Most people experience cold hands or feet in the winter, but find that their extremities warm up in a fairly short period of time. For others, cold hands are a symptom of circulation problems or a condition called Raynaud's syndrome, in which your hands hurt and look white or blue in the cold. Home remedies for cold hands involve boosting your circulation in a variety of ways.
Warming Methods
Warming up your cold hands is the most efficient way to remedy the problem quickly, even if you later need to focus on a more permanent solution, such as improving your circulation. Coming in out of the cold and covering your hands with gloves, socks, a blanket or putting them under your armpits can help transfer heat to your icy extremities. The Rodale book "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies" suggests soaking your hands in warm water to increase the temperature. Be sure to use lukewarm water, not steaming hot, to avoid burning yourself.
Diet and Supplements
Adjusting your diet to include nutrients that increase your blood circulation can help decrease episodes of cold hands. Cold hands and feet can indicate that the circulation to your extremities is compromised. Following a well-rounded diet that includes omega-3 fatty acids and iron can keep your hands from getting too cold, explains U. S. Department of Agriculture Human Nutrition Research Center researcher Henry Lukaski. Natural herbs such as grape seed extract and turmeric may also be beneficial to your circulation. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine and the University of Maryland Medical Center, both supplements are good for blood vessel health and promote normal circulation.
Exercise
Exercise is a home remedy to increase circulation as well as heat up your body. Twirling your arms around when your hands are cold can increase your body temperature and be a quick fix for cold hands, but working out on a routine basis can also be beneficial to your health. Exercise is a stress management tool, which can help people who have Raynaud's syndrome, explains the Mayo Clinic. Stress is a common trigger for the syndrome. Lowering your stress level may help you control your episodes of cold hands if you have been diagnosed with Raynaud's syndrome.
