What is Raynaud’s Disease?
Raynaud's disease is a condition of the
circulation that affects blood supply to the skin and
causes the extremities of the body to lose feeling and become
numb. The symptoms of Raynaud’s are most commonly associated with
cold and stress and sufferers of this condition
will find their toes and fingers feel very cold or even lose
sensation in response to a stressful situation or exposure to
cold.
People with Raynaud’s disease may also notice
their skin changing color to pale and then to blue when they are
cold or stressed - particularly the fingers. They may feel a
prickly numbness when cold or stressed and
sometimes a stinging pain with throbbing and redness when they
begin to relax or warm up as blood returns to the extremities.
Though not completely understood, Raynaud’s
seems to be caused by an overreaction of blood vessels in
the extremities to temperature and stress. In normal
physiology, when a person’s body is exposed to cold the blood
vessels in the extremities become narrowed and slow down blood
supply to the fingers and toes.
This is to prevent excessive heat loss from
these areas and preserve the body’s core temperature. Similarly,
in times of stress the evolutionary “flight or fight” response is
triggered and blood flow to the fingers and toes is reduced as the
body tries to conserve blood for the vital organs and muscles. In
people with Raynaud’s these responses are exaggerated - causing
troublesome symptoms. The reduced blood flow leaves the
extremities looking pale or even blue and cold as no warm blood
reaches these areas.
What causes Raynaud’s?
Some people have Raynaud's as a complication of
an underlying disorder (Secondary Raynaud’s) though more commonly
this disease appears independently and on its own and is known as
Primary Raynaud’s. In Primary
Raynaud’s the cause of the condition remains unknown.
Conditions that may cause Secondary
Raynaud’s include Scleroderma, a
condition that causes hardening of connective tissue,
Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and
other diseases that affect the arteries including atherosclerosis.
Smoking, beta blockers, certain Chemotherapy agents and some OTC
cold and flu medications can also predispose an individual to
Raynaud’s.
Certain factors may also increase an
individual’s risk of having Primary Raynaud’s. Women are generally
more commonly affected as are people who live in cold places and
those who suffer from chronic stress.
Complications
Complications of Raynaud’s are fairly rare and
the day-to-day discomfort and inconvenience is the most common
complaint amongst sufferers of this condition. In severe cases
though, blood supply to the fingers and toes could diminish on a
long-term basis causing poor healing of sores, development
of ulcers and, in the worst cases, gangrene and amputation.
It is important to seek medical assistance immediately if
you suffer from Raynaud’s and develop an ulcer or infection on one
of any of your fingers or toes.
How is Raynaud’s usually
treated?
Conventional treatment of Raynaud’s will include
treatment of the underlying condition (in Secondary Raynaud’s) as
well as medications to reduce the frequency of
attacks and prevent tissue damage. These medications work mostly
on the principle of dilating the blood vessels in order to prevent
the symptoms of Raynaud’s. In severe cases surgery on the
nerves in the hands and feet may be performed.
What are the
ingredients of Circu-Live?
Circu-Live
contains the following herbal ingredients:
Ginkgo biloba
is an extremely effective herb used in Traditional Chinese
Medicine and derived from one of the oldest trees on earth. Its
medicinal properties have only been discovered by the West during
the last 20 years, where clinical studies have indicated its
effectiveness in restoring the functioning of the circulatory
system and improving peripheral blood flow to the extremities as
well as circulation to the brain. Active ingredients of Ginkgo
include flavone glycosides, bioflavins, sitosterol, lactones and
anthocyanin. Studies indicate that the beneficial effects of
Ginkgo on circulation can help to prevent tissue damage and poor
circulation associated with Raynaud’s disease.
Zinziber
officinalis is more commonly
known as Ginger and has a long history of medicinal use in
traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic (Indian) medicine. Chinese
herbalists often recommend this "hot" herb to treat conditions
involving difficulties with cold, including the cold fingers
caused by Raynaud's. Ginger is excellent for improving poor
peripheral circulation in Raynaud's disease and chilblains, and as
a warming circulatory stimulant. It also has strong
anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties and is used to
treat the pain of arthritis and similar complaints. Ginger is an
excellent remedy for digestive disturbances including relief of
nausea, vomiting, flatulence and indigestion.
Rosmarinus
officinale (Rosemary)
dilates and strengthens blood vessels and increases peripheral and
cerebral circulation. Rosemary is an invigorating herb, relieving
depression and imparting a zest for life often helpful in
preventing fatigue and stress. As a combination between a nerve
stimulant and circulatory tonic, Rosemary is particularly suited
to conditions which cause symptoms of cold due to poor
circulation. Rosemary is also known to improve mental functioning
and memory, strengthen digestion and improve liver and gallbladder
function.
How has Circu-Live helped
others?
'I was always one of those
“cold hands, warm heart” people but as I got older my cold hands
started to cause me actual pain. Every time I needed something out
of the freezer or went outside in winter without gloves my fingers
would go completely white and numb to the touch, though they would
ache. I tried your Circu-Live remedy and it has
really helped. Not only are my fingers far warmer and more
tolerant to cold these days, I feel healthier overall and even
mentally sharper. What a great herbal product!' -
Lynette
"I have suffered from
Raynaud’s Disease for several years now and over the previous year
or so it began to affect my whole life. I was quite useless with
my hands as much of the time I couldn’t feel my fingers. My toes
and even earlobes also felt cold and painful most of the time. I
have been taking Circu-Live for about three
months and I just cannot believe the improvement! I still avoid
letting my hands get cold but this seems to be more of a habit
than anything else as they have not felt cold, numb or painful for
a few weeks now. It really is amazing how much this condition was
hindering me in my day to day life. Thank you so much Native
Remedies!" - Tina
How do I use Circu-Live?
Circu-Live
comes in a convenient tincture form and is available in 50 ml
bottles. Simply dilute drops in a little water or juice and drink!
Directions
Adults:
12 - 15 drops in 1/4 cup water or juice three times daily.
Children under 12:
One drop per age year of the child diluted in a little water or
juice three times daily.
Caution:
Please consult your medical practitioner should symptoms persist.
Safety during pregnancy and nursing not yet established. Do not
use concurrently with Warfarin or other blood thinning medication
unless under medical supervision.
How long until I see
results?
Full effectiveness in improving circulation and
treating Raynaud’s disease will be apparent within 3-6
weeks of using the remedy though some people will notice
results even sooner.
How long will a bottle last?
One 50 ml bottle will last approximately
30 days.
