Which are the home remedies for heart palpitations?
Home remedies for palpitations are many. Different cultures have discovered cures in their herbs and food to treat palpitations in an easy and naturally way. Below we will list a very long list of home remedies that can be used to treat palpitations. We can regroup the different home remedies in five groups as follows:
A- Home remedies that are of great help in lowering your heart rate and are of great help in the treatment of palpitation caused by tachycardia (Vagal maneuvers).
B – Home remedies that are of great help in the treatment of palpitations caused by electrolyte depletion.
C – Home remedies that are of great help in the treatment of palpitations caused by bowel distention.
D- Home remedies which improve cardiac function and are of great help in the treatment of palpitations in patients with known cardiac disease.
E- Home remedies which are of great help in the treatment of palpitations caused by excessive adrenalin release, anxiety and other neuro-psychological disorders.
What are their names and their mechanism of actions?
Some of these remedies exist like tinctures and tablets in drug store. Take your doctor’s advice when before using them, because some of them may have unwanted effects or may exacerbate other symptoms.
A – Home remedies that are of great help in lowering your heart rate and are of great help in the treatment of palpitation caused by tachycardia (Vagal maneuvers)
1-Cold water: drinking a glass of cold water of having a cold shower may help to slow your heart rate and in specific cases may stop palpitations (especially in case of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia).
2-Deep breathing and then holding exhale during tachycardia may be of help. This is what doctors call “Valsalva maneuver”.
B – Home remedies that are of great help in the tretament of palpitations caused by electrolyte depletion.
3-Bananas are high-rich with potassium, an important electrolyte for the heart electricity system. People with low potassium blood levels (hypokalemia) experience arrhythmia and palpitations. This is why they should eat bananas to rise their potassium blood concentration in a naturally way (by doing so they treat palpitations).
4-Blackstrap molasses can help you relieve your palpitations especially those related to Magnesium, Calcium or Potassium depletion. Blackstrap molasses are of help in the treatment of palpitations because they are reach in Magnesium, Calcium and Potassium.
C – Home remedies that are of great help in the treatment of palpitations caused by bowel distention.
5-Coriander (botanical name- coriandrum sativum) and Anise are of help in the treatment of palpitations related to indigestion (stomach gas, flatulence etc.). It is a wide spread herb in the Mediterranean countries, which has so many health benefits because it is rich in vitamins (A, B, C, K) and are primary used to treat indigestion symptoms.
6-Canela (botanical name-cinnamomum verum) is of help in relieving palpitations caused by bowel distention (indigestion, flatulence, GERD etc.). Moreover Canela improve blood circulation and help in stabilizing the Blood Pressure (B.P) by doing so they contribute in stabilizing heart rhythm and palpitations. Canela is a widely used in culinary and in traditional medicine. It has been considered as a medicinal herb since ancient times.
7-Passion flower (botanical name- passiflora incarnate) is of greta help in the tretament of palpitations related to anxiety and bowel distention. It has been used as sedative, to treat gastrointestinal spasms and also tachycardia, hypertension and many other conditions.
D- Home remedies which improve cardiac function and are of greta help in the treatment of palpitations in patients with kown cardiac disease.
8-Snake gourd (botanical name-Trichosanthes anguiana) si also known as Chinese cucumber, is wide spread in India and it is a vagetable. This remedy has many curative properties in many symptoms (fever, diabetes, alopecia, jaundice, constipation etc.) but it has positive effects on heart disorders by improving blood circulation on your heart at rest and on physical activity. Snake gourd leaves are used to treat pain and heart palpitations in heavy physical activity.
9-Honey and lemon are quite delicious when mixed together and you can use it as a nice drink to fight your palpitations. Honey improves cardiac circulation and the heart muscle contraction. Lemon is rich with vitamin C. All these effects are of help in stabilizing cardiac activity, function and rhythm (by doing so they relieve palpitations).
10-Espino or hawthorn (botanical name- Crataegus laevigata, Crataegus monogyna) Has mild but positive effect on heart health and blood circulation, making it a good preventive therapy for people with impaired cardiac function. By doing so it’s of great help in patients with impared cardiac function.
11-Garlic (botanical name- Allium sativum) was first used by Greeks and Romans. Improves immune system and fights infections. Garlic has positive effects on B.P, dyslipidemia and inflammatory process which are often associated with palpitations.
