Cholesterol is a waxy substance made in the liver (also obtained from animal foods in the diet). It is a necessary part of all mammalian cells. Over 25% of the lipids found in our cellular membranes is cholesterol, and it plays critical roles, to maintain membrane fluidity and reduce cellular permeability. Cholesterol is also a key starting point for all steroid hormones, including cortisol, estrogen, and testosterone. In addition, cholesterol is required by the body to make vitamin D and fat-dissolving bile acids.
The vilification of cholesterol may have started with the advent of medications used to reduce it. Since then, guidelines for defining the “safe” levels of cholesterol have been lowered, which has led to more medication being prescribed, not without adverse events.1
While there is no specific definition for cholesterol in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), it is clear that spleen deficiency, phlegm, dampness, and Qi stagnation can lead to elevated levels of unwanted cholesterol. TCM and conventional medicine recognize that lifestyle choices, (including increasing exercise, eating better, losing weight, drinking less alcohol, and managing stress) can play key roles in reducing the “bad” cholesterol (LDLs) that builds up in the walls of blood vessels, while raising the good stuff (HDL) that flushes unwanted cholesterol through the liver. Adding more high fiber foods to the diet such as legumes, oatmeal, apples, and berries is helpful. Acupuncture has been found to lower LDLs too.2,3
Herbs can support the reduction of high LDLs as well. Garlic (da suan) has been used in health protocols around the world for thousands of years. In TCM it is used for eliminating cold dampness and removing stagnation, and, in western research, it has been shown to lower total cholesterol and LDLs.4
- Astra Garlic is a useful tonic formula with aged and odor-controlled garlic and Hawthorn berry (supporting spleen/stomach) to treat cholesterol. It has broad cardiovascular and Qi tonifying benefits.
- Polilipid has been shown in studies to lower overall cholesterol by 25% and lower LDLs by 19%. It contains extracts of citrus, palm fruit, and pomegranate.
- EPAQ is a krill oil supplement that relieves overall inflammation. It also helps lower LDLs and raise HDLs.
- IBP helps to treat and prevent hypertension. It also supports the process of expelling excess total cholesterol and LDLs.
Flavonex is an effective supportive formula for heart health as well.
If a patient uses herbal formulas along with cholesterol-lowering medications, encourage them to consult with their prescribing physician and have bloodwork done at least every 6 months. Whether your patients are already taking cholesterol medications or not, you can help them to balance their cholesterol, improving their overall health.
References
1 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4684135/
2 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6319778/
3 https://www.nccaom.org/wp-content/uploads/pdf/7%20Star%20Acupuncture%20Lowers%20Cholesterol.pdf
4. https://academic.oup.com/jn/article/131/3/989S/4687064?login=false