High cholesterol levels can be a big risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and other health problems. While medication can help lower cholesterol, it can also have side effects.

Luckily, there are a variety of herbs that have been shown to have a cholesterol-lowering effect. Here are 30 of the best cholesterol-busting herbs, complete with pictures!.

1. Garlic

Garlic has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for a variety of ailments, including high cholesterol. Studies have shown that garlic can lower both total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol).

2. Turmeric

Turmeric is a spice commonly used in Indian cuisine, and it has been shown to have a number of health benefits. One of these benefits is its ability to lower LDL cholesterol levels.

3. Fenugreek

Fenugreek is an herb often used in Indian and Middle Eastern cooking. It has been shown to lower total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides.

4. Ginger

Ginger is a spice commonly used in Asian cuisine. It has been shown to have cholesterol-lowering properties, as well as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

5. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a spice often used in baked goods and other sweet dishes. It has been shown to have a cholesterol-lowering effect, as well as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

6. Artichoke leaf

Artichoke leaf extract has been shown to have a cholesterol-lowering effect. It works by inhibiting the production of cholesterol in the liver.

7. Holy basil

Holy basil is a herb used in traditional Indian medicine. It has been shown to have a cholesterol-lowering effect, as well as antioxidant properties.

8. Licorice root

Licorice root has been shown to have a cholesterol-lowering effect, as well as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

9. Psyllium

Psyllium is a type of soluble fiber often used as a laxative. It has also been shown to lower cholesterol levels.

10. Hibiscus

Hibiscus is a plant often used to make tea. It has been shown to have a cholesterol-lowering effect, as well as antioxidant properties.

11. Dandelion

Dandelion is often considered a weed, but it has a variety of health benefits. It has been shown to have a cholesterol-lowering effect, as well as diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties.

12. Nettle leaf

Nettle leaf has been shown to have a cholesterol-lowering effect, as well as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

13. Milk thistle

Milk thistle is often used to support liver function, but it may also have a cholesterol-lowering effect.

14. Hawthorn

Hawthorn is a plant often used to support cardiovascular health. It has been shown to have a cholesterol-lowering effect, as well as antioxidant properties.

15. Red yeast rice

Red yeast rice is a type of rice fermented with a type of yeast. It contains a compound called monacolin K, which has been shown to have a cholesterol-lowering effect.

16. Guggul

Guggul is a resin extracted from the mukul myrrh tree. It has been shown to have a cholesterol-lowering effect, as well as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

17. Black seed

Black seed, also known as Nigella sativa, has been shown to have a cholesterol-lowering effect, as well as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

18. Rosemary

Rosemary is a herb often used in Mediterranean cuisine. It has been shown to have a cholesterol-lowering effect, as well as antioxidant properties.

19. Sage

Sage is a herb often used in savory dishes. It has been shown to have a cholesterol-lowering effect, as well as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

20. Thyme

Thyme is a herb often used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. It has been shown to have a cholesterol-lowering effect, as well as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

21. Lavender

Lavender is a herb often used in aromatherapy. It has been shown to have a cholesterol-lowering effect, as well as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

22. Lemon balm

Lemon balm is a herb often used in teas. It has been shown to have a cholesterol-lowering effect, as well as anti-anxiety and antioxidant properties.

23. Passionflower

Passionflower is a herb often used for its sedative properties. It has also been shown to have a cholesterol-lowering effect.

24. Yarrow

Yarrow is a herb often used to support gastrointestinal health. It has been shown to have a cholesterol-lowering effect, as well as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

25. Lemon verbena

Lemon verbena is a herb often used in teas and as a flavoring. It has been shown to have a cholesterol-lowering effect, as well as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

26. Chamomile

Chamomile is a herb often used in teas. It has been shown to have a cholesterol-lowering effect, as well as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

27. Gotu kola

Gotu kola is a herb often used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. It has been shown to have a cholesterol-lowering effect, as well as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

28. Astragalus

Astragalus is a herb often used in traditional Chinese medicine. It has been shown to have a cholesterol-lowering effect, as well as immune-boosting and antioxidant properties.

29. Reishi

Reishi is a type of mushroom often used in traditional Chinese medicine. It has been shown to have a cholesterol-lowering effect, as well as immune-boosting and antioxidant properties.

30. Cordyceps

Cordyceps is a type of fungus often used in traditional Chinese medicine. It has been shown to have a cholesterol-lowering effect, as well as immune-boosting and antioxidant properties.