Raynaud's syndrome
Raynaud's syndrome is a condition in which the small arteries (arterioles), especially those in the fingers and toes go into spasm, drastically reducing the blood supply to the skin, which goes pale, often white but sometimes blue or red and patchy.
People with Raynaud's syndrome have normal arteries and usually no underlying cause can be found for the problem but it is estimated that there may be up to 10 million people in the UK with Raynaud's syndrome and it affects women more than men.
Causes of Raynaud's syndrome
Raynaud's syndrome is often triggered by exposure to cold, reducing the circulation, usually to the hands, but the toes, nose and ears may be affected.
Other factors which might trigger Raynaud's syndrome include emotional stress or anxiety, this can stimulate the sympathetic nervous system causing the arterial spasms. Raynaud's syndrome can also be brought on by vibration, especially from long-term use of vibrating tools such as a drill, which may damage or weaken the small blood vessels, making them more susceptible.
In some cases Raynaud's syndrome is associated with autoimmune disease such as scleroderma or rheumatoid arthritis, or with decreased thyroid activity. Some people with Raynaud's syndrome also suffer from other problems related to the cardiovascular system such as migraine headaches or pulmonary hypertension suggesting an association.
Symptoms of Raynaud's syndrome
Spasms in the small arteries quickly cause the signs and symptoms of Raynaud's syndrome. One or more fingers or toes turn white at the ends or in a patchy fashion. This may last for a few minutes or a few hours. Raynaud's syndrome may be painful and the affected parts may feel cold, numb and tingle or burn. As the arterial spasms come to an end the affected areas may turn blue and then red as the blood returns, which can cause pain.
Self-help for Raynaud's syndrome
If exposure to cold weather has triggered the Raynaud's syndrome, rewarming the hands and feet restores normal colour and sensation. Often Raynaud's syndrome can be controlled by preventing exposure to cold, such as using handwarmers or wearing gloves and thermal socks.
Stop smoking to improve circulation. Nicotine constricts the blood vessels, so if you smoke, limit this or preferably stop. Smoking also increases your requirement for antioxidants, so instead of the recommended 5 portions of vegetables and fruits per day, someone who smokes should have 10 portions per day.
Diet - having a healthy diet can help to improve your circulation. Cut out processed foods and cut down on saturated fats. Try monounsaturated fats such as extra virgin olive oil and rapeseed oil for cooking. Eat oily fish twice a week, the omega-3 fats found in some fish helps to thin the blood, and is found in mackerel, sardines, fresh tuna and wild salmon and trout. Eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits, as these contain essential antioxidants that help maintain healthy blood vessels. Try to get a variety of colours on your plate, the different colours in fruits and vegetables are due to different nutrients such as vitamins and bioflavonoids, and having a variety of these is better. Foods such as buckwheat and blueberries or bilberries contain bioflavonoid nutrients that help to strengthen the veins and capillaries. Pomegranate juice is a popular drink which has been shown to reduce thickening of the arteries, therefore improving the circulation.
Herbs that help improve the circulation may help with raynaud's syndrome. Ginkgo biloba makes blood less 'sticky' helping it circulate more freely around the body, and helps to make the blood vessels more strong and elastic. Hawthorn berries or flowers help to dilate the small blood vessels, opening up the peripheral circulation, which helps to lower blood pressure, but may also help in conditions of poor circulation such as raynaud's syndrome. They also have antioxidant properties helping to keep the blood vessels healthy. Warming spices such as ginger help to stimulate circulation, and can be taken as a warming ginger infusion, as a tincture, in capsules or simply eat some crystallised ginger. Herbalists may also prescribe herbs such as Prickly ash (Zanthoxylum americanum) a warming and stimulating herb for the circulation.
Note If you are taking any medication for heart or circulatory problems please contact your local herbalist for more information about taking Ginkgo or Hawthorn as these herbs may interact with your current medicines.
Exercise is known to stimulate circulation. Keep moving or at least try to avoid sitting for long periods.
Research on Raynaud's syndrome
The use of Ginkgo biloba in Raynaud's disease: a double-blind placebo-controlled trial; abstract
The concentration of magnesium in erythrocytes in female patients with primary Raynaud's phenomenon; fluctuation with the time of year; abstract
More information on Raynaud's syndrome
Medlineplus - Raynaud's disease
BBC health website - Raynaud's phenomenon