Homeopathic Remedies for Raynaud’s Disease
Raynaud’s disease is a circulatory disorder involving spasms in small blood vessels
in the extremities. The tips of the fingers and toes turn pale or bluish, and tightness,
numbness, and tingling are often felt. Warming up the affected area eventually restores the
circulation and color. Raynaud’s is usually brought on by exposure to cold, or by
emotional stress, but is sometimes related to autoimmune disorders. Homeopathic remedies can
help to relieve discomfort. The tendency toward episodes may be reduced with the help of a
constitutional remedy and the guidance of an experienced practitioner.
For dosage information, please read the information at the end of this section. See also
“Using Homeopathy With Professional Guidance” in What Is Homeopathy?
Arsenicum album: This remedy can be useful when the tips of the extremities are icy
cold, with a burning sensation that is much relieved by heat. The fingers or other affected
areas may also look swollen and feel itchy. People who need Arsenicum are often
perfectionistic, restless, anxious, and feel chilly generally.
Carbo vegetabilis: People who need this remedy have very cold extremities and often
look pale and feel weak or faint, with a strong desire for moving air, and a tendency toward
indigestion. Toes and fingertips may have a cramping sensation and sometimes overreact to
circulation problems by turning red.
Chelidonium: This remedy may be helpful with Raynaud’s disease if the person
also has a tendency toward pain and tightness in the region of the shoulder-blades and neck
(especially on the right). A tendency toward right-sided headaches, indigestion, and liver
problems also suggest the use of Chelidonium.
Hepar sulphuris calcareum: Individuals who need this remedy are extremely sensitive
to drafts and cold, and often need to wear gloves and be warmly dressed, or even to stay
indoors, to prevent unpleasant symptoms. People who need this remedy are often vulnerable in
many ways, and can be very irritable and touchy.
Sepia: If a person with Raynaud’s disease has cold extremities most of the
time, and feels chronically worn out and irritable, this remedy may help. Circulation may be
poor because the person’s internal muscle tone is lax (including the tone of the
blood-vessels). The person may also experience chronic constipation or a weak or sagging
feeling in the pelvic organs. Exercise often improves the symptoms, as well as the
person’s mood and energy.
Veratrum album: This remedy may be indicated for icy coldness and
paleness—even blueness—with a sensation of cramping in the tips of the
extremities. People who need this remedy often feel extremely cold and weak with other
physical disorders, such as diarrhea and vomiting, or difficult menstrual periods.
Homeopathy Dosage Directions
Select the remedy that most closely matches the symptoms. In conditions where
self-treatment is appropriate, unless otherwise directed by a physician, a lower potency (6X,
6C, 12X, 12C, 30X, or 30C) should be used. In addition, instructions for use are usually
printed on the label.
Many homeopathic physicians suggest that remedies be used as follows: Take one dose and
wait for a response. If improvement is seen, continue to wait and let the remedy work. If
improvement lags significantly or has clearly stopped, another dose may be taken. The
frequency of dosage varies with the condition and the individual. Sometimes a dose may be
required several times an hour; other times a dose may be indicated several times a day; and
in some situations, one dose per day (or less) can be sufficient.
If no response is seen within a reasonable amount of time, select a different remedy.
For more information, including references, see What is Homeopathy? and Understanding Homeopathic Potencies.