Recommendations
Rationale
Notes
Allium family
(chives, garlic, onion)
2 cloves garlic or 900 mg/day
Garlic helps prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol.
Discuss use with doctor if you take coumadin, ginkgo or vitamin E.
Cayenne
200,000-400,000 heat units/day
Reduces cholesterol.
Take gelatin cayenne capsules with food.
Ginger
1g dried powder or 1/4-inch slice of fresh root/day
Inhibits blood clotting, lowers LDL.
Also used for nausea and motion sickness.
Ginkgo
40-60 mg 3x/day
Enhances circulation.
Should contain at least 24 percent ginkgo heterosides.
Green tea
3 cups/day or 100-150 mg 3x/day
The polyphenolics in tea may keep arteries from clogging.
Discuss use with your doctor if you take MAO inhibitors or coumadin.
Hawthorne
100-200 mg 3x/day
Dilates coronary blood vessels and reduces cholesterol.
Choose a standardized extract of 1.8 percent vitexin-2-rhamnosides.