Chinese herbal medicine has a long history of use for various health conditions, including managing cholesterol levels. Listed here are 6 best Chinese herbs that commonly used to help lower cholesterol:
1. Hawthorn 山楂
Hawthorn
Hawthorn is rich in various beneficial substances such as hawthorn acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, and more. These components contribute to its ability to dilate blood vessels, reduce blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels, and enhance the activity of gastric digestive enzymes.
Hawthorn is available in different forms, including tablets and granules, making it convenient for consumption. Additionally, dried raw hawthorn fruit can be used to prepare herbal tea or decoctions, allowing for alternative methods of intake.
2. Polygonum multiflorum 何首乌
Polygonum multiflorum Thunb
Polygonum multiflorum can promote intestinal peristalsis, reduce cholesterol absorption and accelerate the excretion of cholesterol. This makes it effective in reducing cholesterol levels and providing anti-atherosclerosis benefits.
Clinical you can used Polygonum multiflorum tablets or granules 2.5 gram each dosage, 3 times per day.
Polygonum multiflorumthe also helps constipation, particularly suits for elderly patient who has chronic constipation and can be diagnosed as Liver and Kidney deficiency in Chinese medicine.
3. Rhubarb root 大黄
Rhubarb Dahuang
Rhubarb root has been shown to have beneficial effects on blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Clinical studies suggest that Rhubarb root can be taken orally in doses of 0.25 grams, four times a day. After one month of treatment, it may help reduce triglyceride levels.
Rhubarb’s strong laxative effect makes it particularly suitable for individuals who have high cholesterol and suffer from constipation.
4. Cassia seed 决明子
Cassia Seed
Cassia seeds have been found to possess the ability to inhibit the formation of atherosclerosis plaques and lower serum cholesterol levels. Take fried Cassia as herbal tea may gradually lower cholesterol levels close to normal range. Average dosage is 5 to 10 gram per day, over the course of one month.
Pollen Typhae
5. Pollen Typhae 蒲黄
Pollen Typhae, also known as Typha pollen or Typhae Pollen (蒲黄), has been found to have the ability to inhibit the intestinal absorption of exogenous cholesterol. This property makes it effective in reducing lipid levels in the blood. It’s important to note that only raw Pollen Typhae is effective in reducing cholesterol, as charcoaled Typhae is commonly used for conditions such as excessive menstruation and painful menstruation.
6. Ginkgo biloba 银杏叶
Ginkgo biloba
Research discovered that Ginkgo biloba has coronary dilation effect and it is able to lower serum cholesterol including total cholesterol and triglycerides.
Ginkgo biloba can be purchased from health food shop as tablets.
Almond Wellness Centre
At Almond Wellness Centre – Chinese medicine acupuncture Melbourne – we have different forms of high quality Chinese herbal medicine. These include the “real” dry raw herbs, concentrated herbal granules, patent herbal pills, topical used herbal cream, tinctures. They can be specially tailored for your conditions. Formulas can be prescribed in a number of ways at both our Ringwood clinic and Coburg clinic.
Ageing is a natural process, but how your skin ages can vary greatly. Many people in Melbourne notice early signs such as dryness, pigmentation, or fine lines due to lifestyle and environmental factors.
The good news is that with the right approach, you can slow visible skin ageing and support healthier, more resilient skin.
Understanding Your Skin Structure
Epidermis (Outer Layer)
The epidermis is your skin’s protective barrier. It renews itself every 15–30 days in younger skin.
As you age:
Cell turnover slows
Skin becomes dull and dry
Uneven tone becomes more noticeable
This layer also regulates moisture and protects against environmental damage, including UV exposure.
Dermis (Support Layer)
The dermis contains collagen and elastin, which maintain firmness and elasticity.
With age:
Collagen production declines
Skin loses strength and bounce
Wrinkles begin to form
Subcutaneous Layer (Foundation Layer)
This deeper layer provides volume and structure.
