Elevated heart rate, or tachycardia, is a resting heart rate that is faster than normal. MayoClinic.com states that the average adult heart rate is between 60 and 100 beats per minute while you are at rest, and that your heart rate is governed by electrical impulses that travel throughout your cardiac tissue. Heart abnormalities may cause alterations in your heart's electrical transmission, resulting in tachycardia. Some herbs may be helpful in slowing your heart rate. Always talk with your doctor about herbs before using them for this health purpose.
Elevated Heart Rate
Prolonged elevated heart rate is a type of arrhythmia, or a disorder of your heart rate or rhythm. In many cases, elevated heart rate does not cause any symptoms or serious long-term health complications. Some people with this condition, however, may experience dizziness, shortness of breath, light-headedness and a rapid pulse, and elevated heart rate. If not treated in an appropriate manner, an elevated heart rate may boost your risk of stroke or cause cardiac arrest.
Helpful Herbs
Several herbs may be helpful in decreasing your heart rate and reducing the occurrence of heart palpitations, although few herbs historically used for this purpose have been examined using rigorous scientific testing procedures. Herbal medicine expert and naturopathic physician Sharol Tilgner, author of "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that pleurisy root, bugleweed, passionflower, valerian, Siberian ginseng, motherwort, hawthorn and lemon balm may be helpful in treating your elevated heart rate.
Herb in Focus: Bugleweed
Bugleweed is an herbal remedy that has traditionally been prescribed by naturopathic physicians, herbalists and other health care providers to treat your tachycardia. Bugleweed, notes herbal medicine expert and naturopathic physician William A. Mitchell Jr., author of "Plant Medicine in Practice," helps lower your heart rate while enhancing the pumping action of your heart. Bugleweed, which is regarded as a heart tonic, possesses both diuretic and astringent action. This herb has also been used to stop hemorrhaging. Talk to your doctor before using herbal remedies to treat any medical condition.
Warning
Tachycardia may be a sign of a serious underlying health problem that requires immediate medical intervention. If you experience the symptoms associated with this health problem, report to your family physician at your earliest possible convenience to be properly evaluated and diagnosed. A health care professional can counsel you on your treatment options and provide you with valuable information about the advantages and disadvantages of herbal treatments. Ask your doctor what herbs may or may not be appropriate for you.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Tachycardia
- PubMed Health: Arrhythmias
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
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