Raynaud's Disease

This condition is not only inconvenient, but downright unpleasant. and occasionally painful. It leaves the fingers white, numb, and cold, while for some reason, the thumbs remain untouched.

The condition, which usually starts between the ages of 20 and 30, and affects more women than men, involves a vasospasm that temporarily cuts off the circulation of the blood. It is usually triggered by cold, but the emotions may also playa role although it has not been confirmed, it seems likely that there is a psychological element to it.

Some medicines (such as migraine treatments derived from rye ergot, beta-blockers, or diuretics) and nicotine can also impair the micro-circulation, promoting Raynaud's disease.

Homeopathy

Agaricus and Pulsatilla

- Four 5c tablets of one or both of these remedies to be sucked slowly, two or three times a day

Agaricus muscarius

- Vegetable origin: a fungus, the fly agaric
- The homeopathic remedy for red, itching skin, that feels as though pierced by ice needles
- A very specific indication: cold makes the condition worse

Pulsatilla

- Vegetable origin: the meadow anemone or windflower
- The homeopathic remedy for blotched or marbled skin
- A specific indication: the desire for fresh air even when feeling chilled

• You could also try Abropernol@ (Heel), which contains Pulsatilla D4, Hamamelis D4, Agaricus D5. . .
  - Available in packs of 50 and 250 tablets.
  - 1 tablet dissolved under the tongue 3 times daily

Oligotherapy

Magnesium

Trace elements usually come from the diet, which should be varied and of high quality. In cases of deficiency, which often occurs with magnesium, it can be given as a medicinal supplement.

Dietary sources of magnesium

Present in almost all foods, but mostly in the calorie-rich ones, unfortunately. The best sources of magnesium are: citrus fruits, bananas, whole-grain cereals (oat or bran flakes), cocoa and chocolate, shellfish (winkles, shrimps, oysters, and clams) and oily fish, snails, figs, hard cheeses, nuts (almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts, and walnuts), vegetables (spinach, dried and green beans, maize, split peas, and soya beans), and wholemeal bread.

• Magnesium treatment: this is available in various brands and forms, such as Organic Minerals (Colloidals) which contains 70+ trace minerals:
  - Available in 946ml bottles
  - Take 1-3 caps just before breakfast and/or evening meal
  - Children 1 teaspoon daily for each 20lbs of body weight

Or Maximol (Ionized colloidals):

- Available in 500ml bottles
- Take 1/2 capful once or twice daily on an empty stomach

• You can also take higher doses of magnesium by using remedies such as Magasorb@ (Lamberts) containing 150mg of magnesium (as citrate):
  - Available in containers of 60 and 180 tablets
  - one to three tablets daily

Herbal remedies

Melilot and white willow

Possible Prescription: Ask your herbalist to prepare 20 capsules of a blend of dried extracts of melilot and white willow, 150mg of each plant for each NO.2 capsule (the size of the capsule that the herbalist would use for the ingredients). Take one capsule twice a day for several days.

Melilot

This plant offers a wide range of benefits to the circulation. It is effective in treating both haemorrhoids and varicose veins, and also helps reduce the risk of phlebitis, thanks to its anti-coagulant properties.

White willow

The bark of this tree is the source of salicylic acid, from which aspirin is derived. It has long been used to bring down fever, and remains one of the current treatments for rheumatic pains.

• You can ask your herbalist to prepare a 60ml bottle of melilot in a whole fresh-plant suspension (this formulation's cold stabilization process restores the full natural therapeutic effect of the plant). Take half a teaspoonful in a little water twice a day

The Mediterranean or Cretan diet

• This diet is currently a model in terms of its benefits to the heart. It consists of cereals, pasta, fruits and vegetables, and olive oil. It is an enjoyable regimen to follow, for although it does not allow for excess, it does not impose deprivation either. It appears to be a passport to a long life with a healthy heart
• The emphasis on cereals, and especially on pasta, provides a healthy portion of slow sugars (starches). The pasta is often served with garlic, onions, herbs, spices, and tomatoes. These ingredients form the basis of the diet, and constitute the main dish in most meals
• Fruits and green or dried vegetables are served at each meal
• Walnuts and almonds are frequent accompaniments
• Any fat is almost always of vegetable origin, in the form of olive oil No butter or cream is used
• Priority is given to poultry and fish, with eggs served from time to time­rather than red meat (beef, mutton, or pork), which is rarely eaten
• Sugar and sweets are not part of the Mediterranean diet
• Wine is served regularly, but in moderate quantities.