10 Best Herbal Teas For High Cholesterol
Herbal teas for high cholesterol are natural remedies that help lower cholesterol levels by reducing the absorption of dietary cholesterol and improving lipid profiles.
Examples of herbal teas that help with high cholesterol include dandelion root tea, ginger tea, and hawthorn tea. These teas improve lives by reducing the risk of heart disease, improving circulation, and enhancing overall well-being.
By incorporating these teas into their daily routine, individuals with high cholesterol can lead healthier, more active lives.
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The following article describes in detail the most important teas for high cholesterol, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.
1. Tilia platyphyllos
Tilia platyphyllos, also known as broad-leaved lime, teas helps with high cholesterol because of its high levels of flavonoids and tannins.
These compounds have been shown to improve lipid profiles by reducing LDL cholesterol levels and increasing HDL cholesterol levels. The tea's anti-inflammatory properties also help to reduce inflammation in the blood vessels, which can contribute to high cholesterol.
Additionally, Tilia platyphyllos tea has been found to inhibit the absorption of dietary cholesterol, further aiding in cholesterol reduction.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Tilia platyphyllos teas that help with high cholesterol.
- Flavonoids: These plant-derived compounds help reduce inflammation and improve lipid profiles by inhibiting the activity of enzymes involved in cholesterol production and increasing the production of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or "good" cholesterol.
- Tannins: Tannins in Tilia platyphyllos tea have been shown to have a hypolipidemic effect by reducing the absorption of dietary cholesterol and triglycerides, thus lowering overall cholesterol levels.
- Terpenes: These compounds help reduce cholesterol levels by inhibiting the activity of HMG-CoA reductase, a key enzyme in the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway, thereby reducing cholesterol production in the liver.
Plant's Parts
The list below shows the primary parts of broad-leaved lime used to make teas for high cholesterol.
- Leaves: Tilia platyphyllos leaves are used in teas due to their potential to help lower cholesterol levels by reducing the absorption of dietary cholesterol.
- Buds: Tilia platyphyllos buds are used in teas because they contain flavonoids and other compounds that may help reduce triglycerides and improve overall cardiovascular health.
- Flowers: Tilia platyphyllos flowers are used in teas due to their high content of flavonoids and antioxidants, which may help reduce inflammation and improve blood lipid profiles.
Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic broad-leaved lime for high cholesterol.
- Gather 2-3 grams of dried flowers and leaves of tilia platyphyllos.
- Steep the gathered tilia platyphyllos in 200 milliliters of boiling water for 5-7 minutes.
- Strain the infused mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a separate container.
- Add honey to taste to the strained tea according to your desired sweetness level.
- Serve the herbal tea immediately and consume within 30 minutes to 1 hour.
2. Salvia officinalis
Salvia officinalis, also known as sage, teas helps with high cholesterol because it contains compounds that have been shown to improve lipid profiles and reduce inflammation.
The flavonoids and phenolic acids present in sage have antioxidant properties, which help to protect against oxidative stress and cell damage. Additionally, sage has been found to inhibit the absorption of dietary cholesterol and increase the production of bile acids, thereby contributing to a reduction in overall cholesterol levels and improved cardiovascular health.
This makes it a promising natural remedy for managing high cholesterol.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Salvia officinalis teas that help with high cholesterol.
- Rosmarinic acid: A phenolic compound that helps reduce high cholesterol by inhibiting the activity of HMG-CoA reductase, a key enzyme in cholesterol synthesis in the liver.
- Salvianolic acid b: A flavonoid compound that has antioxidant properties, which help prevent the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, thereby reducing the risk of atherosclerosis and high cholesterol.
- Ursolic acid: A triterpenoid compound that exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, which help reduce the levels of triglycerides and LDL cholesterol in the blood, and improve the overall lipid profile.
Plant's Parts
The list below shows the primary parts of sage used to make teas for high cholesterol.
- Leaves: The leaves of Salvia officinalis are rich in antioxidants and have been traditionally used to help lower cholesterol levels due to their potential to improve lipid profiles.
- Flowers: Salvia officinalis flowers have been used to make teas that help reduce high cholesterol, possibly due to their content of flavonoids and phenolic acids with potential cardiovascular benefits.
