General Characteristics
Tachycardia is a condition where the normal resting heart rate increases considerably to 100 or so bpm to as fast as over 200 beats per minute (normally around 80 bpm when resting). The odd episode of racing heart is not considered problematic as it is a normal reaction to stressful situations but when it occurs regularly it can be a signifier of deeper health problems.
During tachycardia the heart is unable to push as much blood around the body and the heart muscles themselves may suffer from the reduced blood flow. Apart from a racing heart, other symptoms can include a pounding or fluttering sensation in the chest and throat, dizziness or faintness, shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue and weakness and if the condition continues untreated it may lead to other problems relating to reduced blood flow.
The causes of tachycardia vary greatly and include anxiety and stress, too much caffeine or alcohol, after eating certain trigger foods, high blood pressure, problems with the electrical system of the heart, general cardiovascular disease, lack of (or even too much of) certain key nutrients, anemia and B 12 deficiency, overactive thyroid gland, adrenal fatigue, excessive heat, certain medications, fevers and high temperatures and kidney disorders.
Healing objectives are to determine the underlying cause and treat that wherever possible, to eat a well balanced diet, adopt relaxation techniques, avoid known stress triggers if possible and exercise regularly.
Diet and Lifestyle
Limit or cut out coffee and other stimulants such as alcohol, smoking and carbonated drinks.
Try consuming more magnesium rich foods.
Pay particular attention to consuming foods rich in vitamin B12 if anaemia is a possible cause
Useful Herbs
Hawthorn berries and flowering sprigs have a tonic effect on the heart and can safely be taken for very long periods (years). Use a tincture or tea that combines both components if possible for the maximum therapeutic effects. Hawthorn strengthens the blood vessels too so can help to reduce high blood pressure.
Motherwort is very useful for calming a racing heart, particularly when caused by anxiety or stress. Use a dropperful of the tincture straight in the mouth when needed (up to around 3 teaspoons daily) or drink 3 cups of tea daily.
Bugleweed can help if the cause is an overactive thyroid gland.
A pinch of cayenne powder in a small amount of water works for some people, especially when tachycardia is accompanied by high blood pressure.
Natural Healing
Taking a nutrient dense supplement such as organic blackstrap molasses may help due to its richness in key nutrients such as magnesium, calcium and potassium. New Era tissue salts such as Mag Phos can be very helpful.
Regular exercise can help to reduce the incidences of tachycardia.
Witch hazel can be wiped over the face, hands, feet etc to gently tighten the skin and sweat glands which will help to reduce the amount of sweat passing through the glands.
Wear natural fibres. Synthetic fabrics can cause the body to overheat as they reduce airflow around the skin and prevent the cooling action of evaporating sweat.
An old folk remedy for excessive sweating is to bathe every morning in warm water to which 2-5 cups of salt have been added and to rub the skin down vigorously with a coarse towel afterwards.
