Ayurvedic Herbs to lower cholesterol by increasing bile flow.

 Cholesterol and Bile Flow Relationship

Bile contains a detergent like substance that emulsifies fats into tiny droplets that can be absorbed by the cells. Otherwise the fats stay in the blood stream and we get high cholesterol reading when we go to the doctors.

Here are some Ayurvedic herbs that can increase bile flow, resulting in lower cholesterol readings.  Bile flow not only helps in the digestion and assimilation of fats but increases peristalsis (apana vata) or the downward movements of food along the alimentary canal. Another symptom that I have personally experienced with sluggish bile or low bile flow is a light headedness and low energy. So its important to keep our bile flowing. Here are the herbs that can help.

1. Triphala: is at the top of the list.  It is a well known Ayurvedic formula consisting of three fruits ( haritaki, amalaki, bhibitaki). They nourish and rejuvenate the tissues. It can be taken as a tea (its quite bitter and astringent in taste) or taken as a tablet. You can keep increasing the dose until the bowel movements get too loose.  For some people taking Triphala has actually reversed diarrhea.  Its astringent qualities strengthen and tone the intestinal walls.

2. Neem: Definitely bitter in quality. It cleans the liver and promotes bile flow, which are needed to lower cholesterol. It has become famous for cleaning acne prone oily skin.  Just a pinch is needed to make a tea. Caution to not overdo if have high pitta constitution. 

3. Fenugreek:seeds as tea or leaves in cooking can lower cholesterol but can be heating so if have high pitta in your physiology best to take in small amounts with caution.

4. Indian Sarsaparilla: helps to digest and eliminate fats like Fenugreek and Neem however it is not heating so easier to use for high pitta people. 

By understanding the properties of the herbs and their ability to increase bile flow a wise person would take Triphala tablets or tea on a regular basis. I personally alternate between Triphala tablets and Haritake tablets ( sold as Prakrit tablets by Chandika) as I find the tea difficult to drink. However a tea of the following is bitter but not to the extent of not being palatable. Here is the recipe (from Dr M.T. Teitelbaum's book "Healing the Thyroid with Ayurveda")

Tea to lower Cholesterol

Boil 1 liter of spring water for 5 minutes and put into thermos then add 1/4 teaspoonful of coriander seed, fenugreek seed, neem leaves (about a pinch) and Indian Sarsaparilla root. Seal the thermos and let stand for 20 minutes to infuse the herbs and drink within 4 hours after which time the potency and benefits of the herbs will decrease.  

This tea not only lowers cholesterol but also cleans the liver, blood and fat.

I would recommend drinking this tea before and after lunch or at least before 3 PM. Also going to bed before 10 is helpful in lowering cholesterol as it naturally decrease between 10 PM and 2 AM. which is the Pitta time when detox and rejuvenation happen.