What does herbal medicine have to offer sufferers of Raynaud's phenomenon? Hawthorn berry, Ginkgo biloba and ginger are just a few of the herbs showing promise.
Affecting as many as 10 percent of the people living in North American, Raynaud's phenomenon is a medical condition in which blood vessels in the fingers, toes and other extremities periodically constrict inappropriately. Women are five times more likely than men to develop Raynaud's but this disease can strike people of all ages and from all walks of life.
The exact cause of Raynaud's isn't fully understood but known risk factors include:
- Smoking
- Age
- Stress
- High-blood pressure
- Lupus
Most of the herbal therapies for Raynaud's phenomenon focus on herbs known to improve circulation. Since Raynaud's is really just a problem with constricted blood vessels, dilating those blood vessels and increasing blood flow to the affected region usually improves symptoms immediately.
Ginkgo Biloba for Raynaud's Phenomenon
Perhaps the most promising herbal treatment for Raynaud's is Ginkgo biloba. A 2002 study found ginkgo extract twice as effective as placebo at reducing Raynaud's episodes. This study echoed the sentiments of a 1997 animal study which looked also looked at ginko extract. At this time, research suggests that ginkgo works mainly by directly inhibiting the blood vessel spasms thought to be directly responsible for the cold sensation that Raynaud's patients experience.
Ginger & Raynaud's
Every major branch of herbal medicine regards ginger as both a powerful stimulant and a general, overall tonic. Though ginger hasn't been extensively studied for the management of Raynaud's symptoms it is still one of the most commonly recommended herbs for this purpose. Ginger's ability to increase circulation by dilating blood vessels throughout the body suggests that ginger, at the very least, deserves further study.
Hawthorn Berry & Raynaud's
As important as increasing circulation is to Raynaud's patients, it's also important to address the blood vessel inflammation that is thought to be a the heart of Raynaud's. A 2005 animal study of Hawthorn berry found that this herb possessed impressive anti-inflammatory properties. While this study didn't specifically study Raynaud's phenomenon, the results seem promising. Unfortunately, to date, no human studies looking at the potential for Hawthorn berry as an herbal treatment for Raynaud's have been published.
A Final Word on Herbal Medicine & Raynaud's
It's important to remember that only your doctor can tell you if the symptoms you're experiencing are actually related to Raynaud's phenomenon. And it is equally important to remember that most herbs have at least some potential to interact with the prescription medications you may already be taking.
Before you begin an herbal regimen for Raynaud's, talk to your primary health care provider. He or she will help you develop a treatment plan that's right for you.
More Information On Raynaud's
For more infomation about Raynaud's phenomenon, see Virginia Marin's Suite101 article Raynaud's Syndrome.
References:
Muir, A., Robb, R., McLaren, M., Daly, F., Belch, J. (2002). The use of Ginkgo biloba in Raynaud's disease: a double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Vascular Medicine.
Stucker, O., Pons, C., Duverger, J., Drieu, K., D'Arbigny, P. (1997). Effect of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) on the vasospastic response of mouse cutaneous arterioles to platelet activation. International Journal of Microcirculation.
Kimura, I., Kimura, M., Pancho, L. (1989). Modulation of eicosanoid-induced contraction of mouse and rat blood vessels by gingerols. Japanese Journal of Pharmacology.
