Herbal or Other Treatments for Heart Palpatations

Herbal or Other Treatments for Heart Palpatations
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Numerous herbs may be helpful in treating your heart palpitations. According to MedlinePlus, palpitations are a series of heartbeats that feel as though your heart is pounding or racing. Possible causes of heart palpitations include anxiety, substance abuse and certain medical conditions, such as over-active thyroid. Before taking herbal remedies to help treat your heart palpitations, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.

Motherwort

Motherwort is an herbal remedy that may be helpful in treating your heart palpitations. According to Botanical.com, motherwort, also known as Leonurus cardiaca, is a plant native to certain parts of Europe. Motherwort, a member of the mint family, thrives on gravelly banks or under hedges, has a bitter taste and possesses drying tendencies. The aerial parts of the plant in bud stage are used medicinally to help treat numerous health problems, including heart palpitations. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that motherwort is an antispasmodic and nervine that has been used to treat nervous palpitations, nerve tension and nerve pain associated with herpes zoster, or shingles. Before taking motherwort to help treat your heart palpitations, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.

Hawthorn

Hawthorn is an herbal remedy that may be beneficial in treating your heart palpitations. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that hawthorn, also known as Crataegus species, is a common thorny shrub that grows in sunny wooded areas throughout the world. Hawthorn, a member of the rose family, has a sweet and sour taste and slightly warming tendency. The flowers, leaves and berries of the plant are used medicinally to help treat numerous health problems, including heart palpitations. According to Ed Smith, an herbalist and author of the book "Therapeutic Herb Manual," hawthorn is a restorative tonic for your heart and blood vessels, helps control your blood pressure and regulates the strength and rhythm of your heart beats. Before taking hawthorn to help treat your heart palpitations, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.

Valerian

Valerian is an herbal remedy that may be effective in treating your heart palpitations. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, valerian, also known as Valeriana officinalis, is a plant native to Europe and Asia, although it now grows in North America too. Valerian, a member of the valerianaceae family, has an aromatic, sweet and spicy taste and slightly warming tendencies. The root of the plant is used medicinally to help treat numerous health problems, including heart palpitations. Tilgner states that valerian is a relaxing nervine, sedative, antispasmodic and hypotensive. Valerian, notes Tilgner, has been used to help treat nervous palpitations, nervous irritation, anxiety, emotional stress, pain and cardiovascular arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats. Before taking valerian to help treat your heart palpitations, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.

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Article reviewed by Jenna Marie Last updated on: Nov 17, 2010

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