Herbs Traditionally Used for Palpitations
The Donguibogam view
The Donguibogam distinguishes palpitations into gyeonggye (fright palpitations) and jeongchung (unprovoked, chronic palpitations). The former arises from a startling event; the latter persists without clear cause. Both are read as the heart's qi being unsettled, but classical sources assigned different herbs by cause and severity.
This page organizes herbs recorded in the Donguibogam's herbology volume for palpitations, with original citations. Palpitations can signal genuine heart conditions — please check the warning signs below first.
Herbal reference is not appropriate in these situations — seek medical care first:
- Palpitations with chest pain or fainting — go to the emergency room immediately
- Sudden, very rapid, or irregular heartbeat
- Accompanied by difficulty breathing or cold sweat
- Palpitations persisting during exertion or at rest
Herbs recorded for this concern
Ginseng人蔘
Ginseng is the most celebrated tonic herb in Korean traditional medicine, often called the king of herbs.…
Recorded as calming the spirit and stopping palpitations and fright — a root-level approach for palpitations rooted in depleted vitality.
Polygala Root遠志
Polygala root carries a name that means 'far-reaching ambition,' reflecting the Donguibogam's description…
Explicitly recorded as stopping palpitations and fright — the core mind-calming herb for settling the heart qi.
Bovine Bezoar (Calculus Bovis)牛黃
Bovine bezoar is a gallstone that forms naturally in domestic cattle, gathered as a byproduct rather than…
Recorded as treating mania, epilepsy-like disorders, and fright palpitations — a potent substance for severe, acute presentations, formulated by professionals.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between gyeonggye and jeongchung?
The Donguibogam distinguishes gyeonggye as palpitations triggered by a startling event, and jeongchung as chronic palpitations without a clear cause — the latter regarded as needing a more fundamental, long-term approach.
Should I look for herbs as soon as I notice palpitations?
No. Palpitations can signal genuine heart conditions like arrhythmia. If chest pain, fainting, or breathing difficulty accompany them, an ECG and medical evaluation come before any herbal reference.