Raynaud’s Disease

Why it works: Endothelial & nitric-oxide (NO) support. PLC can dilate human resistance arteries via an NO-dependent pathway, a mechanism that could counter the vasospasm of Raynaud’s. Journal of...

Instructions: There is no established, guideline-endorsed dose for Raynaud’s. If a clinician agrees to a cautious trial, they typically borrow from doses used safely in other vascular conditions...

Warnings: Drug interactions—warfarin: L-carnitine/PLC may potentiate warfarin; INR can rise. If you’re on warf...

Studies: Direct RCTs in Raynaud’s: I could not find high-quality, pee...

Why it works: Nitric oxide (NO) is a key vasodilator produced from L-arginine by endothelial nitric-oxide synthase; NO relaxes vascular smooth muscle and improves microvascular flow. That’s the...

Instructions: Primary Raynaud’s (negative trial): a double-blind, crossover RCT used oral L-arginine 8 g/day for 28 days and found no improvement in digital vascular responses vs placebo. This i...

Warnings: Drug interactions & additive hypotension: L-arginine can lower blood pressure; combining with nitrat...

Studies: Primary Raynaud’sOral L-arginine 8 g/day × 28 days: no benef...

Why it works: Raynaud’s attacks are caused by excessive vasospasm and impaired microcirculation in the digits. Standardized Ginkgo leaf extracts contain flavonoids and terpene trilactones (notab...

Instructions: Standardized extract & dose used in trials. • Seredrin® (Ginkgo phytosome): 120 mg three times daily (total 360 mg/day) for 10 weeks in primary Raynaud’s. This small RCT found a re...

Warnings: Bleeding risk / drug interactions. Ginkgo has antiplatelet effects; avoid or use only with medical s...

Studies: Positive pilot trial (Seredrin® phytosome, 2002)Design: rand...

Why it works: Small human experiments and lab studies suggest ginger can raise skin/peripheral temperature (i.e., a “warming” or mild thermogenic effect) and may promote vasodilation—both theore...

Instructions: There’s no established, Raynaud-specific regimen. If you want to trial ginger as an adjunct to standard self-care (keeping core/body and hands/feet warm, stress reduction), typical...

Warnings: Bleeding risk / drug interactions: Ginger may have anti-platelet effects and can interact with antic...

Studies: What exists:No randomized trials testing ginger for Raynaud’...

Why it works: Physiology that maps to Raynaud’s: Raynaud’s attacks are driven by cold- or stress-triggered vasospasm and endothelial dysfunction. Ginseng’s major actives (ginsenosides) can enhan...

Instructions: Form: Korean red ginseng (steamed Panax ginseng root powder).. • Dose: 6 g/day total (as 500-mg capsules, 6 capsules twice daily), for 8 weeks. This is the exact dose used in an RC...

Warnings: Blood sugar: Ginseng may lower glucose—monitor closely if you have diabetes or take antidiabetic dru...

Studies: Randomized controlled trial (cold hypersensitivity, not Rayn...

Why it works: Mechanism: Capsaicin activates TRPV1 channels on sensory nerve endings in skin. This triggers release of CGRP and substance P, neuropeptides that cause local vasodilation (widening...

Instructions: Typical approach adapted from NHS patient leaflets for capsaicin cream (used for pain conditions) and general pharmacology:. • Formulation & strength: Over-the-counter (in some cou...

Warnings: Common local effects: Burning/stinging, warmth, redness, itching—usually lessen with continued use....

Studies: Direct clinical trials in Raynaud’s: As of 22 September 2025...