What Chinese herbs should be taken for palpitations, anxiety, chest tightness, and restlessness?

Sep 18, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. He Haochen
Introduction
In general, traditional Chinese medicines such as Guipi Wan, Renshen Jianti Pills, Shenqi Wuzuizi Tablets, Yangxin Anshen Wan, and Zhusha Anshen Wan may be used for symptoms like palpitations, chest tightness, and anxiety. It is recommended to take these medications under medical guidance. In addition to the above, other medications such as Xiaoyao Wan and Chaihu Shugan Wan may also be considered, but should be used under a doctor's supervision to avoid adverse reactions.

Under normal circumstances, palpitations, chest tightness, and anxiety may be treated with traditional Chinese medicines such as Guipi Wan, Renshen Jianti Wan, Shenqi Wuziwei Pian, Yangxin Anshen Wan, and Zhusha Anshen Wan. It is recommended to take these medications under medical supervision. Specific details are as follows:

1. Guipi Wan

Guipi Wan is a traditional Chinese medicine composed of herbs including Codonopsis pilosula, stir-fried Atractylodes macrocephala, honey-fried Astragalus membranaceus, processed Polygala tenuifolia, stir-fried Ziziphus jujuba seed, longan aril, and jujube (pitted). It functions to tonify qi and strengthen the spleen, nourish blood, and calm the mind. Guipi Wan is primarily used to treat conditions caused by deficiency of both the heart and spleen, such as shortness of breath, palpitations, insomnia with frequent dreams, dizziness, fatigue, and weakness.

2. Renshen Jianti Wan

Renshen Jianti Wan is a patent medicine made from ginseng, Poria, Dioscorea opposita, honey-fried Astragalus, Angelica sinensis, and processed Polygala, among other ingredients. It has the effects of strengthening the spleen and boosting qi, harmonizing the stomach, and stopping diarrhea. This formula is mainly used for symptoms caused by spleen and stomach deficiency, such as poor digestion, epigastric fullness and discomfort, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, loose stools, and loss of appetite. Palpitations, chest tightness, anxiety, and restlessness may stem from deficiency of both the heart and spleen; Renshen Jianti Wan helps regulate spleen function and improve heart-spleen deficiency, thereby alleviating symptoms like palpitations and anxiety.

3. Shenqi Wuziwei Pian

Shenqi Wuziwei Pian contains Schisandra sphenanthera, Codonopsis pilosula, Astragalus membranaceus, and stir-fried Ziziphus jujuba seed. It acts to strengthen the spleen and boost qi, while calming the heart and soothing the spirit. It is primarily used for symptoms such as insomnia, vivid dreams, forgetfulness, fatigue, and palpitations due to insufficient qi and blood and dual deficiency of the heart and spleen.

4. Yangxin Anshen Wan

Yangxin Anshen Wan consists of vinegar-processed Schisandra chinensis, Caulis Spatholobi, Flos Albiziae, stir-fried Ziziphus jujuba seed, Polygala tenuifolia (with core removed and licorice-processed), magnetite, and other herbs. It functions to tonify the kidneys, enhance mental clarity, nourish the heart, and calm the spirit. This medicine is mainly indicated for conditions caused by disharmony between the heart and kidney, such as poor sleep with excessive dreaming, dizziness, palpitations, tinnitus, forgetfulness, and general fatigue.

5. Zhusha Anshen Wan

Zhusha Anshen Wan is composed of cinnabar, Coptis chinensis, Rehmannia glutinosa, Poria, Platycladus orientalis seed, and licorice-processed Polygala tenuifolia. It has the effect of nourishing blood and qi, calming the mind, and relieving restlessness. It is primarily used to treat symptoms such as chest stuffiness, palpitations, restlessness, insomnia, and frequent dreams.

In addition to the above medications, other options such as Xiaoyao Wan and Chaihu Shugan Wan may also be considered. However, it is strongly advised to use these medicines under the guidance of a physician to avoid potential adverse reactions.

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