Is There a Natural Remedy for Chest Pain?

Written by Institute for Natural Medicine Staff

Medically Reviewed by BreAnna M. Guan, ND

Published December 11, 2024
Last Updated December 11, 2024

Chest pain, gas, and indigestion can feel so similar that they’re often mistaken for each other—sometimes leading to a frantic trip to the hospital. Many people, after a heavy meal or stressful day, find themselves convinced they’re experiencing a heart attack. While discomfort near the chest might be as harmless as heartburn or a strained muscle, it could signal something more serious, like cardiovascular disease. Recognizing the subtle distinctions early can make all the difference in getting proper care.

How to know if chest pain is heart related

Chest pain is the second-most common reason for emergency room visits, accounting for about 5 percent of all ER visits. Among those, life-threatening conditions, like acute coronary syndrome and pericarditis,¹ are rare.

When to get immediate medical attention

Although chest pain is the most common sign of a heart attack, it’s not the only warning. Five telltale symptoms warrant a call to 911:

Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain
Lightheadedness, nausea, or vomiting
Jaw, neck, or back pain
Pain or discomfort in one or both arms or shoulder(s)
Shortness of breath (with or without chest discomfort)

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in U.S. women. Yet, most heart research is conducted among men. Heart attack symptoms tend to be similar for men, women, and gender-diverse people, but women may also experience upper stomach pain, unusual fatigue, and heartburn.

Cardiovascular causes of chest pain

Cardiologist places stethoscope on model of heart

In addition to being the prime symptom of a heart attack, chest pain can also indicate other heart-related issues.

Pain caused by poor blood flow to the heart, usually because of narrow or blocked arteries, is called angina. Angina results from plaque buildup, which creates blockages and hardens arteries. Pain may feel like pressure or squeezing in the chest or discomfort in the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, abdomen, or back. For some, the feeling may be similar to heartburn. Other people experience no pain but have shortness of breath or fatigue.

In pericarditis (when tissues around the heart become inflamed), a sharp, stabbing sensation in the middle or left side of the chest may come on fast. Pain in one or both shoulders is also common, sometimes accompanied by weakness, trouble breathing, coughing, and heart palpitations.

With myocarditis (when the heart wall’s middle layer is inflamed), chest pain can feel a lot like a heart attack. Look out for symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, fever, rapid or irregular heartbeat, faintness, flu-like body aches, joint pain, and sore throat.

Cardiomyopathy (diseases that expand or thicken the heart) may bring on chest pain after exercise or a heavy meal. This condition makes it harder for the heart to pump blood out to the body. It manifests in symptoms like labored breathing, tiredness (even after resting), faintness, abnormal heartbeat, heart murmur, and swelling in the ankles, feet, legs, abdomen, and neck veins.

Other reasons why people experience chest pain

The top causes of non–heart-related emergency room visits for chest pain are gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD), musculoskeletal issues, and pneumonia.¹

With GI issues, pain is usually sharp or cramp like, confined to the abdomen or lower chest, tied to eating, and may be relieved by passing gas or shifting position, with bloating or belching as common symptoms.

Esophagitis, gallstones, and inflammation of the pancreas or bladder sometimes mimic a heart attack. Other respiratory causes for chest pain include viral bronchitis and asthma.

Chronic stress and anxiety may also bring on panic attacks, replete with tightness, pain, and pressure in the chest. Marked by a racing heart, sweating, nausea, and trembling, panic attacks typically peak within 20 minutes before resolving on their own, as opposed to heart attack symptoms, which tend to worsen over time.

Finally, pain around the heart may result from a pulled or strained muscle or a bruised or broken rib.

Take control of chest pain naturally

If a doctor has confirmed that your chest pain isn’t life threatening, there are natural ways to help prevent future episodes and support your heart. These approaches focus on clearing arteries, reducing inflammation, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, and maintaining a healthy weight.

Heart-nourishing foods and herbs

Fresh fruits and vegetables displayed on table around wooden cutting board

A healthy diet is one of the most effective ways to improve cardiovascular health. Opt for whole foods like lean protein, fresh fruits and vegetables, grains, and good fats while minimizing processed products like canned and packaged goods. Diets like the Mediterranean and DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) are known to quash inflammation and have proven cardioprotective benefits.

Traditional Chinese medicine herbs can further support heart health:

Astragalus: Protects the heart, reduces inflammation, and calms stress²
Hawthorn berries: Improve blood flow, ease palpitations, and strengthen the heart³
Reishi mushrooms: Lower blood pressure and reduce heart disease risk⁴

Supplements for a stronger heart

Supplements like magnesium, CoQ10, and fish oil offer powerful cardiovascular benefits:

Magnesium: Lowers inflammation and supports overall heart function⁵
Omega–3s (fish oil): Improve heart performance, reduce inflammation, and lower cardiovascular risks⁶
CoQ10: Combines antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to help prevent and manage heart disease, particularly in people with heart failure⁷

The power of movement

Exercise is a must for keeping arteries clear and improving circulation. Beyond protecting your heart, regular exercise reduces stress and supports weight management. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity—such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling—each week. Choose workouts you enjoy to stay consistent, and consider a partner, like a friend or family member, for added motivation and fun.

Natural remedies for GI–related chest pain

Aloe vera plant and brown bottle of aloe vera juice on table

Natural remedies for digestive conditions that can cause chest pain aim to soothe the gastrointestinal tract, avoid food triggers, and support the gut microbiome.

