Herbal Relief for Raynaud’s Syndrome + Recipe

By the Seed SistAs

Cold hands and feet—freezing extremities—can be such a curious thing, can’t they? I vividly remember as a child noticing how icy my granny’s hands always were. She’d laugh it off with a smile and say, “Cold hands, warm heart!” It made sense in a poetic way, but let’s be honest— frosty fingers and toes can be painful. Does this ring a bell for you? If your answer is yes, read on to find out more how you can improve your health with herbal relief for Raynaud’s Syndrome.

Maybe you’ve got someone in your life whose touch is like a human ice pack.

Or perhaps you are the culprit!

Do your feet ever feel like actual blocks of ice when you crawl into bed? Do you wrap them in thick socks and still feel like you’ve accidentally stashed them in the freezer? If so, you’re not alone—and there could be a medical reason for it beyond the simple “I am just a cold person.” 

RAYNAUD’S Syndrome

Ever heard of Raynaud’s? It’s a condition where blood flow to your extremities goes into overdrive when you’re cold or stressed, making fingers and toes go numb, white, or even blue. 

What about you? Are you a winter warrior braving the chill, or do you clutch your hot water bottle like it’s a lifeline? 

What Is Raynaud’s Syndrome?

Raynaud’s is a condition where the small blood vessels in your fingers, toes, and sometimes ears or nose overreact to cold or stress, clamping down and restricting blood flow. This can cause:

• Colour changes: White, blue, or even purple extremities as blood flow decreases.
• Cold and numbness: A sensation of extreme chilliness or tingling.
• Pain and throbbing: When blood flow returns, it can feel a bit like pins and needles (ouch!).

While the exact cause is unclear, it’s thought to involve overactive blood vessel spasms. Raynaud’s can occur on its own (primary Raynaud’s) or alongside other conditions like autoimmune diseases (secondary Raynaud’s).

Herbal Helpers for Warm Hands and Happy Circulation

Herbs are your friends when it comes to improving circulation, relaxing blood vessels, and supporting overall warmth. 

Here are some of our best choices when it comes to herbal relief for Raynaud’s Syndrome, and why blending them together works so beautifully.

1. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)

Relax Those Vessels: Valerian, pigeonholed as a ‘sleep herb’, has so much more going on —this pungent plant is a powerful relaxant that helps ease tension in blood vessels, encouraging better blood flow to the hands and feet. Plus, this herb has calming properties and can help with stress-induced Raynaud’s flare-ups.

2. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

 A Vascular Wonder: Yarrow is a superstar herb for circulation. It gently dilates blood vessels, reducing spasms and improving overall blood flow. Combined with valerian, it makes a dynamic duo for relaxing and warming.

3. Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

The Circulatory Firecracker: Ginger’s spicy warmth gets your blood pumping, making it perfect for combating cold extremities. Its circulatory-stimulating properties pair beautifully with valerian and yarrow, creating a blend that soothes and invigorates simultaneously.

4. Cayenne (Capsicum annuum)

 The Heating Hero: This fiery herb contains capsaicin, which stimulates blood flow and provides a lovely warming sensation. Just a pinch in tea or a topical salve can make a big difference.

5. Ginkgo Biloba

Boosting Microcirculation: Ginkgo enhances blood flow to tiny capillaries, making it a great choice for keeping extremities warm. Studies suggest it can reduce the frequency of Raynaud’s attacks over time.

6. Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.)

Heart and Vessel Tonic: Hawthorn is a gentle cardiovascular tonic that supports blood vessel health and promotes even, steady circulation. It’s especially helpful when combined with other herbs for long-term vascular support.

Create the Perfect Herbal Blend

A mix of valerian, yarrow, and ginger creates a balanced formula: valerian relaxes, yarrow supports blood vessel health, and ginger fires up circulation.

To make this at home:

1. Combine equal parts dried valerian root, yarrow flowers, and dried ginger.
2. Steep 1 teaspoon of the blend in hot water for 10 minutes.
3. Sip slowly, letting the warmth flow through you.

Add a pinch of cayenne for extra heat or a spoonful of honey for sweetness!

Lifestyle Tips to Keep the Warmth Flowing

1. Movement Is Magic: Gentle exercises like hand stretches, foot wiggles, and wrist rotations encourage blood flow. Try squeezing a soft stress ball or walking briskly when the chill sets in.

2. Warm Baths with Circulatory Herbs: Create a cosy bath with ginger, cayenne, or yarrow. Add 1-2 tablespoons of powdered ginger or a handful of yarrow flowers to a warm bath, and soak your hands and feet for 15 minutes. The warmth and herbs together are pure bliss for cold extremities.

3. Hand Cream with a Herbal Kick: Blend ginger essential oil, cayenne tincture, and a nourishing base, like shea butter or coconut oil, to make a warming hand cream. Massage it daily to stimulate circulation and keep skin soft.

4. Layer Up Smartly: Keep your extremities warm with thermal gloves, socks, and heated insoles. Materials like wool and silk trap heat better than synthetic fibers.

5. Hydration Matters: Dehydration can worsen symptoms, so drink plenty of water and herbal teas. Add warming spices, like cinnamon or cloves, to your tea for an extra cosy vibe can aid herbal relief for Raynaud’s Syndrome.

Warming Foot Rub Recipe

Mix:

• 1 tablespoon shea butter
• 2 drops ginger essential oil
• 1 drop cinnamon essential oil
• A tiny pinch of cayenne powder

Massage this into your feet at night, pop on some comfy socks, and wake up with warmer toes.

These blog articles are herbal education resources,  produced by the Seed Sistas. Gain insights and join us in the evolution of healthcare, please do leave a comment or question.  Wellbeing empowerment for all…