Chilblains
Chilblains are noticeable because of the reddish-blue discoloration they cause on the toes or fingers and, sometimes, the ears and shins. They form as a result of poor circulation and tend to appear when the cold weather sets in.
Chilblains cause itchiness, pain and swelling, and they can become inflamed. Keeping warm in winter, and improving your circulation with a healthy diet and regular exercise, are the most important steps in preventing and treating the problem.
Dietary Advice For Chilblains
Avoid smoking, and drink less coffee and alcohol as too much constricts blood vessels and impairs the circulation.
A diet that is low in saturated fats also encourages healthy circulation.
Vitamins C, E and flavonoids improve the blood flow, so eat more citrus fruits with some of the pith left on, berries, cherries, avocados, nuts and seeds.
Add generous amounts of garlic to your cooking and supplement with 1 to 2 garlic capsules daily.
Complimentary Natural Remedies For Chilblains
The herb ginkgo biloba helps to improve the circulation to the extremities and has proved effective in circulation disorders such as Raynaud’s phenomenon.
To relieve pain and inflammation and encourage healing, make an aromatic foot or hand bath using 4 to 6 drops of lavender, sweet marjoram or German or Roman camomile oil in 600 to 1200 ml of warm water. Soak your hands or feet for 15 minutes. Afterwards, apply a soothing cream made from 30g of unperfumed skin cream and 20 drops of lavender or sweet marjoram oil, or 15 drops of German camomile oil, 2 or 3 times a day. For broken or weeping chilblains, apply neat lavender or tea tree oil or aloe vera gel. Regular massage of the hands and feet, using warming oils such as sweet marjoram, coriander or geranium helps to improve the circulation and prevent chilblains recurring. Click here for more recipes and aromatherapy blends.
Calc phos 6x is the recommended tissue salt remedy for chilblains; Kali mur 6x is helpful when there is inflammation; and Kali sulph 6x is good for broken chilblains weeping a yellow fluid. Take one of these 3 times a day.
