Cold hands and feet are usually caused by a constriction of the small vessels, which take blood into the fingers and toes. Sometimes excessive narrowing of these small blood vessels in the skin leads to the development of chilblains.

These itchy, purple-red swellings, which usually occur on the fingers or toes, can be quite uncomfortable but are not serious. Chilblains occur mostly in the young and the elderly, and are more common in women than in men.

In conventional medicine the usual advice for individuals with circulatory problems is to invest in some thermal socks and gloves. Natural medicine, however, offers other strategies, which may improve circulation and therefore relieve symptoms.

On a dietary level it is important for you to avoid unhealthy fats found in red meat, dairy products, fried and processed foods as these may lead to increased narrowing of blood vessels in time.

Healthy fats such as extra virgin olive oil, seeds and oily fish such as salmon, trout, mackerel and herring seem to improve circulation in the long term, so make sure you include plenty of them in your diet. Also, avoid caffeine as this generally leads to constriction of blood vessels.

In addition, several supplements may improve your symptoms. I recommend that you take 1g of concentrated fish oil, three times a day along with 400 IU of vitamin E each day.

These nutrients help to improve blood flow and may reduce constriction of the blood vessels. Another natural substance known to help greatly in circulatory conditions is the herb ginkgo biloba. Take 40 mg of standardised extract, three times a day.

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