Heart palpitations are sensations of fluttering, pounding or rapid heartbeats. They can result from stress, exercise, caffeine or certain medications. Although they may feel worrisome, palpitations are typically harmless. However, they can occasionally signal an underlying medical condition. Certain herbs and supplements may help diminish palpitations. Before using natural remedies, consult a doctor trained in botanical medicine and nutrition for a diagnosis, personalized guidance and safety considerations.
Hawthorn
Hawthorn, also known by the Latin name Crataegus, is an herb employed by natural medicine practitioners to address a wide range of health ailments related to the heart and blood vessels. Hawthorn is a thorny shrub that grows throughout the world. Its leaves, flowers and berries are used to make medicine. The University of Maryland Medical Center says that hawthorn's traditional uses include the treatment of high blood pressure, chest pain, atherosclerosis and irregular heartbeats. Hawthorn is high in flavonoids -- substances that benefit the heart by diminishing cellular damage and assisting in cell repair.
Motherwort
Motherwort, also called Leonurus cardiaca, is a herb that's used for menstrual problems, nerve pain and heart problems, according to Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth." The motherwort plant is a member of the mint family, and its bitter-tasting above-ground parts are used medicinally. Tilgner says that motherwort strengthens the heart and is especially helpful for palpitations that are secondary to nervousness or emotional stress.
Carnitine
Carnitine is a nutrient that assists the body in metabolizing fatty acids for energy. This energy production is especially useful for the heart, as well as skeletal muscle and other organs. According to Drs. Michael Murray and Joseph Pizzorno, naturopathic physicians and authors of the "Textbook of Natural Medicine," certain people may be deficient in carnitine, perhaps because of dietary deficiency, genetic disorders, digestive problems or ailments of the liver or kidneys. For deficient individuals, carnitine supplementation may help correct heart problems like angina, inflamed heart muscle, elevated fats in the blood and irregular heartbeats.
CoQ10
Coenzyme Q10, also called CoQ10, is a compound found naturally in the body that's involved with the cellular production of energy. According to Murray and Pizzorno, CoQ10 can be abnormally low in people for the same reasons as carnitine deficiency, as well as being a side effect of certain medications. CoQ10 functions as an antioxidant and helps the heart muscle to contract optimally. It can therefore be therapeutic for numerous cardiovascular problems, including those that may underlie the experience of palpitations.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Heart Palpitations
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Hawthorn
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
- "Textbook of Natural Medicine"; Joseph E. Pizzorno, N.D., and Michael T. Murray, N.D.; 2006
