Raynauds Syndrome
Raynauds syndrome is a problem with the circulatory system. It affects the blood supply to the skin and extremities, causing them to become numb and cold. During attacks of the disease, arteries and capillaries narrow, reducing the circulation to affected areas. These areas are usually the toes, fingers, ears and nose. Attacks may occur in response to exposure to cold or stress. While these responses are normal fight or flight responses, in Raynauds syndrome, the response is exaggerated.
Symptoms
Symptoms include a change in skin color; first pale, then to blue when cold and stressed, especially in the fingers. Toes may feel numb or prickly, and may feel like pins and needles when they begin to warm up and blood returns. There may also be a loss of sensory perception, mild swelling and redness with throbbing or tingling as the attack ends.
Causes
The causes for this syndrome are not completely understood. On command by the brain, the blood vessels seem to overreact to stress and temperature change. This is really an over-reaction to an event like, for instance, striking one's finger even lightly. The reaction of the brain is to cut off the blood supply in its entirety to the extremity involved, almost as if the affected finger has been severed. Raynauds syndrome can also develop as a complication of an underlying disorder, or more usually it develops on its own in the absence of any other health problem. Smoking seems to aggravate the condition, so if you can quit that is of benefit to the overall condition. Eat hot, hearty meals and stay warm and dry. Cold weather is particularly bad for the extremities.
Cautions
Underlying causes may include scleroderma, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, smoking, atherosclerosis and other arterial diseases, using beta blockers, and using certain chemotherapy medications. Raynaud's syndrome may cause slow healing, ulcers and possibly gangrene and amputation if left untreated. Consult your doctor if your symptoms cause you concern.
Herbal Treatments
Internal Applications
- Ginkgo biloba this herb helps support and increase the circulation. This will help improve Raynaud's syndrome by supporting the circulatory system. This herb also reduces stress and anxiety, which triggers this syndrome. Take 240 mg of extract three times a day.
- Garlic - aids circulation - take in capsule or tablet form.
- Ginger this herb helps with peripheral circulation and is warming to the body. Add ginger to your diet, drink ginger tea or put a spoonful in your bath. For capsules, take 2000 to 4000 mg every day.
- Rosemary this herb dilates and strengthens the blood vessels and helps increase the circulation to peripheral and cerebral areas. This herb is invigorating and stimulates the nerves and blood flow.
- Hawthorn the berries of this herb address inflammation in the blood vessels that may be related to Raynaud's syndrome. By relieving the inflammation, the blood is able to flow more freely and the vessels are not so reactive to small changes.
- Bilberry this herb is helpful for circulatory problems and it strengthens the capillaries and stimulates the vessels to dilate. Eat the berries daily or take an extract or tincture.
- Grapeseed this herb works as an antioxidant, it reduces inflammation and protects the capillaries and smaller blood vessels.
- Cayenne taken internally, cayenne can help with insufficient circulation. It stimulates blood flow to the extremities.
- Ginseng this herb can help the body deal with stress better so attacks will not occur as frequently. Take as directed on the label.
External Applications
- Cayenne applied externally, cayenne can help with cold injuries and muscle pain.