Home Remedies to Treat Cold Hands and Feet Part 1

Experiencing cold feet is normal from time to time. Changes in temperature, as well as health and lifestyle choices, are some of the most common causes of cold feet, and adjusting these factors will usually help you to relieve symptoms.

There can be a variety of reasons for cold feet, from winter temperatures to poor circulation and nerve disorders. Causes of cold feet include:

  • Being in a state of high stress or anxiety. One of the body’s natural responses to stress or nervousness is to pump adrenaline into the bloodstream.
  • Circulation issues are a very common cause of cold feet. A person with poor circulation will often struggle to get enough warm blood to their extremities, and may complain of cold hands and cold feet frequently.
  • Moderate to severe cases of anaemia may cause cold feet. Anaemia usually responds well to changes in diet and supplements.
  • People with diabetes may be at risk of circulation problems, such as cold feet or hands.
  • Other nerve disorders may also be the cause of regular cold feet. Nerve damage may be caused by trauma or injury, such as severe frostbite, or may be due to an underlying medical condition, e.g. Raynaud’s syndrome.
  • Hypothyroidism is caused by an underactive thyroid gland, producing a low level of thyroid hormone, which has a negative impact on the body’s metabolism.

Apart from coldness, you may also experience numbness, open sores or tightened skin, and tingling in the limbs. Here are some easy remedies to treat cold hands and feet naturally:

Footbaths

One of the quickest ways to relieve cold feet is to soak them in a warm footbath. Filling a bathtub or basin with warm water and soaking your feet for 10 to 15 minutes may be enough to keep fresh blood circulating to the feet throughout the day. This may be especially helpful just before bed, as it can also relieve tension and relax the muscles.

People with diabetic nerve damage should avoid using hot water to warm the feet, as they may not be able to tell if the water is too hot or not. This can lead to accidental burns.

Self-Acupressure

The acupressure therapy will help unblock the blood stasis. Find the acupressure point in your hand and feet, which help release energy. On the hand, it is found between the thumb and index finger, whereas the acupressure point of feet is located between the big and second toes on the top of your right foot. Apply pressure with your hand’s thumb for about 2-5 minutes. Repeat the process for the other hand and feet.

Exercise

One of the most common treatments for cold hands and feet is to keep yourself warm naturally, with the help of exercise. Practice various exercises for at least one hour daily to keep your blood circulation healthy.

Massage

Massaging is one of the best natural remedies to treat cold feet at night. Massage your feet with warm olive or sesame oil before going to bed by applying pressure with your thumb. Cover your feet with the cotton socks after you’re done with the process. It is an excellent remedy for cold feet at night.

Epsom Salt

Another very useful natural remedy for cold feet is to soak your feet in the Epsom salt solution. Mix about ½ teaspoon of Epsom salt in a bucket of warm water and soak your feet in it for about 20 minutes. Apart from heating effect, it will also provide you with the magnesium.

Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo is widely used to treat many ailments. One of its benefits is it improves the blood circulation and cleans the arteries. Drink ginkgo tea 2-3 times a day.

Green Tea

Green tea stimulates the blood circulation of the body. Make green tea by adding ginger to it and drink about 2-3 times a day. Alternatively, you can soak 2-3 green tea bags in a tub of warm water and soak your feet in it.

Lavender Bath

Another useful natural remedy for cold feet and hands is lavender. Before adding the lavender leaves in your bathing water, soak them in the cold water overnight. Next day, add them to a tub of warm water. Soak your hands and feet in it.

Essential Oils

The essential oils of juniper and eucalyptus boost the immune system and improve the flow of blood. Add a few drops of eucalyptus in any vegetable-base oil and use it to massage your hands and feet, to get rid of chills.

Do’s

  • Take a balanced diet full of nutrients to have a healthy circulation.
  • Protect your hands and feet from winter chills by wearing woollen gloves and socks, respectively.
  • Keep wiggling your toes to improvise the blood circulation.
  • Tuck your hands inside the clothing of your warm areas like belly, armpit, etc.
  • Practice various kinds of relaxation techniques to relieve stress.
  • Quit alcohol else it will make the blood thinner.

Read the follow on from this article here

Article by:

Oyster Shells & Dragon Bone – Chinese Medicine

Dr Leela Klein (TCM)

M:  0421 283 442 

leela@shellsandbones.com.au I www.shellsandbones.com.au

Kundalini House