Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Herbal Remedy for Cholesterol

I was recently asked for a natural or herbal remedy for cholesterol. There is one that comes immediately to mind, it's even been called cholesterol's natural remedy, and that is garlic.

Eating garlic regularly can help control cholesterol levels, so can taking garlic supplements. (Follow the manufacturer's directions, if you are using a supplement.) Eating one garlic clove daily has significantly improved cholesterol levels in test subjects. (Eating one half onion daily also improved levels.) Raw garlic has a stronger effect, it seems more effective if it is crushed a few minutes before eating. If the taste of raw garlic is too much for you, even eating food cooked with garlic will help, although the effect will be less.

Garlic also has antibiotic properties, and has been used that way in many different cultures. It also helps lower blood pressure, and has been used for colds and flu, especially to help with respiratory problems.

A note of caution, garlic helps keep platelets from sticking, and
can thin the blood; it should be used with caution if you are taking blood thinners of any kind. A clove a day should not be a problem, but it is best to check with your doctor.

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