Natural Remedies for Raynaud's Syndrome

Biofeedback, niacin supplements, and ginkgo biloba are three natural remedies for Raynaud's syndrome that you may hear about. So far, scientific evidence to support the use of these or other natural remedies for this condition is lacking.

Raynaud's can't be cured. Treatment and prevention strategies largely center on reducing the characteristic narrowing of small blood vessels that causes fingers, toes, ears, and the nose to turn pale (then blue) and cold.

This article explores these natural remedies for Raynaud's and what you can do to help prevent flare-ups.

Biofeedback

In biofeedback training, people learn how to consciously influence the body's vital functions (including breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure) with the help of relaxation techniques and information feedback delivered by specialized electronic devices.

Although some practitioners encourage using biofeedback to help control body temperature and lessen the severity and frequency of Raynaud's attacks, clinical research studies have concluded that biofeedback does not work for Raynaud's disease.

Niacin Supplements

Some older research had suggested that taking essential fatty acid supplements may be mildly effective in the treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon.

Vitamin B3 (also known as niacin) was also thought to benefit people with Raynaud's since the nutrient causes blood vessels to dilate and stimulates circulation to the skin.

However, niacin has not been extensively studied as a treatment for Raynaud's and may cause side effects such as diarrhea, headache, stomach upset, and adverse skin reactions.

Addition research found no benefits from supplementation. Current reviews evaluating the evidence-based management of Raynaud's do not include discussions of supplementation.

Ginkgo Biloba

Another natural remedy thought to be useful in preventing Raynaud's attacks, ginkgo biloba has not been extensively studied for its effects on the disease.

The available research includes a small study published in Clinical Rheumatology that compared ginkgo biloba extract to nifedipine sustained-release, a type of medication known as a calcium channel blocker.

After treatment for eight weeks, nifedipine was found to be more effective at reducing the number of attacks. Improvement in those taking nifedipine was reported at 50.1%, compared to 31.0% in those taking ginkgo.

Preventing Flare-Ups

A Raynaud's attack can last a few minutes to more than an hour. Your healthcare provider may recommend lifestyle changes to prevent these flares from occurring:

• Avoiding caffeine
• Wearing protective clothing and accessories (such as mittens or gloves) when exposed to cold
• Quitting smoking
• Exercising regularly
• Managing stress

Summary

It's too soon to recommend any remedy to treat Raynaud's phenomenon. If you're considering trying a natural approach, be sure to speak with your healthcare provider first to weigh the potential risks and benefits and to discuss whether it is appropriate (and safe) for you.