- Stems: The stems of Salvia officinalis have been used to make teas that may help lower cholesterol levels, possibly due to their potential to reduce inflammation and improve lipid metabolism.
Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic sage for high cholesterol.
- Harvest 30-60 grams of dried salvia officinalis leaves from a trusted source or dried them yourself.
- Clean the leaves by rinsing them with cold water to remove any impurities or debris.
- Steep 1 teaspoon of dried leaves in 8 ounces of boiling water for 5-7 minutes.
- Strain the tea using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the leaves and sediment.
- Serve the tea immediately and store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
3. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice, teas helps with high cholesterol because it contains compounds that promote cardiovascular health.
The root of the plant is rich in flavonoids and glycosides, which have been shown to improve lipid profiles by reducing total cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.
Additionally, licorice teas have been found to increase HDL (good) cholesterol levels, which helps to remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease and promoting overall well-being.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra teas that help with high cholesterol.
- Licorice glycosides: These compounds help reduce cholesterol levels by inhibiting the activity of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, an enzyme involved in the regulation of cholesterol metabolism.
- Flavonoids: Flavonoids in Glycyrrhiza glabra tea have been shown to exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may contribute to the reduction of cholesterol levels and improvement of cardiovascular health.
- Saponins: Saponins in Glycyrrhiza glabra tea can help lower cholesterol levels by inhibiting the absorption of dietary cholesterol in the gut and enhancing the excretion of bile acids, which are converted into cholesterol in the liver.
Plant's Parts
The list below shows the primary parts of licorice used to make teas for high cholesterol.
- Roots: They are used to make teas due to their high glycyrrhizin content, which is believed to help lower cholesterol levels by inhibiting the production of cholesterol in the liver.
- Leaves: They are used to make teas for their flavonoid content, which is thought to contribute to their potential cholesterol-lowering effects.
- Barks: They are used to make teas due to their saponin content, which may help lower cholesterol levels by reducing the absorption of dietary cholesterol in the gut.
Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic licorice for high cholesterol.
- Harvest 1-2 teaspoons of dried glycyrrhiza glabra roots from a trusted supplier or your garden.
- Steep the dried roots in 8 ounces of boiling water for 5-7 minutes to release their active compounds.
- Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a cup to remove the solids and any residue.
- Add honey to taste if desired to sweeten the tea and enhance its flavor and aroma.
- Drink the tea immediately while it is still warm to maximize its potential health benefits.
4. Melissa officinalis
Melissa officinalis, also known as lemon balm, teas helps with high cholesterol because they contain compounds that may help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.
The flavonoids and terpenes in lemon balm tea have been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation in the blood vessels and improve blood lipid profiles.
Additionally, lemon balm tea may also help improve blood sugar control and enhance the body's natural ability to remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream, contributing to its potential benefits in managing high cholesterol.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Melissa officinalis teas that help with high cholesterol.
- Rosmarinic acid: This phenolic compound has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce lipid peroxidation and inflammation associated with high cholesterol.
- Luteolin: As a flavonoid, luteolin has been shown to inhibit the activity of enzymes involved in cholesterol synthesis and absorption, thereby reducing cholesterol levels in the blood.
- Apigenin: This flavonoid has been found to have anti-hyperlipidemic effects by inhibiting the activity of HMG-CoA reductase, a key enzyme in cholesterol synthesis, and reducing the absorption of dietary cholesterol.
Plant's Parts
The list below shows the primary parts of lemon balm used to make teas for high cholesterol.
- Leaves: They contain compounds like citral and geraniol, which help lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health.
- Flowers: They have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce inflammation and improve overall cardiovascular health.
- Roots: They contain melissic acid, which has been shown to have a cholesterol-lowering effect and improve lipid profiles.
Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic lemon balm for high cholesterol.
- Harvest 25-30 grams of fresh melissa officinalis leaves and flowers from the plant.
- Rinse the harvested melissa officinalis leaves and flowers with cool water to remove dirt.
- Steep 1 teaspoon of dried melissa officinalis leaves in 8 ounces of boiling water for 5-7 minutes.
- Strain the tea mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a cup to remove the solids.
- Allow the tea to cool to room temperature before serving and drinking immediately.
