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Saturday, June 6, 2009

Herbs to Lower Cholesterol, Cholesterol Lowering Herbs

High cholesterol can be found in any person. Still, at more risk are people who lead stressful lives but also maintain unhealthy diets. In order to lower your cholesterol level, the best thing to do is eat foods that are low in fat content (especially one kind of fat – saturated fat) but also to increase the amount of physical activity. Cholesterol lowering herbs are generally available for people who do not start taking prescription drugs to lower cholesterol immediately. This article will also give you some examples of herbs that lower cholesterol.

Cholesterol is responsible for causing fatty deposits to harden and accumulate in the arteries. These fatty deposits harden to form a substance called plaque, which blocks the artery and prevents blood from flowing and reaching organs such as the brain. Blocked arteries are responsible for strokes and heart disease.

Herbs that lower your blood cholesterol levels are actually a fairly new science. In today’s society, increased LDL cholesterol has become a major health issue. New ways to lower cholesterol naturally are researched by people of all over the world due to this. Because of the lack of side effects and contraindications, natural supplements to lower cholesterol levels are often preferred to their drug counterparts.

Other herb products that lower cholesterol include plant stanols and sterols. these are naturally occurring substances found in some plants. Stanols can also be found in dietary supplements or are added to margarine, orange juice as well as in dressings. According to research findings, plant stanols help reduce cholesterol, and being similar in structure to cholesterol, help in blocking absorption of cholesterol from the intestines.

Since ages guggul has been the companion of mankind saving him from many diseases. Botanically known as Commiphora mukul, it is a wonderful herb that is responsible for treating so many ailments that man suffers. The powerful action of guggulu helps in lowering down the levels of triglycerides and cholesterols there by managing the proper ratio of High density lipoproteins to low density lipoproteins. In a study it was proved that guggulu helps in lowering the cholesterol levels by 15 to 28 % and triglycerides level by 20 to 30 %.

Garlic. Garlic is a cholesterol lowering herb that is slowly but heavily gaining popularity. It has been shown through medical reports that it can increase the HDL cholesterol levels while lowering LDL levels. Studies have also shown that garlic can reduce both triglycerides and cholesterol by up to 15 percent. In one study, people who were given 800 milligrams (about one clove) of garlic daily experienced lower cholesterol levels as well as lower blood pressure.

Artichoke leaf is another herb that helps lower cholesterol levels. This herb works by limiting the synthesis of cholesterol in the body. Artichokes are also known to contain cynarin that supposedly increases bile production in the liver and speeds the flow of bile from the gallbladder, which together increases the excretion of cholesterol

Read about guggul, lower cholesterol naturally and treatment for obesity
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Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_885897_17.html

Natural Stress Relief - Herbs for Stress Relief you must Know

Finding natural stress relief is not far from your reach, because more and more people are beginning to become aware of natural ways to get relief for stress. For those of you that are not sure of what methods to employ when you are looking for natural stress relief, here are some natural stress relieving methods you can employ.

1) Herbs Or Herbal Supplements
There are many herbs that are great for stress relief and they are also known to be very safe too. The use of herbs is fast becoming very popular for stress relief, these herbs have been used to heal and revitalise its users from time immemorial. To this present day, herbs are still considered more appealing in relieving stress.
Here are the top 5 natural stress relief herbs:

o Ashwagandha: this herb is great for normalising adrenal and other bodily functions; it helps the body increase its energy levels, works as an anti-inflammatory and promotes energy. Ashwagandha has anti-inflammatory properties that are extremely useful in times of stress because excess stress can be responsible for systemic inflammation.

o Valerian Root: if one of your symptoms of stress is having trouble sleeping (insomnia), this herb is a good natural stress relief because it is known to soothe the nerves and it has sedating effects too. This herb should be used before bedtime so that you can get a better night’s sleep.


o Siberian Ginseng: this herb is a big fat YES! For stress relief. This herb has many benefits which are:
- Fights mental fatigue
- Strengthens the body’s nervous system
- Relieves depression, tiredness and anxiety
- Increases energy
- Increases resistance to stress
- Reduces lethargy and irritability


o Chamomile: this herb is quite popular with herbal remedy users because it contains relaxing properties. This herb is mostly found in herbal teas, a cup of this herbal brew is a sure way to relieve anxiety, nervousness and restlessness (all classic symptoms of stress). It also has sedating properties too which promotes a blissful sleep.

o Rhodiola Rosea: this herb is yet another popular and stress fighting herb. It helps to reduce fatigue, it boosts memory. This herb is also known for boosting the immune system so that the body can fight off illnesses. However it is advised that Siberian Ginseng and Rhodiola Rosea should not be used at the same time.

2) Have A Positive Attitude
Negative attitudes to life, work and relationships also contribute to increase in stress levels. Having a positive attitude is also a natural stress relief! Sometimes having a positive attitude in this world that is filled with so much cruelty and negativity can be difficult but it would do you a world of good to have a positive attitude.

3) Take A Break
We all need to work in order to pay the bills, put food on the table and clothes on our back or on our family’s backs. You need to take short breaks and come up for air! Taking short breaks to relax can really help you to naturally relieve stress.

4) Exercise Regularly
Exercising will not only keep you fit and healthy, it can keep stress at bay.

You may be interested in reading Stress Reduction and Natural Stress Reliever. Also read about Relieve Stress

This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_900007_17.html