Q. Natalie, 3 years. ago I started developing cold fingers and within a year it affected my hands, feet, and now affect's my forearms. I have been told to wear gloves and stay covered up which I do even in summer. We are starting into winter and this is just miserable to live with. I have been told this is the worst case they have seen and there is no treatment for it. I have been told this is a nerve disorder. Do you have some advice on a treatment. A. In August 1985, "Thrombosis and Haemostasis" reported that taking evening primrose oil reduced the occurrence and severity of symptoms In Reynauds disease. the plant's seeds are high in the essential fatty acids linoleic acid and gamma-linoleic acid (GLA). Evening primrose oil can either be taken as a capsule or oil. You should not take evening primrose oil if you have a bleeding disorder or seizure disorder, are taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or if you are pregnant.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 reflected the sentiments of a 1997 animal study which looked too at ginko extract. Today 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. In traditional Chinese medicine, Dong quai root, or Angelica sinensis is used to improve circulation. Dong quai is related to celery, and its roots are used for medicinal purposes. Lab results show it is effective in dilating blood vessels. Do not take dong quai if you have chronic diarrhea or gas. Side effects may include sensitivity to sunlight and skin rash. Consult your doctor before taking dong quai, especially if you are at risk for hormone-sensitive cancers, such as uterine, ovarian or breast cancer.Dietary wise, make sure you consume plenty of oily fish, such as salmon and sardines for omega-3 fatty acids. Also make sure you eat plenty of citrus and other fresh fruits and vegetables for vitamin C. You can snack on seeds, nuts, and fortified cereals for vitamin E. It is important that you try to avoid meats and saturated fats. Smoking, excessive alcohol and stress can make Raynaud's phenomenon symptoms worse. Avoid abrupt changes in temperature.It is important to remember that some 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.This column is brought to you as general information only and unless stated otherwise is not medical advice nor is it based on medical experiments. This column is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. For more information about specific problems, please contact a doctor.Ask Natalie: If you have a health query and would like an alternative answer then email Natalie with your question at nateopath@gmail.com.Someone Once Said 'Leave your drugs in the chemist’ s pot if you can heal the patient with food.' Hippocrates
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Q. Natalie, 3 years. ago I started developing cold fingers and within a year it affected my hands, feet, and now affect's my forearms. I have been told to wear gloves and stay covered up which I do even in summer. We are starting into winter and this is just miserable to live with. I have been told this is the worst case they have seen and there is no treatment for it. I have been told this is a nerve disorder. Do you have some advice on a treatment. A. In August 1985, "Thrombosis and Haemostasis" reported that taking evening primrose oil reduced the occurrence and severity of symptoms In Reynauds disease. the plant's seeds are high in the essential fatty acids linoleic acid and gamma-linoleic acid (GLA). Evening primrose oil can either be taken as a capsule or oil. You should not take evening primrose oil if you have a bleeding disorder or seizure disorder, are taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or if you are pregnant.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 reflected the sentiments of a 1997 animal study which looked too at ginko extract. Today 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. In traditional Chinese medicine, Dong quai root, or Angelica sinensis is used to improve circulation. Dong quai is related to celery, and its roots are used for medicinal purposes. Lab results show it is effective in dilating blood vessels. Do not take dong quai if you have chronic diarrhea or gas. Side effects may include sensitivity to sunlight and skin rash. Consult your doctor before taking dong quai, especially if you are at risk for hormone-sensitive cancers, such as uterine, ovarian or breast cancer.Dietary wise, make sure you consume plenty of oily fish, such as salmon and sardines for omega-3 fatty acids. Also make sure you eat plenty of citrus and other fresh fruits and vegetables for vitamin C. You can snack on seeds, nuts, and fortified cereals for vitamin E. It is important that you try to avoid meats and saturated fats. Smoking, excessive alcohol and stress can make Raynaud's phenomenon symptoms worse. Avoid abrupt changes in temperature.It is important to remember that some 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.This column is brought to you as general information only and unless stated otherwise is not medical advice nor is it based on medical experiments. This column is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. For more information about specific problems, please contact a doctor.Ask Natalie: If you have a health query and would like an alternative answer then email Natalie with your question at nateopath@gmail.com.Someone Once Said 'Leave your drugs in the chemist’ s pot if you can heal the patient with food.' Hippocrates