Q. An article in the paper asked for help with Raynaud’s phenomenon. About a year ago I read in your column that a man had good luck with astragalus root for this problem. I tried it and within days it had worked like magic. Before using it I had almost decided I would move to Florida for the winter.
I did not take it during the summer, because my fingers become painful only in cold weather. As soon as I started to have trouble this winter I began taking it and it is working beautifully again.
A. People with Raynaud’s may experience pain when fingers or feet are exposed to cold. Chinese healers have used astragalus root to improve circulation and boost immunity. Animal research confirms that this herb may indeed enhance blood flow.
Other readers have reported success with other non-drug supplements such as cinnamon, grape seed extract and magnesium.