Heart palpitations are skipped or extra heartbeats or a heartbeat that does not feel right. According to the Family Doctor website, the underlying cause of heart palpitations cannot be found in approximately 1 out of every 7 people with this health problem. In most cases, heart palpitations caused by unknown factors are not life threatening. Before using wood betony or other herbal remedies to help treat your heart palpitations, review herb-related topics with your primary care provider.
Heart Palpitations
Numerous factors may cause heart palpitations, notes the Cleveland Clinic, including caffeine consumption, exercise, prescription drugs such as beta blockers, decongestants and cough and cold medication, nicotine, pregnancy and numerous other health problems, including anemia, dehydration and hypoglycemia. Heart palpitations, when combined with dizziness, confusion, light-headedness and breathing problems, may be indicative of a serious underlying health problem. Natural approaches to treating heart palpitations include eliminating alcohol and caffeine from your diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking and reducing your stress levels.
Wood Betony Description
Wood betony, also known as Stachys officinalis, is a perennial plant that grows to a height of about 2 feet. This plant possesses oval-shaped leaves and bears flowers that bloom from July to September. Wood betony's preferred habitat is dry grassland and meadows, and it grows in certain parts of North Africa, Asia and Europe. The leaves of the wood betony plant are used medicinally and contain numerous important phytochemicals and nutrients, including betaine, caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, choline, magnesium and manganese.
Herb Actions and Uses
Wood betony possesses numerous health actions and uses. Certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," states that wood betony helps stimulate proper functioning of your heart and has historically been used in treating cardiovascular disorders. This herbal remedy may also be beneficial in treating muscle tension, anxiety, headaches and nerve pain. A larger volume of scientific research studies may be needed to validate the purported health benefits of this herbal remedy.
Considerations
Heart palpitations, though often harmless, may signal the presence of an underlying health problem that requires medical intervention and management. Herbal remedies, including wood betony, may not be enough to treat or resolve your ailment, and herbs should only be used if you are under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional. Herbs may cause undesired health effects in certain individuals and should always be treated with the utmost caution. Ask your doctor if this natural healing approach is appropriate for you and your health problem.
References
- Family Doctor: Heart Palpitations
- Cleveland Clinic: Arrhythmia: Heart Palpitations
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
