Atrial fibrillation, also known as cardiac arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat, occurs when your heart's upper chambers beat out of rhythm with the lower chambers. You may experience heart palpitations, shortness of breath, a rapid drop in blood pressure, chest pain and lightheadedness. Atrial fibrillation can be a chronic condition or it can be triggered by stress or an underlying disease, such as heart problems, high blood pressure or a viral infection. Herbs and food may help control or prevent this condition, but consult your health care provider for a diagnosis before starting herbal treatment.
Herbal and Food Actions
Herbs for atrial fibrillation have various actions. Some herbs may relax and strengthen your heart muscle, and relieve chest tightness and pain. Heart tonics normalize heart rhythm, while nervine herbs relieve stress and may help control the high blood pressure that can trigger atrial fibrillation. Heart-healthy foods may help prevent heart disease and atrial fibrillation, according to Mayoclinic.com. Check with a qualified practitioner for advice about the dosage and preparation of herbs for atrial fibrillation.
Arjuna
Arjuna, or Terminalia arjuna, is a tree native to Western India. Ayurvedic practitioners use the bark to treat all types of heart disease, including cardiac arrhythmia, angina pectoris, heart failure and coronary artery disease. The bark is rich in glycosides, flavonoids, tannins and minerals, and has cardiotonic and antioxidant actions. In his 2001 book, "The One Earth Herbal Sourcebook," herbalist and Asian medicine specialist Alan Keith Tillotson, Ph.D., D. Ay., calls arjuna the premier heart tonic in Ayurvedic medicine, and recommends it for strengthening weak cardiac muscles. Do not combine this herb with other heart or blood pressure medicines.
Night-blooming Cereus
Night-blooming cereus, or Selenicereus grandiflorus, is a flowering cactus native to Central America. Herbalists use the stems, flowers and juice to treat angina, shortness of breath and rheumatism. Herbalist Christopher Hobbs recommends it for heart palpitations that may be rooted in nervous system disorders. This cactus may have a stimulating effect on your heart, dilating blood vessels and relieving chest pain. Do not use it if you are taking digitalis or other heart medicine.
Foods
Mayoclinic.com recommends heart-healthy foods, such as vegetables and fruits, for atrial fibrillation. These foods are rich in antioxidants, which fight free radical damage to cells and tissues that can lead to heart disease and arrhythmia. Foods such as seafood, eggs and milk contain the amino acid taurine, which is also important for your cardiovascular system. In their 2000 book, "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," Dr. James F. Balch and Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, note that taurine and may help stabilize your heartbeat and correct arrhythmias. Check with your doctor for drug interactions if you are taking heart medication.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Atrial Fibrillation
- "The One Earth Herbal Sourcebook"; Alan Keith Tillotson, Ph.D., D. Ay.; 2001
- Christopher Hobbs: Herbal Prescriber Database
- Mayo Clinic: Heart-healthy Diet
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, and James F. Balch, M.D.; 2000
