READ ABOUT IT:
Healthy Herbal Living
Navigating the Rise of POTS
Navigating the Rise of POTS: How Herbal Medicine Can Help
As a licensed Nurse Practitioner, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing first hand accounts of new, emerging chronic disease trends that seem to come out of nowhere. Sometimes, it feels like a wave of new chronic disease diagnoses appear, and we find ourselves wondering why we’re seeing so many cases. Is it because we’ve become better at diagnosing these conditions, or is there something else at play? I believe there are a combination of factors that have led to the increased incidence of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS).
What is POTS?
POTS is a condition that affects the body’s ability to regulate blood flow and blood pressure. For those living with POTS, simple activities like standing up can cause dizziness or even fainting. This happens because when you stand, blood doesn’t return to the heart as efficiently as it should. To compensate, the heart starts working harder, leading to an unusually fast heart rate.
Other symptoms can include:
Fatigue due to irregular heart rate
Nausea
Difficulty concentrating (often called “brain fog”)
These symptoms typically improve when lying down, but they can make daily life quite challenging. Although POTS is not life-threatening, it can be difficult to manage. Increasing fluid and salt intake, along with some medications to control blood pressure, can help many patients. However, not everyone finds relief through these methods alone.
Is POTS an Autoimmune Condition?
POTS is not officially classified as an autoimmune disorder, but there is growing evidence that autoimmune factors may play a role in some cases. Many POTS patients also have overlapping autoimmune diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroiditis, or Sjögren’s syndrome, suggesting a potential link between the two.
Additionally, POTS has been associated with conditions like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), autoimmune diseases, and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS). As awareness of these conditions grows, more POTS diagnoses are being made, since they frequently occur together.
Some studies have found autoantibodies in certain POTS patients. These autoantibodies may target parts of the autonomic nervous system, disrupting normal blood pressure and heart rate regulation, which could be behind the symptoms of POTS. Additionally, many cases of POTS appear to follow viral infections or vaccinations (like COVID-19), which may trigger an autoimmune response.
That said, not all POTS patients show signs of autoimmune activity, so while POTS may have autoimmune features for some people, it is not universally classified as an autoimmune disease. The exact role of the immune system in POTS remains an area of ongoing research.
Helping POTS Patients with Herbal Medicine
At Garden Root Remedy, I’ve been fortunate to help many POTS patients through herbal medicine. I’ve formulated a tincture that has been incredibly beneficial for those dealing with common POTS symptoms like irregular heart rate, blood pressure issues, dizziness, fatigue, brain fog, and gastrointestinal problems.
Herbs have provided a natural way to improve symptoms for many of my patients. Alongside lifestyle changes and diet modifications, herbal remedies have given patients their lives back in several cases. This has been a rewarding experience for both my patients and myself!
Through consultation services, I work closely with patients to pinpoint which symptoms can be managed by herbal treatments. We also take into account any other underlying conditions that could complicate POTS symptoms, ensuring a holistic approach to their care.
Explore Alternative Treatment Options
If you or someone you know is experiencing similar symptoms, I encourage you to reach out to your primary care provider and consider consulting with an herbalist for alternative treatment options. At Garden Root Remedy, we offer a free 15-minute consultations on Fridays for a quick discussion and for a comprehensive appointment, we offer 90-minute consultation for $125, where we can develop a personalized herbal treatment plan.
If you're struggling with symptoms of POTS, know that there are alternative ways to manage this condition, and herbal medicine might be the answer you're looking for. Feel free to contact me at Garden Root Remedy—we're here to help you find relief and restore balance.
Be Well & Take Care!
Maria Nasta, MSN, FNP-C
Owner + Founder, Clinical Herbalist
"Rooted in Nature, Blooming with Wellness."
Published On: September 26, 2024
_____________________________
REFERENCES:
Mayo Clinic Minute: What is POTS?
_____________________________
FDA warning: This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Always check with your doctor before using a new product or supplement if you have any questions or concerns about how a product may affect your current health, medications, pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
