Cardiovascular Diseases are the epidemic of XXI century. They are a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Heart attack and stroke are behind 85% of almost 18 million deaths, a third of all deaths according to WHO. This is only the statistics of mortality as an effect of Cardiovascular Diseases. The number of people treated for ailments affecting the heart and cardiovascular system is much greater than this. In many cases elevated cholesterol will be seen at the beginning of a cascade of events leading to gradual decline in quality of life, progressing further towards disability or death.
In this article we will explore an alternative approach to this problem and will take look here at some homeopathic remedies for high cholesterol. Yet, cholesterol apart from bad reputation and being blamed for all the evil is very important and much needed in a body. The body needs fats for growth and energy. Cholesterol is a very important structural and functional compound for human cells, especially nerve cells and the brain. Its metabolites, such as steroid hormones and bile salts, have important physiological functions in the body. Cholesterol is also used to make vitamin D in the body.
An imbalance in cholesterol metabolism can lead to elevated levels of cholesterol in the body (hypercholesterolaemia) and atherosclerosis, which is a major cardiovascular health risk. Hypercholesterolaemia occurs when the balance between the secretion of cholesterol into the blood and the absorption of cholesterol from the blood is disturbed. There are many factors that can disrupt cholesterol metabolism: lifestyle, diet high in saturated fat, physical inactivity and obesity, use of certain medications, various diseases and ageing. To be transported in the blood, cholesterol and triglycerides must be bound to proteins and other substances to form lipoproteins. There are several types of lipoproteins: Chylomicrons, High Density Lipoproteins (HDL), Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL), Very Low Density Lipoproteins (VLDL).
They all have different purposes and their own metabolic pathways. The liver is a key organ in cholesterol metabolism. It synthesises and secretes cholesterol and bile salts, is involved in the clearance of different fractions of cholesterol and in reverse cholesterol transport, the process by which cholesterol is removed from the body.
Homeopathic remedies for high cholesterol
Many homeopathic remedies for high cholesterol will have a strong affinity for the liver, as this is the organ that plays a very important role in processing and balancing cholesterol. Many homeopathic remedies that can be used to reduce high cholesterol will also have an affinity for the digestive tract – another system very much involved in cholesterol metabolism. Many of the plants from which remedies are made are well known in Western herbalism for similar properties. The list of these remedies is long, so I will only present a few of the most commonly prescribed.
Crataegus.
Crataegus is a great heart tonic. Hawthorn improves heart function and therefore has the ability to indirectly lower blood pressure. Crataegus strengthens the heart muscle, which is weakened by insufficient blood supply due to plaque build-up. It is an excellent remedy for treating arteriosclerosis. It helps to dissolve plaque in the arteries. A study of diabetics has shown that Hawthorn helps to reduce blood cholesterol. It lowers total cholesterol and LDL while increasing HDL (good cholesterol) levels. Hawthorn also helps to reduce the level of fatty deposits in the liver and the enlargement of hepatocytes.
Cholesterol.
Cholesterol is one of the main components of gallstones. As well as helping to reduce high cholesterol, Cholesterinum is an excellent remedy for gallstone colic and jaundice. Works well when there is no improvement from well-indicated remedies.
Chelidonium.
The key symptom for Chelidonium is a persistent, bruising, aching pain in the lower angle of the right shoulder blade. This remedy acts on the liver and portal system. It is closely related to Lycopodium. Chelidonium is worth considering if Lycopodium is indicated but does not work.
Carduus marianus – Milk Thistle.
Excellent liver tonic, recommended in the treatment of liver, spleen and kidney disorders caused by alcohol abuse, especially beer. Carduus marianus acts on the liver and portal system. Helpful in liver disorders associated with lung disease and gallstones with enlarged liver.
Nux vomica.
Excellent remedy for many chronic ailments of the XXI century resulting from stress, overwork, business worries, poor diet, lack of exercise and abuse of stimulants, alcohol and drugs, overindulgence. Nux vomica needs coffee to think, alcohol to relax and a cigarette to take a break. A scourge of the modern Western world.
Lycopodium.
The liver is very weak. Deep-seated, progressive, chronic diseases. Stones, gallstones, gravel. Weak liver and poor digestion. Sensitive, congested liver. Chronic hepatitis, atrophic, nutmeg liver.
Strophanthus Hispidus.
Strophanthus acts directly on the heart muscle. An excellent remedy for a weak heart. Strophanthus moderates the pulse, which becomes slower, stronger and more regular, and is most effective in cardiac dysfunction following prolonged use of stimulants, alcohol and tobacco. Strophanthus tones the brittle tissues of the heart muscle and valves. It helps to restore the heart’s action when it is weak, rapid and irregular due to muscular weakness and insufficiency. It is an excellent remedy for reducing the negative effects of very high cholesterol levels.
Dietary supplements for high cholesterol.
It is also worth mentioning some supplements that can be used in the process of normalising high cholesterol levels. Again, the list of these supplements is long, so I will only mention a few of the most commonly used ones. Red Yeast rice. Coenzyme Q10. Gugulipid. Niacin. Artichoke.