Over time:
Fat volume reduces
Skin begins to sag
Facial contours change
What Causes Skin Ageing?
Skin ageing is influenced by both internal and external factors.
Intrinsic Ageing (Natural Process)
This is the body’s natural ageing process, often starting in your mid-20s.
Common changes include:
Slower skin renewal
Reduced collagen production
Loss of elasticity
Signs:
Fine lines
Thinning skin
Gradual sagging
Extrinsic Ageing (Lifestyle & Environment)
In Melbourne, environmental and lifestyle factors play a major role in skin ageing.
Key contributors include:
Sun exposure (UV damage) – the leading cause of premature ageing
Pollution – increases oxidative stress
Diet and gut health – impacts inflammation and skin clarity
Stress and sleep quality – affects hormonal balance
Smoking and alcohol – reduce oxygen and nutrient supply
These factors can accelerate ageing far beyond natural processes.
The Gut–Skin Connection
Skin health reflects internal balance. Digestive health, hormones, and inflammation all influence how your skin ages.
This treatment works by stimulating collagen, improving blood flow, and relaxing facial tension for a more natural, long-lasting result.
When Should You Start Anti-Ageing Care?
Preventative care can begin in your late 20s or early 30s.
Early support helps:
Maintain collagen levels
Slow wrinkle formation
Preserve skin elasticity
However, it’s never too late to start. Skin can improve at any age with the right treatment and care.
Final Thoughts
Skin ageing is influenced by many factors, but it is not entirely out of your control.
By understanding the causes and taking a proactive, holistic approach, you can maintain healthier, more youthful skin for longer.
If you’re looking for personalised support, natural therapies such as acupuncture and Chinese medicine offer a safe and effective option.
About the Author
Dr. Mira An is a registered Chinese Medicine practitioner (AHPRA) and a member of AACMA. She is specially interested in skin health, cosmetic acupuncture, and integrative dermatology.
She completed advanced clinical training in the Dermatology Department at KyungHee University Hospital in Seoul, a leading centre for Korean medical dermatology.
Dr. Mira An practices at Almond Wellness Centre in Ringwood, Melbourne, where she provides personalised, evidence-informed care using acupuncture, herbal medicine, and nutrition.
Almond Wellness Centre is a Melbourne-based Chinese medicine clinic offering acupuncture, herbal medicine, and holistic care.
Our practitioners are fully registered with AHPRA and have extensive experience supporting skin health, fertility, and chronic conditions using Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
📍 Located in Ringwood, we serve patients across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.
As an expectant father, understanding and supplementing necessary nutrients is crucial. These elements not only concern your health but also directly affect the health of your future baby. They act as the fuel of life, providing energy for sperm and ensuring their quantity, vitality, and quality are optimal.
Zinc
Zinc serves as a crucial guardian of male reproductive ability. As a key component of testosterone, a lack of zinc may lead to fertility issues. To ensure the quantity, vitality, and quality of sperm, a daily intake of 50 milligrams of zinc is indispensable.
Potassium
Potassium is the secret weapon for maintaining sperm vitality. When the body lacks potassium, sperm vitality takes a significant hit. To boost potassium levels, reducing salt intake while consuming more potassium-rich fresh fruits and vegetables is advisable.
Magnesium
Magnesium is essential for maintaining healthy sperm and nervous systems. From dark leafy green vegetables, seeds, legumes to tofu, almonds, and walnuts, they all provide quality sources of magnesium.
Manganese
Severe manganese deficiency may lead to a sharp decrease in sperm quantity. To maintain an adequate supply of sperm, nuts, whole grains, seeds, legumes, and green leafy vegetables are indispensable foods.
Beta-Carotene
This nutrient not only assists in sperm generation but also maintains the health of the testes, promoting the conversion of cholesterol into testosterone.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C effectively prevents sperm from losing vitality due to aggregation, especially for expectant fathers who smoke, making it a powerful ally in fertility.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is the guardian of sperm formation, protecting sperm from damage caused by free radicals. A daily intake of 400-800 international units of vitamin E is crucial for maintaining sperm quantity and quality.
