From meds to herbs

[Petra_J]

Any experience with swopping from medication to herbs for afib? What herbs are you using? How did you do/was the transition?

[GivEmkeL]

I don't have any experience with doing this, but am also interested to know. ~ Kelly

[Petra_J in reply to GivEmkeL]

I have heard of some herbs but haven't tried it yet. Would be keen to hear if s.o. actually tried successfully

[MarkS]

I tried tincture of Hawthorne when I had AF but it didn't work. I've tried lots of other supplements as well with the same outcome. The only two things which might have made a marginal difference were Magnesium (Mg Citrate) and Potassium.

Mark

[Japaholic]

Try acupuncture, not a herb but has returned me to NSR on two occasions recently. I started going for anxiety/depression linked to my AF, I've been going for a year before I first went actually in AF.

Half way through my hour session, it simply switched off and went back into NSR. Can't explain it.

A few weeks later the same thing happened. I was in AF (about 16 hours into an episode) when I arrived. After about 20 minutes after the first needle was inserted, it again switched off.

They know I am on anticoagulants but before you ask the needles don't pierce the skin, there for no risk if a bleed.

[Hidden]

Hi Petra, I am just starting on the non-med supplement path and will post any results. At present I am on a Magnesium supplement with other stuff in incl Potassium, next up CoEnzymQ10 both recommended (nb after considering my individual circumstances) by my Naturopath Philip Weeks (London & Hereford). He also does Acupuncture and I will discuss this and Hawthorn with him on my October visit.

I remain on 200mg Flecainide per day and no anticoags - no AF so far for 4 months, this after 9 episodes in March whilst on 100mg Flec per day.

Once you have control of your AF I think it is important you waste no time and very methodically look at triggers and alternative treatments as well as take the adrenaline (hopefully temporarily) out of your lifestyle! It's early days but I am determined to be more healthy in the future with or without AF.

[Petra_J in reply to Hidden]

Hi, how are you getting on your non drug route? I am curious to know. Thank you

[Hidden in reply to Petra_J]

It all goes very slowly Petra I'm afraid, no more news.

I have been taking the Mg supplement (about half the recommended dose) Nutri Ultra Muscleze for 2 months with no ill effects and it has definitely helped me relax/sleep better. Expect to start the CoEQ10 this week but again only half the dose recommended as a precaution. I also take 1 Krill oil ( brand The Krill Miracle) capsule per day, started 6 months plus ago and feel it has helped.

In short, outcomes are fine so far……. the issues with this route are you can never be complacent and because I am combining the supplements with many lifestyle changes and improving overdue dental work/daily cleaning it is difficult to attribute initial success to any one aspect.

Good luck and let us know your action/results, it all helps.

[Therealsue]

Hi Petra. I've probably tried everything known to man but probably none of them for long enough. I stopped taking most things when I started warfarin prior to ablation. I now use a magnesium skin spray and taurine as I've read that they help with ectopics. I also take a lot of fish oils and vitamin E which are supposed to be natural anticoagulants. If I am allowed to come off warfarin in a couple of months, I plan on adding garlic capsules and nattokinase (a natural soya-derived anticoag) to my arsenal. I used to take CoQ10 as well, but I read that it is one that works against warfarin, so I've packed that in for the time being too.

[MarkoVan]

I would rather be on a natural route to. Being 38, as fit as I've ever been I'd quite like to give the non drug life a chance.

I'm following some of the advice found here:

knowledgeofhealth.com/contr...

It's a bit anti drugs, but a lot of it does seemed to be backed by study.

If you have any additional research - please post back.

Cheers

Mark

[Petra_J in reply to MarkoVan]

Very interesting but also comprehensive article. Made me scared also as I am on tons of medications as being right after the ablation. I am also young 36 and was very active before AF but last year I had to stop most of the activities I love. I am very determined to come of the medication eventually but it is very difficult to take courage after so many bad AF episodes!

[MarkoVan in reply to Petra_J]

Hi Petra - may I ask when it all started - did you identify a likely cause?