Raynaud's phenomenon is a form of vasculitis, or inflammation of the blood vessels, that occurs when the arteries that carry blood to your fingers, toes, nose and ears go into spasm and contract, reducing the blood supply to those areas. Your extremities will feel cold and numb, and your skin will change color, from white to blue to red. Raynaud's phenomenon is a secondary disease that results from an underlying disorder, such as scleroderma, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome, atherosclerosis and carpal tunnel syndrome. Herbs may help improve blood circulation, but consult your health care provider to diagnose the underlying condition before starting herbal treatment.
Herbal Actions
Herbs for Raynaud's vasculitis work in several ways. Circulatory stimulants and vasodilators may help widen blood vessels and promote circulation to the affected parts. Anti-inflammatory herbs will help heal and strengthen blood vessels. Heart tonics can improve blood circulation to the extremities. Check with a qualified practitioner for advice about dosage and preparation of these herbal remedies for vasculitis in Raynaud's phenomenon.
Ginkgo
Ginkgo biloba, is an ancient tree native to China. Herbalists use the leaves to treat circulatory problems, such as cerebrovascular insufficiency and peripheral arterial occlusion. Ginkgo is also useful for chilblains, an inflammation of the capillaries in your skin. In their 2000 book, "The Herbal Drugstore," Dr. Linda B. White and medicinal plant expert Steven Foster recommend ginkgo to dilate the small blood vessels and improve circulation in your extremities. They also note that it can protect your cells from the effects of reduced blood oxygen levels, which occur during an attack of Raynaud's. Do not use ginkgo if you are taking blood thinners.
Hawthorn
Hawthorn, or Crataegus laevigata, is a European shrub with a long history of medicinal use. Traditional healers use the leaves, flowers and berries to treat heart problems, including cardiac insufficiency and arrhythmia. Hawthorn is also a heart and blood vessel tonic. White and Foster explain that it enhances the heart's contractions and improves circulation, getting more blood to your fingers, toes, ears and other extremities. Do not combine hawthorn with other heart or blood pressure medications.
Bilberry
Bilberry, or Vaccinium myrtillus, is a small shrub with edible blue berries. The berries are a traditional remedy for poor circulation, cardiovascular problems and eye disorders. Bilberry is rich in flavonoids called anthocyanosides. White and Foster explain that it relaxes small blood vessels and protects them when circulation is reduced. In their 2001 book, "Herbal Remedies," naturopathic doctors Asa Hershoff and Andrea Rotell state that bilberry has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions. It enhances circulation, strengthens capillaries and protects blood vessel walls from free radical damage. Do not combine bilberry with other heart or blood thinning medication.
References
- "The Herbal Drugstore"; Linda B. White, M.D., Steven Foster; 2000
- "Herbal Remedies"; Asa Hershoff, N.D., and Andrea Rotelli, N.D.; 2001
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