5. Hypericum perforatum
Hypericum perforatum, also known as St John's Wort, teas helps with high cholesterol because it contains bioactive compounds like hyperforin and hypericin, which have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
These compounds help to improve lipid profiles by reducing the levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides, while also increasing the levels of HDL (good) cholesterol.
Additionally, St John's Wort teas may help to reduce inflammation in the blood vessels, promoting healthy blood flow and cardiovascular function.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Hypericum perforatum teas that help with high cholesterol.
- Hyperforin: This phenolic compound may help with high cholesterol by inhibiting the transfer of cholesterol into the bloodstream, thereby reducing the levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol.
- Quercetin: A flavonoid phenolic compound, quercetin may help reduce inflammation and improve lipid profiles by inhibiting the activity of enzymes involved in cholesterol synthesis and increasing the activity of enzymes that break down cholesterol.
- Naphthodianthrone: This anthraquinone compound may help lower cholesterol levels by inhibiting the activity of HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme involved in cholesterol synthesis, and also by improving lipid profiles by reducing triglyceride levels and increasing HDL ("good") cholesterol.
Plant's Parts
The list below shows the primary parts of st john's wort used to make teas for high cholesterol.
- Leaves: Rich in flavonoids and tannins, which help to lower cholesterol levels and improve cardiovascular health.
- Stems: Containing bioflavonoids and phenolic acids, which contribute to the reduction of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.
- Flowers: High in flavonoids and anthocyanins, which help to improve lipid profiles and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic st john's wort for high cholesterol.
- Harvest 25-30 fresh flowers of hypericum perforatum in the morning after the dew has dried.
- Dry the harvested flowers in a single layer at 70-80 degrees fahrenheit for 1-2 hours.
- Steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried flowers in 8 ounces of boiling water for 5-7 minutes.
- Strain the liquid using a fine-mesh sieve into a cup to remove the solids.
- Allow the tea to cool to a comfortable drinking temperature before consumption.
6. Echinacea angustifolia
Echinacea angustifolia, also known as Kansas coneflower, teas helps with high cholesterol because it is rich in compounds that may help lower lipid levels and improve blood lipid profiles.
The tea's active compounds, including alkylamides and phenolic acids, have been shown to inhibit the formation of cholesterol and triglycerides in the liver, thereby reducing the risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease.
Regular consumption of Echinacea angustifolia tea may also help to improve overall cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of high cholesterol.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Echinacea angustifolia teas that help with high cholesterol.
- Iridoid glycosides: These compounds, particularly echinacoside, have been shown to help lower cholesterol levels by inhibiting the activity of HMG-CoA reductase, a key enzyme involved in cholesterol production in the liver.
- Polyphenols: The polyphenolic compounds present in Echinacea angustifolia tea, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, have been found to possess antioxidant properties, which can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation associated with high cholesterol levels.
- Cichoric acid: Cichoric acid, a sesquiterpene lactone, has been demonstrated to have cholesterol-lowering properties by inhibiting the absorption of dietary cholesterol in the gut and reducing the expression of genes involved in cholesterol production.
Plant's Parts
The list below shows the primary parts of kansas coneflower used to make teas for high cholesterol.
- Roots: The roots of Echinacea angustifolia contain compounds that help lower cholesterol levels by reducing the absorption of dietary cholesterol in the gut.
- Leaves: Echinacea angustifolia leaves are used to make teas that help to reduce triglycerides and LDL cholesterol levels by increasing the excretion of bile acids.
- Barks: The barks of Echinacea angustifolia are used to make teas that have antioxidant properties, which help to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body, both of which contribute to high cholesterol.
Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic kansas coneflower for high cholesterol.
- Harvest mature echinacea angustifolia roots in late fall after the first frost has killed the foliage above ground.
- Clean the roots thoroughly to remove dirt and debris from the harvesting process with water.
- Chop the roots into small pieces and dry them in a low-temperature oven at 100°f for 2 hours.
- Combine 1 tablespoon of dried echinacea angustifolia root with 1 quart of boiling water and steep for 5 minutes.
- Strain the tea through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve into a cup and discard the solids.
7. Taraxacum officinale
Taraxacum officinale, also known as dandelion, teas helps with high cholesterol because it contains inulin, a soluble fiber that binds to bile acids and removes them from the body.
