Conditions:
Raynaud's Phenomenon

Principal Proposed Treatments
  • · There are no well-established natural treatments for Raynaud's phenomenon.
Other Proposed Treatments
  • Inositol Hexaniacinate, Essential Fatty Acids, GLA (Gamma-Linolenic Acid), Fish Oil, Ginkgo, Arginine

Raynaud's phenomenon is a little understood condition in which the fingers and toes show an exaggerated sensitivity to cold. Classic cases show a characteristic white, blue, and red color sequence as the digits lose blood supply and then rewarm. Some people develop only one or two of these signs.

The cause of Raynaud's phenomenon is unknown.

Conventional treatment consists mainly of reassurance and the recommendation to avoid exposure to cold and the use of tobacco (which can worsen Raynaud's). In severe cases, a variety of drugs can be tried.

Proposed Treatments for Raynaud's Phenomenon

Although there are a number of promising natural treatments for Raynaud's phenomenon, none have been proven effective at this time.

Inositol Hexaniacinate

According to one preliminary double-blind study, the special form of niacin (vitamin B₃) called inositol hexaniacinate may be helpful for Raynaud's phenomenon.¹  For more information, including dosage and safety issues, see the full vitamin B₃ article.

Essential Fatty Acids

High doses of fish oil have also shown good results for Raynaud's phenomenon in preliminary double-blind studies.^2,3 For more information, including dosage and safety issues, see the full fish oil article.

Another preliminary double-blind study suggests that high doses of GLA may be useful as well.^4,5 For more information, including dosage and safety issues, see the full GLA article.

When taking essential fatty acids, it is a good idea to take vitamin E as well to prevent the fats from being damaged by free radicals. For more information, including dosage and safety issues, see the full vitamin E article.

Ginkgo

Although no direct evidence shows that ginkgo is helpful for Raynaud's phenomenon, it has been shown to increase circulation in the fingertips⁶ and thus may be useful. For more information, including dosage and safety issues, see the full ginkgo article.

Arginine

There are theoretical reasons to believe that the supplement arginine might help reduce symptoms of Raynaud’s phenomenon. However, a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial of 10 individuals failed to find arginine at 8g daily effective.⁷

Last reviewed March 2002 by Medical Review Board

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