Herbs to Lower Heart Rate

Numerous herbs may lower your heart rate. According to the American Heart Association, or AHA, the average resting heart rate -- the number of times your heart beats per minute when you are at rest -- is 60 to 80 beats per minute. If your resting heart rate is elevated, you may consider a natural approach to treating this condition. Before taking herbs to help lower your heart rate, talk with your doctor about possible side effects and proper dosage.

Motherwort is an herb that may be helpful for lowering your heart rate. According to the University of Michigan Health System, motherwort, also known as Leonurus cardiaca, is native to central Eurasia, but now grows in all temperate areas of the world. Motherwort is a member of the mint family. The aerial parts of the plant -- the leaves and flowers -- are used medicinally. In traditional Chinese medicine, the seeds are also used. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Natural Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that motherwort is a diuretic, antispasmodic, nervine and emmenagogue or menstruation stimulant. Motherwort treats numerous health conditions, but may be particularly effective for nervous heart palpitations, elevated heart rate and high blood pressure due to stress. Before taking motherwort to help lower your heart rate, talk with your doctor about possible side effects and proper dosage.

Hawthorne is an herb that may be beneficial for lowering your heart rate. Hawthorne is a spiny, flowering shrub or small tree that belongs to the rose family. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, or NCCAM, states that hawthorne, also known as Crataegus laevigata, has been used to treat cardiovascular problems since the 1st century. Hawthorn is native to northern Europe, but now grows throughout the world. According to Tilgner, hawthorne is a diuretic, astringent, antioxidant, cardiotonic and cardioprotective. Hawthorne is an adaptogen -- a substance that helps keep proper balance -- for your circulatory system and is used to treat numerous circulatory problems, including rapid heart rate, congestive heart failure, hypertension and coronary artery disease. Before taking hawthorne to help lower your heart rate, talk with your doctor about possible complications and proper dosage.

Valerian is an herb that may be effective for lowering your heart rate. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, valerian, also known as Valeriana officinalis, has been used for centuries to treat numerous health problems, including insomnia, anxiety, nervous restlessness, stomach cramps and certain cardiovascular conditions. Valerian is a perennial plant that is native to Europe and grows to a height of 2 feet. The root of the plant is used medicinally, UMMC states. According to Tilgner, valerian is a sedative, relaxing nervine, antispasmodic, anticonvulsant and hypotensive. Valerian may be effective for nervous irritation, nervous palpitations, elevated heart rate and cardiovascular arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats. Before taking valerian to help lower your heart rate, talk with your doctor about possible side effects and proper dosage.