For indigestion and GERD, a chronic and more severe form of acid reflux, herbal therapies may offer relief:

Aloe vera syrup, known for its anti-ulcer, analgesic, and antimicrobial properties, has been shown to reduce symptoms like heartburn, flatulence, belching, nausea, vomiting, and regurgitation.⁸
Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL)⁹ and marshmallow root¹⁰ can coat and soothe the intestinal lining
Probiotics help alleviate heartburn and diversify the gut microbiome, promoting overall health.¹¹

How and when you eat also matters, says Rosia Parrish, ND. “Mindful eating practices, such as eating slowly, chewing thoroughly, and avoiding late-night meals, can improve digestion and reduce nighttime reflux.”

Nutrient-dense, gut-supportive foods

Fresh artichoke split in two on yellow background

Anti-inflammatory diets don’t just alleviate GERD symptoms—they lower inflammation throughout the body. By supporting a healthy microbiome and reducing inflammation, you’ll ease symptoms like heartburn and gas and improve digestive health overall.

Combine probiotics (live beneficial bacteria) with prebiotics (the fiber they feed on) to boost microbiome diversity. Add fermented foods like kimchi, kefir, yogurt, sauerkraut, and miso to your plate, alongside prebiotic-rich foods like artichokes, garlic, leeks, onions, dandelion greens, green bananas, and barley. Even small daily servings can have a big impact.

At the same time, limit foods that feed harmful gut bacteria, such as refined carbs (e.g., white bread) and sugar.

Natural remedies for stress-related chest pain

Natural remedies for stress-induced chest pain focus on soothing and nourishing the nervous system, reducing anxiety, and improving mood.

Did you know that 95 percent of serotonin—the “feel-good hormone”—is produced in the gut? Well-balanced nutrition is key to supporting mental health.

Herbs can also calm nerves and ease stress. Passionflower, Scutellaria lateriflora (skullcap), hops, Piper methysticum (kava), lavender, and Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) are among the most effective nerve-soothing options.

Movement and mindfulness

All forms of exercise reduce stress, but mindful movement like yoga, tai chi, and qigong are especially effective ways to relax. These practices combine physical activity with breath work and meditation, calming the nervous system and promoting mental clarity. Cardiovascular exercise, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, also boosts endorphins—your brain’s natural mood elevators.

Choose activities you enjoy and can incorporate into your routine consistently for the best results. Even 20 minutes of movement daily can lessen stress, improve sleep, and help you feel more grounded.

Reclaiming balance

Chronic stress and anxiety are often signals that life’s demands are outpacing your energy stores. Take some time to evaluate your priorities. What can you delegate, reduce, or let go of entirely?

And don’t forget the power of connection. Spending quality time with loved ones, engaging in spiritual practices, and cultivating an attitude of gratitude are essential for maintaining emotional health. After all, we’re social creatures, and meaningful interactions are critical to keeping us happy and healthy.

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Footnotes

1
Johnson K, Ghassemzadeh S. Chest Pain. In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2024. Accessed October 28, 2024. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470557
2
Zheng Q, Zhuang Z, Wang ZH, et al. Clinical and preclinical systematic review of Astragalus membranaceus for viral myocarditis. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2020;2020:1560353. doi:10.1155/2020/1560353
3
Nawrot J, Gornowicz-Porowska J, Budzianowski J, Nowak G, Schroeder G, Kurczewska J. Medicinal herbs in the relief of neurological, cardiovascular, and respiratory symptoms after COVID-19 infection: a literature review. Cells. 2022;11(12):1897. doi:10.3390/cells11121897
4
Shaito A, Thuan DTB, Phu HT, et al. Herbal medicine for cardiovascular diseases: efficacy, mechanisms, and safety. Front Pharmacol. 2020;11:422. doi:10.3389/fphar.2020.00422
5
Rao ND, Lemaitre RN, Sitlani CM, et al. Dietary magnesium, C-reactive protein and interleukin-6: the Strong Heart Family Study. PLoS One. 2023;18(12):e0296238. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0296238
6
Nomali M, Heidari ME, Ayati A, et al. Omega-3 supplementation and outcomes of heart failure: A systematic review of clinical trials. Medicine (Baltimore). 2024;103(3):e36804. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000036804
7
Fladerer JP, Grollitsch S. Comparison of coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone) and reduced coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinol) as supplement to prevent cardiovascular disease and reduce cardiovascular mortality. Curr Cardiol Rep. 2023;25(12):1759-1767. doi:10.1007/s11886-023-01992-6
8
Panahi Y, Khedmat H, Valizadegan G, Mohtashami R, Sahebkar A. Efficacy and safety of aloe vera syrup for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease: a pilot randomized positive-controlled trial. J Tradit Chin Med. 2015;35(6):632-636. doi:10.1016/s0254-6272(15)30151-5
9
Setright, R. (2017). Prevention of symptoms of gastric irritation (GERD) using two herbal formulas: An observational study. J Aust Trad Med Soc, 23(2), 68–71. https://search.informit.org/doi/10.3316/informit.950298610899394
10
Zaghlool SS, Abo-Seif AA, Rabeh MA, Abdelmohsen UR, Messiha BAS. Gastro-protective and anti-oxidant potential of Althaea officinalis and Solanum nigrum on pyloric ligation/indomethacin-induced ulceration in rats. Antioxidants (Basel). 2019;8(11):512. doi:10.3390/antiox8110512
11
Cheng J, Ouwehand AC. Gastroesophageal reflux disease and probiotics: a systematic review. Nutrients. 2020;12(1):132. doi:10.3390/nu12010132

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