Herbs for High Triglycerides
Answered by: Susan Eagles
Question from: Wayne
Posted on: May 7, 1998

My triglycerides are extremely high (1100 range). I am currently taking garlic, Lopid, & Lipitor. None of these have seemed to help that much. Can you suggest any other herbs that might have some affect?

Thomas Bartram, in "Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine" (Grace Publisher, Mulberry Court, Stour Road, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1PS) states that triglycerides are the chief component of a fat or oil and are produced by the liver from starches. An excess may thicken the blood and block capillaries or arteries. Ingestion of too much sugar may predispose.

We offer the following information to share with your doctor in your treatment:

Herbal treatment includes liver remedies, which are effective in detoxification, protection and regeneraltion of liver cells and give support to elimination: Dandelion, Burdock, Boldo (Peumus boldus) and Barberry bark (Berberis vulgaris). It is important to support this treatment with a low fat or fat free diet which includes lots of fresh fruit and vegetables and eliminates animal fats, fried foods, processed and junk foods, sugar products, sweeteners, alcohol and food additives - all of which put extra strain on the liver. A diet high in fish lowers triglycerides. Plenty of water and herbal teas should be taken between, not with, meals to ensure good digestion and elimination. Daily exercise, such as walking ½ to 1 hour a day is also important factor in treatment.

Garlic helps to keep the blood from thickening. Lopid is a drug used to reduce triglycerides, and takes 3 months or more to realize the effect. I am not familiar with the drug Lipitor.

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