This process, known as bile acid sequestration, increases the liver's production of bile acids, which are then synthesized from cholesterol. As a result, the liver breaks down more cholesterol to produce the necessary bile acids, leading to a reduction in overall cholesterol levels.
Regular consumption of dandelion tea may also improve lipid profiles and reduce LDL cholesterol.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Taraxacum officinale teas that help with high cholesterol.
- Inulin: A type of fructan, inulin has been shown to help lower cholesterol levels by reducing the absorption of dietary cholesterol in the gut.
- Flavonoids: These polyphenolic compounds have been found to have cholesterol-lowering properties, possibly through their ability to inhibit the absorption of cholesterol in the gut and reduce inflammation in the body.
- Taraxasterol: A triterpene saponin found in dandelion, taraxasterol has been reported to have hypocholesterolemic effects, possibly due to its ability to inhibit the absorption of cholesterol in the gut and reduce the production of cholesterol in the liver.
Plant's Parts
The list below shows the primary parts of dandelion used to make teas for high cholesterol.
- Leaves: Used for their potential to lower cholesterol levels due to their high content of taraxasterol.
- Flowers: Used for their flavonoids, which may help improve lipid profiles and reduce cholesterol.
- Roots: Used for their saponins, which may help reduce cholesterol levels and improve overall cardiovascular health.
Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic dandelion for high cholesterol.
- Harvest the dandelion roots in the early morning when the plant is at its highest moisture content.
- Clean and dry the harvested roots by rinsing them in cold water then air-drying for 24 hours.
- Grind 1-2 teaspoons of dried dandelion root into a fine powder using a coffee grinder or spice mill.
- Steep the ground root powder in 8 ounces of boiling water for 5-7 minutes to release the active compounds.
- Strain the tea into a cup and discard the solids before serving the taraxacum officinale tea immediately.
8. Foeniculum vulgare
Foeniculum vulgare, also known as fennel, teas helps with high cholesterol because of its potential to lower LDL cholesterol levels and improve overall lipid profiles.
The tea's active compounds, particularly anethole and fenchone, have been shown to inhibit the absorption of dietary cholesterol and triglycerides in the gut. Additionally, fennel tea may help to increase the excretion of bile acids, which can further reduce cholesterol levels in the bloodstream.
This may contribute to a reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease associated with high cholesterol.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Foeniculum vulgare teas that help with high cholesterol.
- Foeniculin: Foeniculin is a terpene found in Foeniculum vulgare that may help reduce cholesterol levels by inhibiting the activity of HMG-CoA reductase, a key enzyme in cholesterol synthesis.
- Anethole: Anethole is an aromatic compound that may help lower cholesterol levels by reducing the absorption of dietary cholesterol in the gut and improving lipid metabolism.
- Daucosterol: Daucosterol is a phytosterol found in Foeniculum vulgare that may help lower cholesterol levels by reducing the absorption of dietary cholesterol in the gut and also by inhibiting the activity of HMG-CoA reductase.
Plant's Parts
The list below shows the primary parts of fennel used to make teas for high cholesterol.
- Seeds: Foeniculum vulgare seeds are used to make teas for high cholesterol due to their high content of essential oils, particularly anethole, which has been shown to have potential cholesterol-lowering properties.
- Leaves: Foeniculum vulgare leaves are used to make teas for high cholesterol due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation and improve lipid profiles.
- Flowers: Foeniculum vulgare flowers are used to make teas for high cholesterol due to their high content of antioxidants and flavonoids, which can help reduce oxidative stress and improve cardiovascular health.
Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic fennel for high cholesterol.
- Harvest 1-2 teaspoons of fresh foeniculum vulgare leaves and stems or 1 tablespoon of dried leaves.
- Chop the fresh leaves and stems into smaller pieces and crush the dried leaves to release flavor and oils.
- Steep 1 teaspoon of fresh or dried foeniculum vulgare in 1 cup of boiling water for 5-7 minutes.
- Strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a cup to remove solids.
- Drink the tea immediately or store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
9. Artemisia absinthium
Artemisia absinthium, also known as wormwood, teas helps with high cholesterol because of its rich antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
The tea is believed to improve circulation, lower triglycerides, and increase the body's ability to dissolve and eliminate excess cholesterol. Additionally, wormwood's sesquiterpene compounds may help reduce inflammation in the bloodstream, which can contribute to high cholesterol levels.
