approved for lowering cholesterol levels, and they can lower LDL levels by as much as 60%. They include:

• atorvastatin (Lipitor)
• fluvastatin (Lescol)
• lovastatin (Mevacor)
• simvastatin (Zocor)

There are also several alternatives to statins if those drugs aren’t right for you, such as:

• PCSK9 inhibitors like alirocumab (Praluent) or evolocumab (Repatha).
• fibrates like fenofibrate (Tricor)
• bile acid sequestrants like cholestyramine (Questran)
• cholesterol absorption inhibitors like ezetimibe (Zetia)

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Summary

Herbal remedies can play an important role in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels and can start to take effect in as little as 4 weeks.

Until experts carry out further research, you should not rely only on herbs and spices. It is better to combine approaches and make lifestyle modifications if you can.

Medication can also be effective if you need to lower cholesterol quickly, and you should discuss all options with a doctor or healthcare professional for the most suitable and personalized treatment plan.

Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on many prescription medications. Plus, you can now get them delivered to your home in as little as 3 days. Search for your medication here.