Natural treatments for Raynaud's phenomenon
Raynaud's phenomenon is a condition characterized by an exaggerated sensitivity of the fingers and toes to cold temperatures, often resulting in a color change from white to blue to red as blood flow fluctuates. While the exact cause remains unclear, it can manifest as either primary Raynaud's (or Raynaud's disease) on its own or secondary Raynaud's associated with other health issues. Conventional treatments emphasize avoiding cold exposure and tobacco use, with medications considered for severe cases. For those exploring natural treatments, some preliminary evidence suggests potential benefits from various supplements, particularly for primary Raynaud's. Notable options include fish oil, which may reduce cold reactions, and ginkgo biloba, which has been shown to enhance circulation. Other proposed treatments, such as inositol hexaniacinate and evening primrose oil, have shown promise, although results can vary. It's important to note that not all natural remedies, including arginine and vitamin C, have demonstrated effectiveness in clinical studies. Individuals seeking alternative therapies should consider the mixed evidence and consult healthcare providers for personalized advice.
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Subject Terms
Natural treatments for Raynaud's phenomenon
- DEFINITION: Treatment of a condition in which the fingers and toes are extra sensitive to cold.
- PRINCIPAL PROPOSED NATURAL TREATMENTS: None
- OTHER PROPOSED NATURAL TREATMENTS: Acupuncture, arginine, biofeedback, fish oil, gamma-linolenic acid, ginkgo, inositol hexaniacinate, vitamin C
Introduction
Raynaud’s phenomenon is a little-understood condition in which the fingers and toes show an exaggerated sensitivity to cold. Classic cases show a characteristic white, blue, and red color sequence as the digits lose blood supply and then warm up again. Some people develop only one or two of these signs.
The cause of Raynaud’s phenomenon is unknown. It can occur by itself, as primary Raynaud’s (also called Raynaud’s disease), or as a consequence of other illnesses, such as scleroderma. In the latter case, it is called secondary Raynaud’s.
Conventional treatment consists mainly of reassurance and the recommendation to avoid exposure to cold and the use of tobacco (which can worsen Raynaud’s). In severe cases, a variety of drugs can be tried.
Proposed Natural Treatments
Preliminary evidence supports the use of several natural supplements in the treatment of Raynaud’s phenomenon. Most of the positive evidence regards primary Raynaud’s.
In a seventeen-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of thirty-five people with Raynaud’s, fish oil (taken at a dose that provided a total of 3.96 grams (g) of eicosapentaenoic acid and 2.64 g of docosahexaenoic acid daily) reduced reaction to cold among those with primary Raynaud’s disease, but it did not seem to help those with Raynaud’s caused by other illnesses. In an eighty-four-day, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of twenty-three people with primary Raynaud’s, the use of inositol hexaniacinate significantly reduced the frequency of attacks.
The herb Ginkgo biloba has been found to increase circulation in the fingertips, and therefore it has been proposed as a treatment for Raynaud’s. A ten-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of twenty-two people with primary Raynaud’s found that the use of ginkgo at the very high dose of 120 milligrams three times daily reduced the number of Raynaud’s attacks.
One small double-blind study found suggestions that evening primrose oil might help primary or secondary Raynaud’s. A double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial of ten people failed to find arginine at 8 g daily helpful for primary Raynaud’s.
A small double-blind trial tested the effects of a single dose of two g of vitamin C on Raynaud’s caused by scleroderma and found no benefit. There was some evidence that niacin supplements might help Raynaud’s due to their ability to increase circulation, but further studies have not confirmed these results. Finally, evidence suggests that biofeedback is, at most, no more than marginally effective for Raynaud’s; the same is true of acupuncture.
Bibliography
Hahn, M., et al. "Is There a Vasospasmolytic Effect of Acupuncture in Patients with Secondary Raynaud Phenomenon?" Journal of the German Society of Dermatology, vol. 2, no. 9, 2005, pp. 758-762.
Mavrikakis, M. E., et al. "Ascorbic Acid Does Not Improve Endothelium-Dependent Flow-Mediated Dilatation of the Brachial Artery in Patients with Raynaud's Phenomenon Secondary to Systemic Sclerosis." International Journal of Vitamin and Nutrition Research, vol. 73, no. 1, 2003, pp. 3-7.
Muir, A. H., et al. "The Use of Ginkgo biloba in Raynaud's Disease." Vascular Medicine, vol. 7, no. 4, 2002, pp. 265-267.
“Natural Therapies.” Scleroderma & Raynaud's UK, www.sruk.co.uk/raynauds/raynauds-treatments/raynauds-natural-therapies. Accessed 20 Nov. 2024.
“Raynaud's Disease - Diagnosis and Treatment.” Mayo Clinic, 16 Nov. 2024, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/raynauds-disease/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20363572. Accessed 20 Nov. 2024.
“Raynaud's Phenomenon.” Mount Sinai, www.mountsinai.org/health-library/condition/raynauds-phenomenon. Accessed 20 Nov. 2024.
Wong, Cathy. “Raynaud's Syndrome Natural Remedies.” Verywell Health, 14 Nov. 2024, www.verywellhealth.com/natural-remedies-for-raynauds-disease-89306. Accessed 20 Nov. 2024.