Arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats, can occur suddenly and create a state of intense discomfort, especially during periods of stress, fatigue, or emotional imbalance. Although the causes can be multiple and sometimes require medical treatment, in mild or functional forms, there are plants that can naturally regulate the heart’s rhythm. A simple infusion based on hawthorn, motherwort, and lemon balm can provide rapid and effective relief from palpitations. This combination has been used for decades in phytotherapy for its complex action on the heart and nervous system.
Recipe for the Infusion that Calms Palpitations
Ingredients (for 1 cup of 250 ml):
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1 tablespoon of a mixture of dried herbs (in equal parts: hawthorn, motherwort, lemon balm)
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250 ml boiling water
Preparation:
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Mix the dried herbs in equal proportions and store them in a glass jar.
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Place 1 tablespoon of the obtained mixture into a cup.
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Pour 250 ml of boiling water over it.
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Cover and let it steep for 10-12 minutes.
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Strain and consume warm.
Method of Administration
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You can consume 1-2 cups per day, one in the morning and one in the evening, on an empty stomach.
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The treatment can last for 2-3 weeks, followed by a 7-day break.
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Daily use without breaks for a long time is not recommended, as the plants have an active effect on heart rhythm.
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It is essential for individuals undergoing heart treatment to consult a doctor before consumption.
Benefits of the Infusion: How Each Plant Acts
1. Hawthorn: The Protector of the Heart Muscle
Hawthorn is renowned for its tonic effects on the heart. The active substances in the plant, such as flavonoids and proanthocyanidins, improve the oxygenation of the heart muscle and dilate the coronary blood vessels. This helps reduce blood pressure and calm the accelerated heart rhythm. In functional arrhythmias, hawthorn contributes to restoring the balance between heartbeats and breathing. It also supports the heart’s resistance to effort and stress, being useful in cases of recurrent palpitations.
2. Motherwort: A Natural Regulator of Heart Rhythm
Motherwort is one of the most effective plants for arrhythmias associated with nervous tension or anxiety. It contains alkaloids, flavonoids, and iridoids that have a direct sedative effect on the central nervous system and the myocardium. It reduces the electrical excitability of the heart and has a moderate hypotensive action. It is frequently used in cases of tachycardia, extrasystoles, or accelerated pulse due to emotional causes. It also helps lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels.
3. Lemon Balm: A Calming Agent for Stress-Sensitive Hearts
Lemon balm has a well-known relaxing effect, often recommended for insomnia, anxiety, and functional heart disorders. The active substances, such as rosmarinic acid, citral, and eugenol, act on GABA receptors, inducing a state of calm and mental balance. In cases of palpitations, lemon balm is extremely useful as it reduces the heart’s exaggerated response to emotional stimuli. It is particularly effective in arrhythmias of nervous origin and helps improve sleep quality. Additionally, it contributes to balancing blood pressure in times of stress.
Relevant Scientific Studies
Study 1: The Efficacy of Hawthorn in Regulating Heart Rhythm
A study published in the American Journal of Medicine evaluated the effects of hawthorn extract on patients with heart failure and benign arrhythmias. For 8 weeks, 209 patients received standardized hawthorn extract (900 mg/day). The results showed a significant reduction in episodes of irregular heartbeats, as well as an improvement in exercise tolerance. EKG tests confirmed stabilization of heart rhythm in over 60% of participants. A reduction in systolic blood pressure was also observed. Hawthorn was well tolerated, with no severe adverse reactions. Researchers highlighted the moderate cardioprotective and antiarrhythmic effect of the plant. The mechanism appears to involve decreased myocardial excitability and improved coronary flow. The study supports the use of hawthorn as an adjunct in mild cardiac rhythm disorders, especially those of functional origin.
Study 2: Lemon Balm in Arrhythmias Due to Anxiety
Another clinical study, published in Phytomedicine, tested the efficacy of lemon balm in patients with palpitations of neurovegetative origin. 56 patients with irregular heartbeats and moderate anxiety received lemon balm extract (600 mg/day) for 2 weeks. The results showed a clear reduction in the frequency of palpitations and an improvement in anxiety and insomnia symptoms. The electrical activity of the heart was monitored by EKG, which showed stabilization of sinus rhythm in most patients. Researchers associated these effects with GABAergic action and lemon balm’s ability to regulate the HPA axis (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal). Lemon balm was very well tolerated and did not cause excessive drowsiness. The study concluded that the plant can be used in functional arrhythmias without major adverse effects, being a natural alternative in rhythm disorders of psychological origin.
Contraindications and Precautions
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Hypotension – the plants can lower blood pressure, thus worsening hypotension.
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Bradycardia – should not be administered if the heart rate is already low.
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Pregnant or breastfeeding women – motherwort is contraindicated.
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Individuals under treatment with beta-blockers, antiarrhythmics, or sedatives – concurrent administration should be avoided.
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Allergies to any of the plants – adverse reactions such as rashes, nausea, or dizziness may occur.
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No overdosing – do not exceed the dose (1 tablespoon to 250 ml), as excessive sedation or a sudden drop in pulse may occur.
Sources:
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American Journal of Medicine – Hawthorn extract improves symptoms and cardiac function in heart failure: A meta-analysis.
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Phytomedicine – Melissa officinalis in the treatment of functional palpitations and anxiety: A double-blind randomized clinical trial.
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Planta Medica – Leonurus cardiaca and its cardioactive properties: A review.
