Herbal Arrhythmia Medicine

If you have a cardiac arrhythmia, you have a problem with the rate or rhythm of your heartbeat. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute states that if you have arrhythmia, your pulse may be too fast or too slow. Your pulse may also possess an atypical rhythm. In most cases, irregular heartbeats or rhythm are not dangerous, although they can be life-threatening in some individuals. Various herbal medicines have been used to control heart rate and rhythm. Ask your doctor about herbal medicines before using them.

Arrhythmia

The National Center for Biotechnology Information states that cardiac arrhythmias arise from problems in your heart's electrical conducting system. Some of the most commonly experienced signs and symptoms of cardiac arrhythmias include chest pain or discomfort, heart palpitations, fainting, dizziness, pale complexion, difficulty breathing, sweating, and skipped heartbeats. Arrhythmia complications can be dire and include heart attack, stroke and sudden death. Other possible complications include angina and heart failure.

Appropriate Herbal Medicines

Numerous herbal medicines may be appropriate for treating cardiac arrhythmias. According to Phyllis Balch, a nutrition researcher and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," herbal medicines that help regulate your heart rhythm include borage seed, nettle, pau d'arco, alfalfa, black cohosh, oat straw, valerian, passionflower, wood betony and skullcap. Other herbal medicines that may help strengthen your heart muscle and improve your heart's pumping ability include ginger root and ginkgo.

Featured Herb

Black cohosh is an herbal medicine that may effectively treat cardiac arrhythmias. According to Balch, black cohosh is particularly helpful in treating cardiovascular and circulatory disorders, although this remedy has also been used to treat menopausal symptoms, menstrual cramps, venomous snake bites and arthritis. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that the roots of the black cohosh plant are used in herbal preparations. Black cohosh is also called black snakeroot.

Considerations

Most cases of irregular heart rate and rhythm are not dangerous, although some cases can be fatal. If you experience any of the symptoms associated with this condition, visit your health care provider as quickly as possible to be properly diagnosed and treated. Herbal medicines are often used in conjunction with other therapies suggested by your doctor. Gather as much information about herbal medicines as possible before using herbs to treat your ailments.