The causes of this complaint will frequently indicate the remedies. It is generally produced by violent emotions of the mind, or by the use of ardent spirits. Drinking cold water, particularly before going to bed, and eating but little in the evening is the best remedy for young people.
Persons who are troubled with this complaint usually sleep better on the right side than on the left, and prefer to have the head rather high. They must drink neither coffee, tea, nor chocolate. If it is caused by vexation, give Chamomilla, by fear, Veratrum; by joy, Coffea, by sudden fright, Opium or Coffea, by great agitation and anxiety, either Opium or the smell of a bitter almond crushed, will be found to be beneficial.
A sudden attack of palpitation, with coldness of the surface and pale face, may be relieved by spirits of camphor, a drop on sugar every five minutes. With pregnant females, when connected with weakness of the nervous system, when it returns frequently, give, from time to time, a very little old wine. During the attack it is sometimes better to give a spoonful of hot water, particularly when the skin is very dry.
Females of a pale complexion may experience some benefit from smelling vinegar. For plethoric persons, Aconite, and after this, Nux vomica or Belladonna. With persons of weak nerves, Ignatia and when worse on lying on one side, Pulsatilla.
Spigelia is a principal remedy for such who have the palpitation often, especially if their breath is offensive.
Nux moschata for palpitation with fainting, and afterwards sleep, particularly if preceded by exertion, or for persons who are inclined to fainting, or have, in general, the symptoms of Nux moschata, as stated under “Cough,” “ Headache,” etc.
China is most suitable for persons who have been much weakened by the loss of fluids. Staphisagria, in palpitation occurring in persons weakened by tedious and exhausting diseases.
Belladonna when the palpitation of the heart produces a tingling sensation in the head, when the chest feels full, or when there is an uneasy and throbbing sensation in it, particularly in females, after confinement, or when the milk fails, or after weaning. In the latter case, give China sometime after.
Glonoine, for palpitation after sudden over-heating, from violent mental emotions, after many rapid changes of different influences, either with heat of the face, full pulse, beating up to the head, or with the face pale, very slow or scarcely perceptible pulse heat about the heart, and pains up to the back.
Sulphur, for the same symptoms as the latter, when that proves insufficient, especially if the palpitation is consequent upon the suppression of an eruption, or the healing of an old ulcer. Also, when going up stairs or ascending a hill has occasioned palpitation for a considerable length of time.
Arsenicum may be given after Sulphur, when the latter does not suffice, particularly when caused by suppressed eruptions or ulcers. It is also serviceable when the palpitation comes on during the night, with great agitation, is very- violent, with burning heat in the chest, with difficulty of breathing, and is worse when lying down, better when in motion.
Veratrum is suitable in cases similar to the latter, when accompanied by difficulty of breathing and agitation particularly if better on lying down, and worse when rising or in motion.
For chronic palpitation of the heart, when the remedies prescribed give only temporary relief, apply to a homeopathic practitioner, and submit patiently to medical treatment even though no decisive advantage be immediately perceived, otherwise an incurable disease of the heart may be the result.
From: The Homoeopathic Domestic Physician -Constantine Hering, M. D.
Good Article