Heart Tremors refer to Arrhythmia, irregular Heart beats. Tachycardia means a rapid Heart beat. Palpitations are notable rapid or irregular Heart beats which are felt. Both may come from either excess, deficiency or obstruction. Excess are from Heat or Phlegm; deficient types are from Qi, Yin or Yang deficiency; obstruction is of Qi and Blood stasis. Due to the fact that there is irregularity in the flow of Vital Spirit (Qi), medicines to settle and regulate the Wind are often used.
Special Herbs
1. Indian Spikenard has been widely used for Palpitations and Arrhythmias i. Indian Spikenard, Arjuna ii. Indian Spikenard, Arjuna, Boerhaavia, Sida cordifolia (Ayurveda) iii. Indian Spikenard with Mastic, Aloeswood, Cinnamon (as in Aloeswood Powder for Palpitations) iv. Indian Spikenard with Aloeswood, Rose, Mastic, Cinnamon, Clove, Nutmeg (as in Troches of Aloeswood) v. Indian Spikenard with Mastic, Aloeswood, Cinnamon, Clove, Nutmeg, Cardamon, Citron peel, Musk vi. Indian Spikenard, Isatis Folium Da Qing Ye, Codonopsis Dang Shen, Ginseng, Cinnamon twig (Gui Zhi), Bitter Orange (Zhi Ke), Licorice. This was used in a clinical trial with an effectiveness of 83%. (Chen & Chen)
Western Tradition
Simples
Aloeswood Rose Basil seed Emblic Myrobalan Licorice Frankincense Amber Musk
Sandalwood Indian Spikenard Dodder Yellow Myrobalan Cinnamon Saffron Pearl Camphor
Heart Yin Deficiency Heat Palpitations, insomnia, heat of the palms and soles, dry mouth and throat, dizzy, tinnitus, nightsweats or spontaneous sweating, forgetful, dry stool
Heart and Kidney Deficiency Loss of Communication between Heart and Kidney Palpitations, irritability, restless, insomnia, night sweats, red tongue, thready and rapid pulse.
Yang Deficiency palpitations, shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, fatigue, cold extremities, spontaneous sweating, fearful, pale or dull complexion, pitting edema, frequent urine.
Blood Stasis Palpitations with sharp chest pain, heaviness or pressure of the chest, cyanosis of the lips, tongue and nail beds, spontaneous sweating, irritability, restlessness, dull tongue color and choppy pulse
Wen Xin Keli Indian Spikenard Codonopsis Dang Shen Notoginseng San Qi Polygonatum Huang Jing, Amber This is used for Palpitations and Arrhythmisa. It has been studied for effectiveness.
Powder for Palpitation from Heat Melon seed Cucumber seed Gourd seed Barberry Armenian Earth Rose Tabssheer 2 drams ea. Amber Aloeswood 1 dram ea. Borneo Camphor 1/4 dram Mastic 1/3 dram Powder and take with water of Apple or Pomegranate. (The Dispensatory of Ibn at Tilmid)
Cooling Musk Electuary (Rhazes) Rose Tabasheer Coriander Amber 1 part ea. Pearl ½ part Musk 1/6 part Dissolve Sugar in sour apple juice, boil until like honey; add the above in powder. Strengthens the Heart without heating: Palpitations and Arrhythmia.
Pill for Palpitation Emerald Amber ½ dram ea. Hyacinth (Zircon) Basil seed 2 scruple ea. Form pills with Rose water qs. (Renou)
Confection for Palpitations Cinnamon 2 drams Mace Hyacinth (Zircon) Emerald Ruby ½ dram ea. Pearl 1 scruple Gold & Silver leaf. 10 of each With Rose water, form into little pills. Used for “Trembling and Panting of the Heart”, as well as for lost strength due to chronic Fever, and was also said to protect from Epidemics including the Plague. (Secrets of Alexis)
