A strictly medical definition of palpitations is an awareness of the heartbeat, either because the person concerned is paying greater attention to it, or because the heart is actually beating more forcibly than usual. This may be experienced when the person is frightened, shocked or anxious, and essential oils such as Neroli, which have a profoundly calming effect, are the most effective. As an emergency measure, simply provide some of the oil to smell straight from the bottle or on a tissue or handkerchief. A person who is subject to palpitations would benefit from regular massage with any one of a wide range of essential oils with calming properties, including Camomile, Lavender, Neroli, Rose and Ylang Ylang.

The term palpitations is very often used (incorrectly) to describe the over-rapid heartbeat often experienced in similar circumstances. This should more correctly be called tachycardia, but this is really an academic distinction, since the same essential oils and methods of use will be helpful, with Ylang Ylang being the oil most often found helpful for slowing the excessively rapid beating of the heart.