Herbs for Heart Palpitations

Heart palpitations are any form of irregular, rapid or hard heartbeats. The abnormal heart behavior, although considered as harmless and less alarming may be sometimes an indication of various serious underlying heart problems, hence, it is wise to consult a medical practitioner to be on the safe side.

Heart palpitations can be triggered by vigorous exercises, strong emotions, overeating, panic, and caffeine, underlying medical conditions, some drugs and nervous system and adrenal deficiency.

The sensations which bring anxiety and great fear to the affected individuals may be felt in the throat, neck or chest.

Below we will show you the best herbs for heart palpitations. While most of the common heartbeat palpitations have no symptoms aside from heartbeat irregularities, some rare ones may be accompanied by anxiety, dizziness, a feeling of overall weakness, chest pain and shortness of breath.

Palpitations that last longer than two minutes, those that feel like a continuous fast series of heartbeats or those unrelated to fright, anger or strenuous activity should be reported to a qualified medical practitioner immediately to be advised on the same. Below are the common herbal remedies for alleviating heart palpitations.

Herbal remedies for heart palpitations

Passionflower

Passionflower whose Latin name is “Passiflora incarnata” is a unique herb that grows throughout South America and Europe. The plant has very beautiful bluish purple and white flowers as well as a climbing vine. Passionflower was historically used mainly for insomnia and anxiety but can also be used for alleviating heart palpitations.

The prestigious “University of Maryland Medical Centre” has revealed in its research¹ findings that passionflower actually helps with anxiety by increasing the levels of a calming neurotransmitter in the brain called “GABA.”

To prove the herb’s amazing health benefits, further, Dr. Tilgner who happens to be the author of the book “Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth” as well as a Naturopathic physician recommends the herb to alleviate heart palpitations that are as a result of nervousness particularly those accompanied by exhaustion and restlessness.

Passionflower which has a bland taste can be taken as a liquid extract, herbal tea or tincture. It is also advisable to use the homeopathic remedy under the close supervision of a botanical medical expert as it can interact with some medication as well as cause some side effects.

Motherwort

The Motherwort plant which is a member of the mint or Laminate family is also known by its Latin name “Leonurus cardiaca.” The plant which is native to central Asia has small pink flowers and a square stem. According to Dr. Sharon Tilgner, the Motherwort herb which has powerful anti-inflammatory, analgesic compounds, antibacterial and antioxidant properties that make it a powerful circulatory system tonic is used mainly to strengthen the heart.

Motherwort which has a relatively bitter taste can be ingested as a liquid extract, tincture or tea. The herbal remedy can prove to be very effective in alleviating palpitations particularly those caused by stress or nervousness. Pregnant mothers should refrain from using the natural herb as it has the ability to stimulate the uterus.

Bugleweed

Bugleweed which is also commonly known as “Lycopus” is an herbal plant found in the Lamiaceae family that has a bitter taste. According to the Naturopathic physician and doctor Tilgner, the herbal remedy works in alleviating heart palpitations by specifically influencing both the heart and lungs. The doctor further states that Bugleweed is very effective for irregular or rapid heartbeats, particularly those that coincide with difficulties in sleeping.

Bugleweed is also mainly used for overactive thyroid conditions to treat heart palpitations which are the common symptoms among other functions. Breastfeeding or pregnant women should refrain from taking the herbal remedy as well as people suffering from hypothyroidism as it may react badly with them.

Hawthorne

Hawthorne, whose Latin name is “Crataegus” is a flowering shrub that belongs to the rose or Rosaceous family. The herb is classically known for its amazing health benefits, particularly in treating and managing a wide range of circulatory and heart ailments.

An authoritative, detailed database of integrative medicine by the name “Natural Standard² ” has revealed that the herb’s historical use in cardiovascular-related diseases dates as back as the first century. Clinical studies that have been carried out on the herb have verified the Hawthorne herb’s efficiency in alleviating congestive heart failure.

Dr. Tilgner also suggests that the herb whose other historical uses are anxiety, irregular heartbeat, and arteriosclerosis treatment is ideal for nervous heart conditions, particularly those with feeble and rapid heart action. Hawthorne generally works by nourishing both the blood vessels and the heart thus improving the general cardiac function.

Another scientific study that was carried out in the United States of America in the year 2002 revealed that flavonoids are the key Hawthorne ingredients that provide the herb with its ability to help the body in oxygen utilization, improve circulation to the heart and increase the strength of blood vessel walls.

Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo Biloba which is highly recommended for its potent antioxidant properties can inhibit platelet aggregation as well as relaxing blood vessels. The natural herb also increases cerebral and peripheral blood flow rate during palpitations.

Ginkgo is also an effective brain tonic and general cardiovascular remedy. Extensive scientific research that has been carried out on Ginkgo Biloba has confirmed the herbal remedies efficacy in improving peripheral vascular diseases and cardiac disorders.

Ginger

The ginger herb which is a very popular herb across many cultures today works in alleviating palpitations by controlling cardiovascular conditions that actually trigger the palpitations. Research findings indicate that heart palpitations are usually caused by undetected underlying cardiovascular medical conditions, making the ginger herb an effective remedy for combating the ailments.

Apart from reducing the risk of blood clot ginger can also combat clogged arteries and atherosclerosis as well as reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels which contribute to causing palpitations.

Cayenne

The Cayenne plant which is popularly recognized as a cardiac stimulant has managed to prove that it is one of the best natural herbs that can be used to promote heart conditions. This is because it has the ability to deal with various heart conditions, including chest pain, angina Pectoris, congestive heart failure, heart palpitations and cardiac arrhythmias.

Regular consumption of Cayenne (daily) can strengthen the heart and balance overall blood circulation. Cayenne which is a stimulant encourages the heart to beat even faster, but cannot trigger it to have palpitations or irregular heartbeats.

Lavender

Most heart palpitations are normally caused by either panic attacks or anxiety. Lavender, which has a unique calming effect, can be used in herbal baths or diffusers to help the affected person relax both their nervous system and mind.

A study³  that involved twenty subjects to show the medical effects of lavender especially in alleviating palpitations proved that there is a significant drop in skin temperature, blood pressure and heart rate when one uses lavender oil as compared to using unscented base oil. This is because the natural herb seems to induce a less anxious and relaxed state of being.

CONCLUSION

The natural herbal remedies discussed above have been scientifically proven to alleviate heart palpitations. So why not try an herbal tea from the herbs above before bedtime. However, to get to understand which herbal plant is suitable for you, it is considered wise to consult a medical practitioner or botanical medical expert to advise you on the same as well as direct you on the most appropriate dosage. We hope you found Herbs for Heart Palpitations informative.