By promoting cardiovascular health and reducing inflammation, wormwood tea may be a beneficial natural remedy for individuals looking to manage high cholesterol levels.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Artemisia absinthium teas that help with high cholesterol.
- Absinthin: A sesquiterpene lactone compound that has been shown to exhibit cholesterol-lowering properties by inhibiting the activity of HMG-CoA reductase, a key enzyme in cholesterol synthesis.
- Thujone: A terpenic ketone compound that has been found to have a hypolipidemic effect, meaning it helps reduce levels of triglycerides and LDL (bad) cholesterol in the blood, thereby contributing to the management of high cholesterol.
- Thujanol: A terpenic alcohol compound that has been reported to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help mitigate the oxidative stress and inflammation associated with high cholesterol and atherosclerosis.
Plant's Parts
The list below shows the primary parts of wormwood used to make teas for high cholesterol.
- Leaves: The leaves are used to make teas for high cholesterol due to their rich content of antioxidants and volatile oils that help lower cholesterol levels.
- Stems: The stems of Artemisia absinthium are used to make teas that help reduce cholesterol levels by reducing the absorption of dietary cholesterol in the gut.
- Roots: The roots of Artemisia absinthium are used to make teas that help lower cholesterol levels by reducing the production of LDL (bad) cholesterol in the liver.
Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic wormwood for high cholesterol.
- Harvest the fresh or dried aerial parts of artemisia absinthium, using 2-3 teaspoons for every 8 ounces of water.
- Chop the harvested plant material into smaller pieces to facilitate the infusion process.
- Combine the chopped plant material with boiling water in a heat-resistant container, steeping for 5-10 minutes.
- Strain the liquid using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the solids from the tea.
- Serve the herbal tea immediately, or store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in a sealed container.
10. Vaccinium myrtillus
Vaccinium myrtillus, also known as blueberry, teas helps with high cholesterol because of its high antioxidant and anthocyanin content.
The anthocyanins in Vaccinium myrtillus tea have been shown to have a positive effect on lipid profiles by reducing total cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. Additionally, the tea's antioxidants can help to improve blood vessel function and reduce inflammation in the cardiovascular system, further contributing to its potential benefits in managing high cholesterol levels.
This makes Vaccinium myrtillus tea a promising natural remedy for cholesterol management.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Vaccinium myrtillus teas that help with high cholesterol.
- Anthocyanins: These powerful antioxidants help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, which can contribute to high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease.
- Quercetin: This flavonoid has been shown to improve lipid profiles by reducing triglycerides and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, while increasing HDL (good) cholesterol levels.
- Ellagic acid: This phenolic compound has been found to inhibit the absorption of dietary cholesterol and reduce the activity of HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme involved in cholesterol production in the liver.
Plant's Parts
The list below shows the primary parts of blueberry used to make teas for high cholesterol.
- Leaves: The leaves are used due to their high content of anthocyanins and flavonoids, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help lower cholesterol levels.
- Fruits: The fruits are used as a rich source of anthocyanins, which have been found to improve lipid profiles and reduce cholesterol levels by inhibiting the absorption of dietary cholesterol.
- Barks: The barks are used for their flavonoid content, which helps to improve blood lipid profiles and reduce cholesterol levels by inhibiting the activity of enzymes involved in cholesterol synthesis.
Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic blueberry for high cholesterol.
- Harvest 100g of fresh vaccinium myrtillus leaves and flowers for their medicinal properties.
- Dry the harvested leaves and flowers in a cool place for 7 to 10 days.
- Combine 1 teaspoon of dried vaccinium myrtillus leaves and flowers with 250ml of boiling water.
- Steep the mixture for 5 to 7 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse fully.
- Strain the tea and enjoy it hot or cold at any time of the day.
What is the best combination of herbal teas to use for high cholesterol?
The best combination of herbal teas that help with high cholesterol is a blend of dandelion root, ginger, and turmeric.
Dandelion root tea has been shown to lower cholesterol levels by improving liver function, while ginger tea aids in digestion and circulation. Turmeric, rich in curcumin, reduces inflammation and improves cardiovascular health. Drinking a combination of these teas regularly may help to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
A balanced diet and regular exercise are also essential for maintaining overall health.