Disclaimer: All herbal teas, medicinal soups, acupuncture and Tui Na described in this article are only auxiliary wellness regimens for traditional health maintenance, not formal medical treatments. They cannot replace professional physician diagnosis, prescription drugs or clinical therapies. Anyone diagnosed with physical diseases shall strictly follow the treatment plans formulated by licensed medical practitioners. All TCM terminology, wellness regulation theories and traditional health philosophies in this text are solely for the inheritance, popularization and cultural exchange of traditional Chinese medicine. No content herein shall be deemed guidance for clinical diagnosis or medical treatment. Read more
Palpitations (Xinji) is a collective term for Jingji (palpitations induced by fright) and Zhengchong (severe continuous palpitations). It refers to an uncomfortable sensation of Heart throbbing or a feeling of panic, often accompanied by arrhythmia or fluctuations in Heart rate—whether excessively fast or slow. Typically, it occurs in episodes, triggered by emotional fluctuations or overexertion. Concurrent signs of imbalance may include insomnia, forgetfulness, dizziness, tinnitus, precordial discomfort, mild temperature changes, episodes of fainting or twitching, and occasional nervous system disturbances.
In TCM theory, palpitations are often associated with patterns such as Qi and Blood deficiency, Yin Deficiency with Fire Hyperactivity, Heart Yang deficiency, and unsettled Heart Shen (spirit).
1. Qi and Blood Deficiency: Palpitations and uneasiness, lusterless complexion, restless sleep at night, tongue pale red with thin white coating, pulse thin and weak. The recommended approach supports the supplementation of blood and Qi, and helps nourish the Heart and calm the Shen (spirit).
2. Yin Deficiency with Fire Blazing: Palpitations and irritability, insomnia and poor memory, bitter taste in mouth and dry throat, tinnitus and dizziness, red tip of tongue, thin, rapid, weak pulse. supports principle: Support Yin and help maintain a balanced internal environment, support Kidney health and promote a calm mind.
3. Heart Yang Deficiency: Palpitations with a feeling of fullness and panting, dizziness, fatigue, cold body and limbs, a pale complexion, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, spontaneous sweating, scanty urine, a pale tongue with a white or greasy-slippery coating, and a soggy or deep-tight pulse. The therapeutic approach is to support Heart Yang and assist Qi in promoting normal water metabolism.
4. Heart Spirit Unrest: Palpitations with anxiety and irritability, restlessness in severe cases, excessive dreaming and easily awakened, poor appetite, tongue as normal, pulse small and rapid. supports aims to help calm occasional restlessness, support a tranquil mind, and nourish the Heart and blood.
1.Renshen Yangxin Cha (Ginseng Heart-Nourishing Tea)
Ingredients: Panax ginseng (Renshen) 10g (or Codonopsis pilosula (Dangshen) 30g), Ophiopogon japonicus (Maidong) 10g, Poria with Hostwood (Fushen) 10g, Jujube dates (Hongzao) 10 pieces, brown sugar 30g.
Preparation: Decoction of the first 4 herbs with water twice, collect the liquid, mix well, add brown sugar, and drink as tea. One dose daily.
Efficacy: supports Qi and blood health, nourishes the Heart and calms the spirit. helps maintain a balanced state for individuals with Qi and Blood Deficiency pattern.
2.Longan and White Sugar Tea (Longyan Baitang Cha)
Ingredients: 30g each of Dimocarpus longan (Longan Aril) and white sugar.
Preparation: Crush the Dimocarpus longan (Longan aril) and place it together with white sugar in a thermos. Infuse with boiling water and drink as tea. One dose per day.
supports Heart and Spleen health, nourishes Blood, and calms the Spirit. Suitable for individuals with Qi and Blood Deficiency pattern to promote a sense of calm and well-being.
3.Yangxin Anshen Tea (Heart-Nourishing Spirit-Calming Tea)
Ingredients: Dimocarpus longan (Longan Aril) 20g, Ziziphus spinosa (Sour Jujube Seed, crushed) 12g, Platycladus orientalis (Arborvitae Seed) 12g.
Method: Decoct the above herbs in water twice, combine the decoctions, and take as a tea. One dose per evening.
Actions: Tonifies the Heart and strengthens the Spleen, nourishes blood, and calms the spirit. supports a calm and steady Heartbeat for those with Qi and Blood Deficiency.
4.Er Dong Zao Ren Cha (Asparagus and Ophiopogon with Sour Jujube Seed Tea)
Ingredients: Asparagus cochinchinensis (Tian Dong) 10g, Ophiopogon japonicus (Mai Dong) (with core) 10g, Ziziphus spinosa (Suan Zao Ren) (slightly stir-fried and crushed) 10g, honey 30g.
Preparation: Coarsely grind Asparagus cochinchinensis (Tian Dong) and Ophiopogon japonicus (Mai Dong) together, then place them into a thermos with Ziziphus spinosa (Suan Zao Ren). Pour boiling water over the mixture, let it cool until warm, stir in honey, and drink as a tea. One dose each evening.
Actions: Nourishes yin and clears heat, calms the spirit and tranquilizes the mind. supports individuals with Yin Deficiency with Effulgent Fire pattern in maintaining Heart comfort and emotional peace.
