Natural or complementary treatments for heart disease often aim to control cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, and improve heart health. Typically, research on such treatments is limited, compared with that of conventional medical treatments.
Few natural products have had enough research done to prove they can reduce cholesterol clinically.
However, many people have experienced some success with alternative treatments, and some cholesterol-lowering supplements and natural remedies might be helpful.
Before you try any alternative treatments, check with a healthcare professional to determine if they’re safe for you. The ingredients in some alternative therapies can interfere with certain medications or have harmful side effects.
1. Astragalus
Astragalus is an herb used to support the immune system in traditional Chinese medicine. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s considered to be an “adaptogen.” This means it’s believed to protect the body against various stresses.
Limited studies suggest that astragalus may have some benefits for your heart. But according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), high quality clinical human trials are generally lackingTrusted Source. More research is needed to learn how astragalus may affect your cholesterol levels and overall heart health.
