Herbs for cholesterol and blood pressure: what does the science say?
Some foods and herbs can slightly lower cholesterol and blood pressure. These effects are small and do not replace medicines; taken alongside medicines, the effects can add up.
In short
The strongest evidence is from studies showing that eating walnuts regularly lowers LDL cholesterol, and from meta-analyses showing that garlic slightly lowers blood pressure. The effects are small and do not replace medicines.
The plants, strongest evidence first
Garlic Allium sativum
Meta-analyses show that garlic preparations slightly lower blood pressure and cholesterol. People on blood thinners should be careful.
Flaxseed Linum usitatissimum
Some studies saw small drops in cholesterol and blood pressure.
Black seed Nigella sativa
Small studies saw small drops in cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure; the studies are of low quality.
Artichoke Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus
Small studies saw a slight improvement in cholesterol.
Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna
Used traditionally for heart complaints. Because it can interact with heart medicines, do not use it without your doctor’s knowledge.