Selenium
Selenium not only participates in the production of testosterone but also prevents free radical damage to sperm. During in vitro fertilization, selenium is crucial in helping sperm successfully combine with eggs. However, please note that daily selenium intake should not exceed 200 micrograms.
CoQ10
As a potent antioxidant, coenzyme Q10 effectively prevents sperm cells from mutating. A daily supplement of 100 milligrams is sufficient to maintain and enhance sperm health. Whether for older or non-smoking expectant fathers, coenzyme Q10 is a good choice.
Omega-3 Fish Oil
Omega-3 fish oil, hailed as the guardian of male reproductive health, not only helps improve sperm quality and vitality but also actively supports the production of prostate and testosterone. For men facing erectile dysfunction, Omega-3 fish oil may also bring hope. Additionally, it is a powerful antioxidant that helps maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is an important driver of sperm production. When the body lacks this vitamin, both the quantity and vitality of sperm may be affected. Therefore, ensuring an adequate intake of vitamin B12 is crucial for maintaining male fertility.
Other Important Factors
For the health of the baby, expectant fathers may consider incorporating these nutrients into their daily diets, laying a solid foundation for the future baby’s health. Of course, nutrient supplements are only part of maintaining fertility. Good lifestyle habits are equally important. Maintaining a healthy diet, avoiding bad habits such as smoking and excessive drinking, and regularly undergoing physical examinations are key to maintaining male fertility.
Finally, it is worth noting that supplements cannot completely replace a healthy diet. Only when we obtain sufficient nutrients from our daily diets can supplements exert their maximum effects. Therefore, in the pursuit of fertility, let us start from the little things in life and create a healthy and harmonious environment for ourselves and our future families.
Below, I have listed a few quit smoking tips or techniques that have been proven effective in helping to combat your cravings. As long as you employ one or more of these concepts, you take another step toward a healthier and happier smoke-free you!
MAKE SUER YOU TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF.
Do what is right to support your “smoke-free” journey.
First step: when and where are your cravings?
The first step toward becoming “smoke free” is to identify when and where your smoking cravings occur, i.e. after eating, after a cup of coffee, during stressful situations, etc.
When you become aware of the triggers that precede your cravings, it will become easier for you to begin to break the habit. As long as you refrain from grabbing a cigarette for at least 20-30 minutes after the craving trigger, you will have a much better chance of quitting. As time ticks by, it will become easier to remove yourself from the cravings and you may even forget you wanted a cigarette in the first place.
Manage you habit
Cravings may feel like they last forever, but will most likely dissipate within 3-5 minutes. Invent your own ideas to bust the cravings or use the suggestions below to help you manage them when they occur. Plan ahead by writing down these suggestions in your day planner, on post it notes in your house, car, or at your desk, or even on your screen saver. Remember to make these healing activities fun and enjoyable, as well as easily accessible!
Affirmation
An affirmation is positive statement, which when spoken repeatedly, helps to bolster the positive and desired changes you are embarking upon. Repeating the affirmation helps to remind you of why you are no longer smoking, imprinting in your mind and body a positive image of a “smoke –free” existence.
An example of an affirmation might be:
“I am a non-smoker, and I make healthy choices in my life”, or
“I am strong, healthy, and vibrant, and choose healthy things in my life.”
Setting boundaries
Set up contracts with other smokers that you associate with. Let them know that you are choosing to kick the habit and that you want them to refrain from smoking around you. This includes friends, spouses, and family members.
If you are in a public location and someone lights a cigarette, you can do one of two things:
ask them to put it out, or
leave the situation and socialise elsewhere.
The desire to pick up a cigarette and smoke, when others are doing so, is strong.
Support person
The decision to quit smoking is an important one, and by taking the positive steps toward quitting, you may experience some unpleasant and uncomfortable emotions. Ask someone, whom you are close with, to act as sounding board for you, and to provide you with encouragement.
