Raynaud’s Syndrome and Natural Medicine

Did you know that Raynaud’s Syndrome is just as common as Hay fever?

The country is currently basking in a heat wave, but while most are enjoying the warmth, there is no respite from the cold for those with Raynaud’s disease. Simply grabbing a cold drink from the fridge, holding an ice lolly, or entering a shop with the air-con cranked up is enough to trigger an attack. So Raynaud’s, which affects 10 million people in the UK, is as common as hay fever!

So what is Raynaud’s Syndrome?

According to the NHS: is a medical condition in which spasm of arteries cause episodes of reduced blood flow. Typically, the fingers, and less commonly the toes, are involved. Rarely, the nose, ears, or lips are affected. The episodes result in the affected part turning white and then blue. Often, there is numbness or pain. As blood flow returns, the area turns red and burns. The episodes typically last minutes, but can last up to several hours.

Episodes are often triggered by cold or emotional stress.There are two main types: primary Raynaud’s, when the cause is unknown, and secondary Raynaud’s, which occurs as a result of another condition. Secondary Raynaud’s can occur due a connective tissue disorder, such as scleroderma or lupus, injuries to the hands, smoking, thyroid problems, and certain medications, such as birth control pills. Diagnosis is typically based on the symptoms.

The primary treatment is avoiding the cold. Other measures include the discontinuation of nicotine or stimulants use. Medications for treatment of cases that do not improve include calcium channel blockers and iloprost. Little evidence supports alternative medicine. Severe disease may rarely be complicated by skin sores or gangrene.

About 4% of people have the condition. Onset of the primary form is typically between ages 15 and 30 and occurs more frequently in females. The secondary form usually affects older people. Both forms are more common in cold climates.

What to Do?

Talk to your GP or therapist. In my case as an Homeopath and Chinese doctor I would recommend something natural first.

I’ve found these Tibetan Formula from Padma Circosan, that helps in Raynaud’s Syndrome. You can find it here more information: https://padma.co.uk/

(please be aware that THIS IS NOT A CONSULTATION AND YOU SHOULD ALWAYS REFER TO YOUR DOCTOR!)

PADMA CIRCOSAN® are capsules which contain a carefully balanced preparation of 21 plant and mineral ingredients, known for their anti-inflammatory and circulation-stimulating effects. Based on the camphor formula (Tibetan: Gabur), PADMA CIRCOSAN® has been shown to stimulate blood circulation and inhibit inflammation, making them highly effective at relieving the symptoms of minor venous circulatory disturbances such as tired heavy legs, pain, swelling and leg calf cramps, as well as Raynaud’s syndrome. In a Raynaud’s attack, the blood supply to the extremities (usually the fingers and toes) is interrupted in response to changes in temperature and emotional stress – leaving hands and feet with numbness or tingling, and fingers or toes turning white, blue and then
red.

This laboratory also shared some good tips for Raynaud’s sufferers (from PADMA CIRCOSAN® website)

1) Spot the signs. Do your hands or feet often feel cold, more so than other people? In a Raynaud’s attack, the blood supply to the extremities (usually the fingers and toes) is interrupted in response to changes in temperature and emotional stress – leaving hands and feet with numbness or tingling, and fingers or toes turning white, blue and then red. The most common symptoms are colour changes in the skin in response to cold, a numbness, tingling or pain, stinging or throbbing pain upon warming

2) Know your triggers. Keep a diary of when you experience flare ups. Logging attacks can help you recognise the triggers, and therefore control and reduce the risk, e.g. do they always occur when you’re particularly stressed or in an air-conditioned shop?

3) Keep warm. Layer up in thin clothes, avoid touching cold items or spending time in areas where temperatures fluctuate as even a slight change in temperature can cause an attack. Supermarkets are renowned for their low temperatures so try ordering online and asking a partner or friend to put the chilled and frozen items away

4) Avoid stressful situations as stress and anxiety can bring on an attack. Try doing some relaxation techniques if stress is a trigger

5) Lead a healthy lifestyle. Exercising boosts circulation, and if you’re outside on a cold day, keeping active will improve the blood flow to your hands and feet. Eat well – certain foods like ginger, garlic and spicy food are thought to help so try including these ingredients in your meals. Try to avoid caffeine and alcohol, and stop smoking – it damages blood circulation.