E- Home remedies which are of great help in the treatment of palpitations caused by excessive adrenalin release, anxiety and other neuro-psychological disorders.
12-Chamomile tea (botanical name- chamomile, matricaria recutita, Chamomilla recutita) has many properties: antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and sedative. All these effects especially sedative and anti-inflammatory effects are of help in the treatment of palpitations.
13-Ashwagandha (botanical name- Withania somnifera) is of help on controlling palpitations. Ashwagandha is the name of Indian ginseng used for 2500 years by humankind as a medicine herbal. It is considered as a possible cancer treatment and is a good antioxidant. Also it’s of help in stabilizing hypothalamus, adrenal axis. By doing so it’s stabilize adrenalin release and it’s of help in controlling palpitations.
14-Valerian (botanical name- Valeriana officinalis) is of help in controlling palpitations caused by anxiety. Valerian is one of the most important medicinal herbs due to its effects on calming the nerves and anxiety. By doing so valerian reduce the adrenalin release and by doing so stabilize palpitations.
15-Motherwort (botanical name- Leonurus cardiaca) is a perennial herb that grows in north America and is wide spread in Europe. It is used for centuries as a folk remedy of chest discomfort. The Latin name cardiaca is because this plant has an ancient reputation for curing heart disease. Motherwort has a positive effects on cardiac circulation and is of great help in controlling palpitations.
16-Spearmint (botanical name- Mentha spicata) is of great help in the treatment of palpitation caused by bowel distention (flatulence). Spearmint is a native mint in Europe and Asia known for it’s curative effects since ancient times.
17-Lavender ( Botanical name- Lavandula angustifolia, Lavandula officinalis) and is mostly used externally. Lavender is of great help in the treatment of palpitations associated with stress, anxiety and other mood disorders. Lavender has central nervous relaxing effect and by doing so reduce the secretion of adrenalin.
18-Ginkgo Biloba (botanical name- same) is of great help in the treatment of palpitation related to stress and anxiety. It has anti-oxidative properties and it increases the body production of ATP (the energy molecule in our body) nad this is why it has many uses. One of principal uses is to reduce stress and anxiety level and by doing so is of great help in the treatment of palpitations caused by excessive production of adrenaline (stress, anxiety etc.)
19-Passion flower (botanical name- passiflora incarnate) is of greta help in the tretament of palpitations related to anxiety and bowel distention. It has been used as sedative, to treat gastrointestinal spasms and also tachycardia, hypertension and many other conditions.
Any side effects?
1-Cold water does not have any side effects. But it may not be quite comfortable because long showers with cold water can give hypothermia.
2-Bananas have many health properties but people who have high levels of potassium must not eat them because hyperkalemia damages heart function.
3-Blackstrap molasses must be carefully used if you have high blood levels of minerals that are found in it.
4-Deep breathing helps in palpitations during panic attacks. But if you have a lung disease that traps air in the lungs like emphysema may be is better to try another home remedy for heart palpitations. Elderly and those with previous heart disease must not practice the Valsalva maneuver.
5-The only ‘side effect’ of honey and lemon is that they are the best remedies you can find.
6-Coriander is considered safe but its seeds may cause any allergy effect. Nursing mothers and pregnant women must not take excessive amounts. Anise must not used in pregnancy and has potential to cause allergies. Anise oil used internally may cause nausea, vomiting and even pulmonary edema.
7-Snake gourd leaves must be used as home remedy for heart palpitations. Seeds when taken overdose may cause gastric side effects like vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea (laxative effect). The roots of the plant are more dangerous: in high doses they lead to abortion of pregnant women. So use only the leaves of the plant.
8-Canela (cinnamon) must carefully consumed by people who have gastric ulcers because it can irritate the stomach mucosa.
9-Garlic when combined with warfarin may rise the risk for bleeding. It must not be taken with drugs that thin the blood (indomethacin, dipyridamole, aspirin and warfarin).
10-Chamomile tea is not recommended for pregnant women. Enhances the effects of blood thinning drugs (Coumadin, warfarin) and the sedative drugs (xanax, ativan and valium). Aggravates hay fever and asthma and allergies reactions have been seen.
11-Withania somnifera when taken in large amounts causes stomach problems. Do not use it with barbiturates drugs or during lactation and pregnancy.
12-Valerian is used only in mild cases of palpitations and pregnant women must not take it. Do not mix it with alcohol and sedative drugs. Valerian root has been given a class 1 safety rating by the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA).
