Help for Raynauds

It can be uncomfortable but there are some herbs that can ease the strain

Raynauds’s disease, when some areas of your body such as your fingers, toes, tip of your nose and even your ears feel numb and cold in response to cold temperatures, can be a real nuisance at this time of the year. It happens when the smaller arteries that supply blood to your skin narrow, limiting blood circulation to affected areas.  As well as cold weather, stress can also be a trigger factor.

During an attack the affected areas of skin usually turn white at first then often turn blue, feel cold or numb. You may also loose sensation in these areas. As circulation improves the affected areas may turn red, throb, tingle or swell.

An attack may last for just a minute but can go on for several hours. Your doctor may prescribe medications to help widen your blood vessels and boost circulation and there are also some herbs that can help.

TRY THESE…

Tof the list comes ginkgo. Standardised extracts from the trees of this living fossil tree have been shown in many trials to help problems with circulation including Raynaud’s disease.

Ginger is another herb that is worth trying. It is thought to help boost circulation to the peripheral areas of the body such as hands and feet by dilating blood vessels. For a quick and easy remedy you could try making a cup of ginger and cinnamon tea. Simply put a teaspoon of powdered cinnamon and a pinch of ginger in a mug, add some hot water and stir before drinking.

Finally the berries of the hawthorn tree are popular with medical herbalists, who have long used this sweet and sour warming herb to improve peripheral circulation.

 HELP YOURSELF

•  Stub out now Smoking causes skin temperatures to drop by constricting blood vessels, which can aggravate Raynaud’s.
•  Be active Regular exercise is one of the best ways to boost circulation.
•  Stay calm Stress can trigger an attack so learning to recognize and avoid stressful situations can help.
•  Avoid coffee Caffeine causes blood vessels to narrow so may increase symptoms. Go for herbal teas instead.
•  Watch what you wear Avoid wearing anything that could compress blood vessels in your hands or feet such as tight   wristbands, rings, socks, tights or shoes.
•  Keep moving During an attack swinging and rotating your arms and legs can help boost circulation.