Red Rice Yeast

Species Name:  Monascus purpureus.

Also Known As: Red Yeast Rice, Cholestin, Monascus, Zhi Tai, Hong Qu, Red Koji, Red Rice, Xue Zhi Kang,Cholestin, Zhithai, Xuezhikang, Hung-chu, Hong-Qu, Cardio Results, and Herbalin Ruby Monascus.

Red rice yeast is commonly used in many Asian cultures as a food additive and preservative and even a food coloring. It is naturally used in Asian meals such as Peking Duck. It is made from fermenting yeast over red rice and is not an herb in itself. If fact, in some countries (such as the U.S.) it is debated over whether or not it should be classified as an actual drug.

What is Red Rice Yeast: It is hard to classify this exactly as many people consider it an herb and some feel that it should be classified as a drug. It has been used as a food supplement or additive in many Asian cultures for many centuries. Scientific studies have shown that it contains ingredients which lower blood pressure as well as many prescription high blood pressure medications. It is also a common herbal medicine in several different countries and is sometimes used as a food additive/preservative.

Home remedies using Red Rice Yeast:

Benefits of Red Rice Yeast:

There are several benefits to red rice yeast, sometimes called red yeast rice or Cholestin. It’s most common use is to lower cholesterol but it has other uses as well. For example, it has been used to treat upset stomach and even colic and indigestion. Some people swear that it helps treat hangovers. Many doctors actually suggest it for people with borderline cholesterol problems to help get their cholesterol in control and at a manageable number.

While some doctors, particular in the United States are still unsure of the safety of red rice yeast, many Chinese and Japanese cultures have been taking it regularly for years and any herbalists agree that it is helpful in many conditions. It is best that you stop using it if you have serious infection or if you undergo a surgery as it can be dangerous. You also should not take it if you consume more than 2 alcoholic beverages per day.

It's exciting to note that the National Library of Medicine grades Red Yeast Rice with an "A" for effectiveness in cholesterol reduction. I take red yeast rice myself, and reduced my total cholesterol in 1 year from 194 to 160. Also note that though I'm a healthy eater, I made no other changes in my diet during this time.

Uses of Red Rice Yeast:

  • Reduces high cholesterol
  • Treats hangovers
  • Indigestion
  • Colic
  • Soothe upset stomach
  • Capsule
  • Tincture
  • Extract
  • Powder

Side Effects of Red Rice Yeast:

Side effects of red yeast rice are rare but can include:

  • Headache
  • Stomach ache and/or bloating
  • Gas
  • Dizziness
  • Heartburn