Herbs to Help Heart Palpitations

Heart palpitations occur for many reasons. Nervous system issues, such as high stress or anxiety, can cause the heart to beat rapidly or irregularly. Women going through menopause may experience heart palpitations during a hot flash episode. Herbal remedies offer a natural solution to the often-perplexing problem of heart palpitations. Consult your physician before you add any herbal supplements to your health treatment plan.

Black Haw Root Bark

• Black haw root bark is a potent herb capable of strengthening the heart. It is an antispasmodic and contains phytosterols. Look for it in tincture form in most health food stores and take according to package directions.

Motherwort

• Motherwort is used for heart palpitations. Traditional Chinese doctors prescribed motherwort to treat a racing heart and high blood pressure. "It has a calming effect and also directly lowers blood pressure," according to "The Doctors Book of Herbal Home Remedies." Motherwort is readily available at health food stores. Take according to package directions.

Valerian

• Valerian tea is a popular option to treat stress. Drink valerian tea to ease symptoms of a racing heart. Valerian is widely available in most health food stores. It is also available in tincture and capsule form. Take according to package directions.

Hawthorn

• Hawthorn is considered a heart strengthener. It acts as a dilator of the heart muscle while promoting a regular heartbeat. Hawthorn is best when standardized for a flavonoid called vetexin. This form is available in capsules. Alternatively, hawthorn is made in tincture form. Most health food stores carry both.