13-Espino can interfere with other medication you may take so consult your doctor before using it. Pregnant women must not use.
14-Motherwort can cause contact dermatitis. The herb is a heart stimulant so it should only been used under a doctor’s supervision, especially for people taking synthetic heart medicine. Avoid use if you have heavy menstrual bleeding and during pregnancy it must be taken under a health care provider.
15-Spearmint oil must not be used in pregnant women and GERD.
16-Lavender may increase the effects of sedatives and antidepressants due to the relaxation properties. When lavender oil is taken in large doses orally it can be toxic and induces muscular convulsions. Avoid direct contact with mucosa and eyes. There is evidence that oral use may develop breasts in boys. Also pregnant women must not use it.
17-Ginkgo Biloba side effects are: increased risk of bleeding, gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, dizziness, and restlessness. In these cases it should be discontinued. Don’t take it when you are using anticoagulants or monoamine oxidase inhibitors drugs. Consult doctor how to use it.
18-Passion flower interferes with other medicines like MAO inhibitors. Has cumulative effect for sedatives.
How to take?Dosage?
This method of treatment is believed to have no side effects and in most cases is true- they usually have no side effects.
1-Drink a glass of cold water and ice. Splashing cold water or cold shower can be effective too.
2-Eat a banana a day for good health.
3-Blackstrap molasses recipe: Mix 1 Tbsp of blackstrap molasses in a cup of water and drink it or mix 2 tsp of blackstrap molasses and apple cider vinegar in a cup of water. Use one of these option as a daily treatment for palpitations.
4-How to do a deep breathing: First, sit in a cross-legged position in a comfortable manner. Breathe deeply and slowly through your nose than exhale the air. Repeat this until the heart rate returns to normal. Valsalva maneuver is done by closing mouth and nose and exhale forcefully.
5-Mix honey and lemon in a glass of water in an empty stomach in the morning or take it before bed. One tablespoon of honey after food every day can help you fight and prevent all heart troubles.
6-Mix coriander powder, aniseed powder and honey (or jaggery) in equal propotions and have 6 grams of this mixture after meal.
7- Drink snake gourd leaves juice 2-3 tbsp thrice a day.
8-Canela. Drink a glass of warm water with a spoon of cinnamon power in it. You can add honey if you like. Also you can add cinnamon in your everyday tea or coffee.
9-Garlic can be added in food while cooking and make them delicious. You can have it as fresh or powder. There are also garlic supplements that are coated. Odorless alternatives tend to be less effective.
10-Chamomile tea can be used as much as you like. You can add honey and cinnamon for taste.
11- Withania somnifera. You can use the leaves or the roots powder. Dosage is 3-5 grams of powder leaves or half tablespoon.
12-Valerian tea can be made by boiling the plant roots for 10-15 minutes. You can find it as capsule and tincture as well.
13-Espino needs a doctors or a herbalist consulting about the dosage and how to use it.
14-Motherwort can be consumed as a tea or tincture. Just a few drops of tincture are enough.
15-Spearmint can be consumed as tea prepared by boiling some fresh mint leaves in water for five minutes.
16-Lavender bath with drops of lavender oil calms the nervous system.
17-Ginkgo Biloba: consult a doctor how to take it because of side effects.
18-Passion flower: consult a doctor. It is available as dry herb, tea, tincture, as extracts or in capsule/tablet form. 4-8 grams/day of the dried herb can be taken in divided doses.
There are many herbal plants that are not found easily and they are produced in the form of capsules, powders, oils etc. and you can find them in the drug store. They are supplements and all of them must be taken according to the doctor’s advice because there may be related side effects.
Do not go in overdose. Read carefully the instructions wrote in the package and search advice from a health provider. Also mineral supplements like magnesium and some vitamins like C, B3, B12, D and E can help you with your heart palpitations. Also food you eat every day has a major role in your general and heart health. Avoid alcohol, coffee, smoking, be active, consume fresh fruits and vegetables, avoid stress and illegal drugs.
There are many home remedies for heart palpitations but above we listed what are the most easily to find and use. We can list 40 or more of these herbals that help in relieving palpitation in direct and indirect way. A healthy lifestyle is the best cure and diseases must be noticed in time and treated regularly in order to live longer and healthier.
If you have questions, have noticed any side effects or if it is not clear for you how to use these herbals please talk to your doctor or any health care provider who knows herbals and their use.