Ear seeds/needles
In your acupuncture treatment at Almond Wellness Centre, you may receive ear seeds/needles. These seeds/needles are held in place on the ear with a small piece of adhesive tape, and are located on specific points in your ear which help reduce stress, calm the mind. When a craving occurs, rub each of the ear seeds for approximately 15-30 seconds. Rubbing them throughout the day will help fortify and support your acupuncture treatments.
Chinese herbal tea
Chinese herbal medicine tea can help detox and ease off the discomfort around your mouth, nose and chest area. It also has calm effect, which can help fight cravings.
Breathe deeply
Many of us do not take full, deep breaths. Take time out during the day to breathe deeply. Begin by inhaling into your belly. Then, allow the breath to move up into your chest, making it rise as full as you can. As you exhale, focus on completely expelling the air from your body. In you exhale, making the sound SSSSSSSSSSSS, activates and opens the lungs and chest.
Refrain from drinking coffee
Coffee can dehydrate your body and lead to cravings. Most people associate a cup of coffee with a cigarette. In order to be successful, you need to break the coffee and cigarette relationship.
Drink Water
Sip water frequently throughout the day. It will help to curb your cravings and will cleanse and flush the body tissues.
Food choices
Eat lots of carrots, celery and other vegetables. They will satiate your appetites, as well as provide your body with the nutrients it needs to regain health and vitality. Candy and other sweets will upset the sugar level in your body, which can aggravate any withdrawal symptoms that you may experience. Sugar substitutes, such as NutraSweet, are sweeter than sugar and can cause even more cravings.
In some respects, Chinese medicine’s fundamental understanding is no different than Western medicine. For example, both systems agree that colds and flus occur from an external pathogen entering the body. However within a Chinese medicine paradigm, this etiology must be understood within the context of the individual’s constitution.
Fundamentally, there must be some weakness (e.g. immune deficiency) for a pathogen to invade. Anything that weakens one’s resistance (overwork, not sleeping, eating poorly, etc.) can weaken one’s immune system and allow a pathogen to attack and enter, causing disease. Read more for how to boost your immunity naturally.
Self-treatment for the Common Cold
Of course for optimal treatment it is best to consult your Chinese medicine practitioner at the first signs of a cold. If this is not possible, and you are a generally healthy individual, getting the initial stages of a common cold, there are a couple things you can do.
Signs and Symptoms include:
Mild headache, aversion to wind, mild chills, scratchy throat, and slight runny nose.
Self-treatment
Miso soup with lots of spring onions
Ginger tea – bring 2 cups of water to a boil, add three slices of fresh ginger, and simmer for 15 minutes. After drinking either one of these, one should bundle up, creating a mild sweat, and rest.
Take Chinese herbal pills such as “Yin Qiao Wan” from the clinic.
Rest Rest Rest; avoid taking too many showers and baths. Do not go into work and give it to everyone.
Get cooking and make some immune boosting Chicken soup by Theresa Cutter “The health chef”.
Ingredients
10 cloves garlic, smashed (approx 1 whole bulb)
2 tablespoon finely grated ginger
4 teaspoon of turmeric powder
1 litre chicken or vegetable stock
1 litre water 500 g free range / organic chicken breast, cut into chunks
2 bunches coriander, chopped
4 cup mirin or rice wine (optional but delicious)
3 tablespoons tamari soy sauce
Combine the garlic, turmeric, ginger, stock, water and chicken into a large pot.
Simmer for 5 – 10 minutes over a low heat until chicken is cooked through and flavours have infused into the stock.
Add mirin, tamari and coriander just before serving.
Serve in large bowls and sip slowly.
Enjoy.
If your symptoms are much different than above, for example, you feel hot, thirsty, have a severe sore throat, severe headache, severe chills, etc. then this approach is inappropriate and you should seek additional treatment strategies.