5.Jasminum sambac (Moli Hua) and Acorus tatarinowii (Shichangpu) Tea
Ingredients: Jasminum sambac (Jasmine flower) 6g, Acorus tatarinowii (Shichangpu) 6g, Camellia sinensis (Green tea) 10g.
Method of preparation: Grind the above ingredients into coarse powder, place in a cup, and steep with boiling water. Drink as a tea. One dose daily.
Effects: supports the regulation of Qi and transformation of dampness, and helps calm the spirit. Beneficial for individuals with a Heart Yang Deficiency pattern who may experience occasional restlessness.
6.Honey-Fried Licorice Tea (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma cum Melle)
Ingredients: 15 g of Glycyrrhiza uralensis (Honey-fried Licorice Root, Zhi Gancao).
Preparation: Grind Glycyrrhiza uralensis (Gancao) into coarse powder, place in a cup, steep in boiling water, and drink as a tea. One dose daily.
supports Qi and meridian function, nourishes blood and calms the spirit. This is intended for individuals with Heart Yang Deficiency pattern who may experience occasional palpitations.
7.Guishen Cha (Cinnamon-Ginseng Tea)
Ingredients: Panax ginseng (Ginseng) 3-5 g (or Codonopsis pilosula (Codonopsis) 15-30 g), Cinnamomum cassia (Cinnamon Twig) 5 g, Ziziphus jujuba (Red Date) 10 pieces, white sugar 20 g.
Preparation method: Decoct the first three ingredients in water twice, combine the decoctions, mix with white sugar, and take as a tea substitute. One dose daily.
Efficacy: supports warming and smooth flow of meridians and channels, and helps maintain healthy Qi circulation and fluid balance. Designed to support individuals with Heart Yang Deficiency pattern in promoting a calm and steady Heart rhythm.
8.Baiziren Yangxin Cha (Platycladus Seed Heart-Nourishing Tea)
Ingredients: Platycladus orientalis (Baiziren) 15 grams.
Preparation method: Crush the Platycladus orientalis (Baiziren) and place it in a cup. Pour boiling water over it, let steep, and drink as tea. Two doses per day.
supports Heart health and calms the mind. helps maintain a calm Heart and spirit, especially for those with the pattern of an unsettled Heart-mind.
9.Maidong Zhusha Cha (Ophiopogon and Cinnabar Tea)
Ingredients: Ophiopogon japonicus (Maidong, core retained) 15 g, Cinnabar (Zhusha) 0.5 g.
Preparation: Place the above two ingredients in a cup, infuse with boiling water, and drink as tea. One dose per day.
supports Yin nourishment and helps maintain a balanced internal environment. Promotes a calm mind and helps with occasional feelings of being startled. supports those experiencing restlessness and occasional Heart discomfort.
10.Prepared Rehmannia, Red Sage, and Goji Tea (Shu Dihuang Danqi Cha)
Ingredients: 15-20 g Rehmannia glutinosa (Shudihuang, prepared rehmannia root), 12 g Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen, red sage root), 10 g Lycium barbarum (Gouqizi, goji berry), 10 g Angelica sinensis (Danggui, Chinese angelica root).
Preparation method: Grind the above herbs into coarse powder, place in a cup, and steep in boiling water. Drink as a tea. Use one dose daily.
supports blood nourishment and blood replenishment. helps maintain a calm Heart and a regular menstrual cycle after occasional blood loss.
TCM Terminology Disclaimer:All traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) terms, descriptions, and wellness expressions including but not limited to nourishing lungs, soothing throat discomfort, supporting respiratory comfort, clearing mild internal heat, balancing qi and blood, harmonizing bodily functions, and regulating general wellness featured on this website are traditional TCM cultural descriptions and historical wellness theories only. These phrases are used solely for traditional TCM knowledge sharing and cultural interpretation. They do not constitute medical efficacy claims, have not been evaluated by the FDA, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All TCM wording describes traditional auxiliary wellness conditioning effects only and should never be interpreted as clinical medical treatment results. Individuals with confirmed illnesses must seek professional medical diagnosis and follow standard Western medical treatment.
FDA Mandatory Disclaimer：These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Chinese herbal dietary supplements and traditional wellness practices are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease and serve only as daily auxiliary health support. If you have been diagnosed with any illness, please seek professional medical care and follow standard Western medical treatment regimens.
Interesting read! I’ve been dealing with occasional palpitations and this TCM perspective makes so much sense. Do any of these infusions work best for stress-related heart fluttering? Would love to try them alongside my regular check-ups. Thanks for sharing these natural options! 🌿
Really interesting read! I’ve been dealing with occasional heart flutters during stress, and these TCM infusions sound like a gentle, natural approach. Definitely going to try the rose and hawthorn blend. Thanks for sharing such practical remedies!
Toller Artikel! Ich leide selbst ab und zu unter Herzrasen – diese TCM-Tees klingen vielversprechend. Welche Infusion würdest du bei stressbedingten Palpitationen empfehlen? Bin gespannt auf deine Erfahrungen!
Really interesting breakdown of Xinji and how TCM approaches palpitations. I’ve been dealing with occasional heart fluttering during stressful periods—definitely going to look into these infusions. Would love to know which herbs work best for anxiety-driven episodes!
I’ve been dealing with occasional palpitations and this is so helpful! I love how TCM looks at the root cause rather than just symptoms. Do you have a favorite infusion from this list for calming the Shen?
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