Numerous herbs are capable of increasing your heart rate. According to MayoClinic.com, a typical adult resting heart rate is 60 to 100 beats per minute. Certain herbs can have a stimulative effect on your body, causing an elevation in heart rate. Before taking herbs that may cause your heart rate to increase, talk with your doctor about other possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Bitter Orange
Bitter orange is an herb that may cause your heart rate to increase. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, or NCCAM, bitter orange, also known as Citrus aurantium, is often used as a substitute for ephedra, a powerful stimulant. The dried fruit and peel are used medicinally to treat numerous health problems, including acid indigestion, decreased appetite, nasal congestion and excessive weight. Bitter orange may also be used topically to help treat fungal infections. According to the NCCAM, bitter orange contains synephrine, a substance that may elevate your heart rate and blood pressure. You should exercise caution when taking bitter orange, as this herb has caused fainting, heart attack and stroke in seemingly healthy individuals. Before taking bitter orange to help treat your health condition, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage, potential drug interactions and whether this herb is safe for you to use.
Ma Huang
Ma huang is an herb that may cause an elevation in your heart rate. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that ma huang, also known as Ephedra sinica, has been used by practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years to treat numerous health problems, including asthma and bronchitis. Ma huang, a shrub native to parts of Central Asia, may also be used to treat cold and flu, nasal congestion, cough, fever and chills. According to Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," the principle active ingredient in ma haung is ephedrine. Ephedrine stimulates your central nervous system and increases the metabolic rate of your adipose, or fat, tissue. Tilgner notes that large doses of ma huang can cause heart palpitations, elevated blood pressure and headache. Before taking ma huang to help treat your health conditions, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Coffee
Coffee is an herb that may raise your heart rate. According to Purdue University, coffee, also known as Coffea arabica, is an evergreen shrub or small tree that grows to a height of about 15 feet, when unpruned. Dr. William A. Mitchell Jr., a naturopathic doctor and author of the book "Plant Medicine in Practice," states that coffee contains the alkaloid caffeine, a known adrenal gland and nervous system stimulant. Mitchell notes that coffee may be used, in moderation, as a mild stimulant. However, coffee may contribute to an insulin imbalance in your body and is a mild hyperglycemic. Coffee is also mildly addicting and may disrupt your body's electrolyte balance, causing cardiac dysrhythmia, or an abnormal heart rhythm. Before taking coffee as a mild stimulant, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Guarana
Guarana is an herb that may cause an elevation in your heart rate. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, or MSKCC, states that guarana, also known as Paullinia cupana, has been used for numerous health-related purposes, including appetite suppression, central nervous system stimulation, fatigue and improving sexual performance. The crushed seeds of the plant are used medicinally. Guarana is a stimulant because of its high caffeine content. Caffeine consumption causes cardiac stimulation, increased blood pressure and hyperglycemia. According to the MSKCC, you may experience adverse reactions if you take this herb, including anxiety, agitation, headache, irritability, nausea, tremors, vomiting, diarrhea and tachycardia, or increased heart rate. Before taking guarana to help treat your health problems, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
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