Red Yeast Rice

Species Name:  Monascus purpureus.

Also known as: Monascus, Zhi Tai, Hong Qu, Red Koji, Red Rice, Red Rice Yeast, Xue Zhi Kang, Cholestin, Zhithai, and Xuezhikang.

Red yeast rice is not technically an herb in itself. It does not grow naturally in the form that is used for medicinal purposes. It is made from fermenting a certain type of yeast, Monascus purpureus, over red rice. It has been used for many years in certain Asian cultures and is making its way around the world to European and North American countries as well.

What is Red Yeast Rice: What is red yeast rice? This is made by fermenting a certain type of yeast over red rice. It has been used in China for many centuries as a type of herbal medicine. It is often used as dietary supplement. Red yeast rice is used in powdered form as a food coloring in Asia and in Chinese communities in North America, most commonly for coloring fish, alcoholic beverages and some types of cheese. It makes a good preservative for food as well as the dye.

Home remedies using Red Yeast Rice:

Benefits of Red Yeast Rice:

There are many benefits to red yeast rice which is why it is so commonly used, particularly in Asian communities. However, the most well-known use for it is to lower high cholesterol. In traditional Chinese medicine, it has been used to help promote blood circulation and soothe an upset stomach. It was also used to create better spleen function and filter foreign substances. It has also been used as a food dye and preservative.

The National Library of Medicine/Medline plus gives Red Yeast Rice a grade of "A" for being effective for reducing cholesterol. I can also personally attest to its effectiveness in reducing cholesterol. I reduced my total cholesterol from 194 to 160 in 1 year by adding this supplement to my diet. Though I generally eat healthy every day, it's important to note that I made no significant dietary changes during this time. My cholesterol was tested at my scheduled yearly physical, so I'm not certain how quickly my cholesterol lowered.

Red yeast rice has been used traditionally for bruised muscles, hangovers, indigestion, and even colic in infants. While it is still used for many of these things today, you should consult your physician or an herbal specialist if you are planning to try an herbal treatment or therapy. Just because it is used in herbal medicine does not mean that it is 100% safe for everyone. There are some situations where you might not want to take red yeast rice such as if you are pregnant or nursing, if you consume 2 or more alcoholic beverages per day, if you have liver disease or are at risk for liver disease or if you have a serious infection.

Uses of Red Yeast Rice:

  • Reduces high cholesterol
  • Treats hangovers
  • Indigestion
  • Colic
  • Soothe upset stomach
  • Capsule
  • As a dietary food supplement/additive

Side Effects of Red Yeast Rice:

Side effects are rare but can include:

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