Arthritis More Arthritis Types & Related Conditions Natural Remedies for Raynaud's Syndrome By Cathy Wong Cathy Wong Facebook Twitter Cathy Wong is a nutritionist and wellness expert. Her work is regularly featured in media such as First For Women, Woman's World, and Natural Health. Learn about our editorial process Updated on January 18, 2023 Medically reviewed by Riteesha G. Reddy, MD Medically reviewed by Riteesha G. Reddy, MD Riteesha G. Reddy, MD, is a board-certified rheumatologist and internist at a private practice in Dallas, Texas. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Biofeedback Niacin Ginkgo Biloba Preventing Flares Biofeedback, niacin supplements, and ginkgo biloba are three natural remedies for Raynaud's syndrome that you may hear about. So far, scientific evidence to support the use of these or other natural remedies for this condition is lacking. Raynaud's can't be cured. Treatment and prevention strategies largely center on reducing the characteristic narrowing of small blood vessels that causes fingers, toes, ears, and the nose to turn pale (then blue) and cold. This article explores these natural remedies for Raynaud's and what you can do to help prevent flare-ups. GARO / PHANIE / Getty Images Biofeedback In biofeedback training, people learn how to consciously influence the body's vital functions (including breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure) with the help of relaxation techniques and information feedback delivered by specialized electronic devices. Although some practitioners encourage using biofeedback to help control body temperature and lessen the severity and frequency of Raynaud's attacks, clinical research studies have concluded that biofeedback does not work for Raynaud's disease. What Happens During Biofeedback? Niacin Supplements Some older research had suggested that taking essential fatty acid supplements may be mildly effective in the treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon. Vitamin B3 (also known as niacin) was also thought to benefit people with Raynaud's since the nutrient causes blood vessels to dilate and stimulates circulation to the skin. However, niacin has not been extensively studied as a treatment for Raynaud's and may cause side effects such as diarrhea, headache, stomach upset, and adverse skin reactions. Addition research found no benefits from supplementation. Current reviews evaluating the evidence-based management of Raynaud's do not include discussions of supplementation. Health Benefits of Niacin Ginkgo Biloba Another natural remedy thought to be useful in preventing Raynaud's attacks, ginkgo biloba has not been extensively studied for its effects on the disease. The available research includes a small study published in Clinical Rheumatology that compared ginkgo biloba extract to nifedipine sustained-release, a type of medication known as a calcium channel blocker. After treatment for eight weeks, nifedipine was found to be more effective at reducing the number of attacks. Improvement in those taking nifedipine was reported at 50.1%, compared to 31.0% in those taking ginkgo. Preventing Flare-Ups A Raynaud's attack can last a few minutes to more than an hour. Your healthcare provider may recommend lifestyle changes to prevent these flares from occurring: Avoiding caffeineWearing protective clothing and accessories (such as mittens or gloves) when exposed to coldQuitting smokingExercising regularlyManaging stress Summary It's too soon to recommend any remedy to treat Raynaud's phenomenon. If you're considering trying a natural approach, be sure to speak with your healthcare provider first to weigh the potential risks and benefits and to discuss whether it is appropriate (and safe) for you. 5 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. UpToDate. Treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon: initial management. Digiacomo RA, Kremer JM, Shah DM. Fish-oil dietary supplementation in patients with Raynaud's phenomenon: a double-blind, controlled, prospective study. Am J Med. 1989;86(2):158-64.doi: 10.1016/0002-9343(89)90261-1 Malenfant D, Catton M, Pope JE. The efficacy of complementary and alternative medicine in the treatment of Raynaud’s phenomenon: a literature review and meta-analysis. Rheumatology. 2009;48(7):791-795. doi:10.1093/rheumatology/kep039 Herrick AL. Evidence-based management of Raynaud's phenomenon. Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis. 2017;9(12):317–329. doi:10.1177/1759720X17740074 Choi WS, Choi CJ, Kim KS, et al. To compare the efficacy and safety of nifedipine sustained release with Ginkgo biloba extract to treat patients with primary Raynaud's phenomenon in South Korea; Korean Raynaud study (KOARA study). Clin Rheumatol. 2009;28(5):553-9. doi:10.1007/s10067-008-1084-9 Additional Reading Malenfant D, Catton M, Pope JE. The efficacy of complementary and alternative medicine in the treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon: a literature review and meta-analysis. Rheumatology. 2009 48(7):791-5. doi:10.1093/rheumatology/kep039 By Cathy Wong Cathy Wong is a nutritionist and wellness expert. Her work is regularly featured in media such as First For Women, Woman's World, and Natural Health. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? 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