Why 14% of Chinese Adults With High Cholesterol Are Choosing Herbal Medicine—And What Doctors Should Know

A study of over 4,300 middle-aged and older Chinese adults found that 14.08% use Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) to manage dyslipidemia, a condition marked by unhealthy cholesterol and fat levels in the blood. The research, published in Nature's Scientific Reports, reveals surprising patterns about who chooses herbal approaches and what factors influence their decision—offering insights into how traditional medicine fits into modern health management in one of the world's largest populations.

Who's Most Likely to Choose Herbal Medicine for High Cholesterol?

The study analyzed data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) collected in 2018, identifying several key groups more inclined to use Chinese herbal remedies for dyslipidemia. Researchers used statistical modeling to pinpoint the strongest predictors of herbal medicine use among people with high cholesterol.

• Financial Status: People with no income were 33% more likely to use Chinese herbal medicine compared to those with income, suggesting cost considerations or limited access to conventional treatments may play a role.
• Healthcare Preferences: Patients who visited traditional Chinese medicine hospitals were nearly three times more likely to use herbal remedies (2.85 times the odds) than those who did not seek care at these specialized facilities.
• Self-Treatment Approach: Adults who engaged in self-treatment were 70% more likely to use herbal medicine, indicating a preference for taking health management into their own hands.
• Health Status: Those reporting fair or poor health were significantly more likely to try herbal approaches—people in fair health were 60% more likely, while those in poor health were nearly twice as likely to use CHM.
• Multiple Health Conditions: The more chronic conditions a person had, the more likely they were to turn to herbal medicine, with each additional condition increasing the odds by about 6%.

The study included 4,341 participants—56.46% were middle-aged adults and 42.36% were older adults, with roughly equal gender distribution (45.06% male, 54.94% female). All participants had been diagnosed with dyslipidemia, making this a focused look at treatment choices within this specific population.

Does Having a Stroke History Change the Picture?

The research uncovered a striking interaction: patients who both visited a Chinese medicine hospital and had experienced a stroke were nearly seven times more likely to use herbal medicine for cholesterol management compared to those without these factors. This suggests that serious cardiovascular events may motivate people to explore complementary approaches, particularly when combined with access to traditional medicine practitioners. The combination of these two factors created a much stronger effect than either one alone.

What Should Healthcare Providers Take Away From This?

While the 14.08% prevalence rate might seem modest, it represents millions of people in China choosing herbal remedies for a serious metabolic condition. The findings highlight that herbal medicine use is not random—it is driven by specific demographic, economic, and health factors. The research team concluded that these findings suggest the need to integrate patient-specific factors into Chinese herbal medicine-based dyslipidemia management strategies. This means healthcare providers should understand why their patients choose herbal approaches and work to incorporate these preferences into comprehensive treatment plans.

The research also underscores the importance of recognizing that people with multiple chronic conditions and those in poorer health status may be more motivated to explore all available options, including traditional remedies. Rather than viewing herbal medicine and conventional treatment as competing approaches, the data suggests a more nuanced reality: patients are making informed choices based on their circumstances, values, and access to different types of care. For anyone considering herbal remedies for cholesterol or other conditions, consulting with healthcare professionals—whether conventional or traditional medicine practitioners—remains essential to ensure safety and effectiveness.