An Alternative Medicine Approach to

Lowering CholesterolBy Kasey Clowe, M.D.

About Traditional Chinese Medicine

Dating back thousands of years, Traditional Chinese

Medicine (TCM) has offered a more natural and holistic

approach to remedying high cholesterol. Potentially

producing fewer side effects, Chinese herbs can serve as a

viable alternative to Western medications.

Hong Qu

1. Hong qu (red yeast rice) contains lovastatin and lowers

low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglyceride levels by

inhibiting cholesterol synthesis. Some studies suggest that

hong qu can also increase “good” cholesterol, or high-

density lipoprotein (HDL) levels.

Shan Zha

2. Shan zha (hawthorn fruit) causes vasodilation (widening

of blood vessels) and stimulates the digestion of red

meat and other fatty foods. In doing so, it is used to treat

high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Jiao Gu Lan

3. Jiao gu lan (gynostemma) prevents blood clot

formation by inhibiting platelet aggregation. Therefore, it

can also help reduce cholesterol and blood pressure.

About the Author

Dr. Kasey Clowe received his medical

degree from the St. Matthews University

School of Medicine and studied Family

Medicine at Mercy Medical Center.

Having an early interest in Eastern

medicine during her undergraduate

education, Dr. Clowe wrote a thesis

paper titled “Acupuncture and its Effects

on Analgesia.” He continues to maintain a passion for both Western and Eastern

medicines.