Raynaud’s phenomenon, also known as Raynaud’s disease or Raynaud’s syndrome, is where your blood stops flowing to your fingers and toes if you’re cold, stressed or anxious, which causes them to change colour. The skin may turn white or a lighter colour, but sometimes the skin turns blue as blood vessels react. If you have brown or black skin, Raynaud’s may make your fingertips appear paler.

Other symptoms of Raynaud’s include numbness, pain, tingling, and pins and needles in the affected area. In rarer instances, this phenomenon also affects the tips of the nose or ears, nipples and tongue.

In many cases, no cause is identified, but it’s believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. That said, Raynaud’s is sometimes caused by another health condition, taking certain medicines, or working with vibrating tools for a long time.

For most people, the symptoms of Raynaud’s last from a few minutes to a few hours and don’t require treatment. However, if you have Raynaud’s and your symptoms are bad or getting worse, you may be recommended treatment. This might include medicine to help improve your circulation, such as nifedipine which is used to treat high blood pressure, lifestyle changes, such as avoiding stress and exposure to the cold, and in extreme cases, a thoracoscopic sympathectomy, which is a surgical process that is often used to treat vasospastic disorders.

While conventional treatments exist and are often effective, there is a growing interest in alternative therapies like Cannabidiol (CBD). In this article, we explore the potential benefits of CBD that could benefit those with Raynaud’s, and which products are best for the phenomenon.

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, is one of the compounds found in the cannabis plant. Unlike delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD is a non-psychoactive compound and does not induce the “high” often associated with cannabis. Instead, CBD interacts with our endocannabinoid system (ECS) and influences its CB1 and CB2 receptors, which can help to regulate several of our cognitive and physical functions, such as pain, mood, appetite and stress. This makes it a promising solution for several conditions and symptoms, such as migraines, seizures, Alzheimer’s Disease, arthritis, and osteoporosis.

A report on CBD from the Expert Committee on Drug Dependence at the World Health Organization (WHO) found that CBD does not induce major side effects or physical dependence, does not get you high, and is not associated with abuse potential. In fact, to date, there is no evidence of public health related problems associated with the use of pure CBD so it is considered safe to use.

CBD is also legal to purchase in the UK as long as it contains less than 0.2% THC. 

Can CBD Help Raynaud’s Disease? 

While scientific evidence examining the effects of CBD on Raynaud’s is limited, several studies suggest that CBD possesses properties that could benefit individuals with this condition, both through preventing and relieving symptoms.

1. Reduces Stress

Stress is one of the main trigger for Raynaud’s, and studies suggest that CBD can help to alleviate stress which could prevent Raynaud’s to begin with. This is because of CBD’s interactions with our endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in modulating the cognitive and physiological functions related to stress.

Of 387 current or past-CBD users, 37% used CBD for stress. Of those 37% using CBD for stress, 92.2% responded that they felt less stressed when using CBD. In another trial, researches evaluated the effects of CBD treatment in 72 adults with either anxiety or sleep problems and, after 2 months, 78.1–79.2% of participants reported improvements in anxiety symptoms. Another trial noted that CBD could lead to symptom relief in young people with treatment-resistant, moderate-to-severe anxiety disorders.

CBD can also improve certain psychological measures of acute stress, such as “sedation” and heart rate variability (HRV).

2. Reduces Blood Pressure

Raynaud’s is often treated with nifedipine, which is used to treat high blood pressure. There is some scientific evidence which suggests that CBD can also help to lower blood pressure. 

A 2023 randomised controlled trial observed that ‘after five-weeks of CBD administration to hypertensive patients, reductions in blood pressure were paired with significant drops in the catestatin peptides involved in hypertension.’ Indeed, an earlier 2017 study on nine healthy male volunteers concluded that CBD reduces resting blood pressure and the blood pressure associated with increased heart rate of those that were under stress. 

In addition to this, chronic inflammation can lead to high blood pressure, and there is evidence that CBD has anti-inflammatory properties that can help counter this.

3. Helps Individuals to Quit Smoking

Smoking has been associated with increased risk of Raynaud’s phenomenon in men, particularly in those with underlying cardiovascular disease. A growing body of scientific research suggests that CBD can help individuals to quit smoking by reducing cravings and triggers (such as stress) and thus reducing the risk of Raynaud’s.

4. Relieves Pain

CBD is known for its analgesic (pain-relieving) properties, which could be beneficial for managing the pain associated with Raynaud’s episodes.

For example, it is thought that CBD can increase the body’s levels of anandamide, a compound associated with regulating pain, which can reduce pain perception and improve mood. In one study, topical CBD oil appeared to lower pain scores and reduce painkiller use vs. standard treatment in patients with digital ulcers due to systemic sclerosis, which occur due to Raynaud’s phenomenon.

Indeed, a review of studies on the body of research around CBD from 1975 to 2018 that looked at pain found that it was a promising treatment for chronic pain.

Recommended CBD Products for Raynaud’s Disease 

These products have been tested by third-party, independent quality control analysts via a vigorous process, and the full ingredients list and certifications are available to view on the specific product pages. In addition to this, the Banned Substance Control Group (BSCG) has awarded us gold certification meaning our oil is 100% THC-free.

Safety and Other Considerations

If you’re considering using CBD to help manage Raynaud’s phenomenon, there are some key things to consider.

• Clinical Trials: Most of the evidence supporting the use of CBD in Raynaud’s comes from preclinical studies and anecdotal reports. Large-scale clinical trials are still needed to confirm its effectiveness, optimal dose, and long-term effects.

• Medications: CBD has the potential to interact with certain medications, so it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking CBD.

• Type of CBD: Broad-spectrum CBD is a great option for those who want to experience the effects of CBD without consuming THC, the psychoactive compound in the cannabis plant. Clinical reports suggest that broad or full-spectrum CBD may have a better effect due to the number of cannabinoids and other plant compounds they contain that work together, otherwise known as the entourage effect. 

• Type of Product: CBD products come in various forms, such as oils, topicals, capsules, edibles, and vape pens, so you should choose a delivery method and dosage that suits your needs.

• Dosage: Finding the right dose and administration method can be a trial-and-error process as results can vary significantly from person to person. Start with a low dose and gradually increase it while monitoring its effects.

• Source and Quality: Choose CBD derived from organically grown hemp, as this ensures minimal exposure to harmful chemicals. You should also look for third-party laboratory reports to verify how pure and potent your product is, and to ensure there are no contaminants.

• Irritants: Check the product’s ingredients list for terpenes, fragrances, and other allergens, such as nuts and nut oils, that can make some painful skin conditions – like eczema – worse.

• Individual Variability: The effectiveness of CBD may vary from person to person; what works for one individual may not work for another.

Conclusion

While research on the effects of CBD on Raynaud’s disease is still in its early stages, preliminary evidence suggests that CBD may offer therapeutic potential in both preventing and managing the phenomenon because of its ability to reduce stress, decrease blood pressure, and relieve pain. It’s also a promising agent for men looking to quite smoking, which is a Raynaud’s trigger.

Need additional help? Take our CBD Quiz for product recommendations in minutes, or read our full guides on How to Choose the Right CBD Product and The Different Types of CBD. Want to learn more? Read our blog post on CBD Instead of Alcohol: Why CBD Mocktails Will Replace Alcohol.

We are Purity Hemp, the UK’s #1 Online CBD provider. Backed by science, and built on the principles of traceability, transparency & trust, we are dedicated to improving the health & wellness of people around the world. We are proud to be one of the only companies to guarantee full traceability from seed to shelf with our premium range of CBD products, tested by third-party, independent quality control analysts.

Sources

• Berger, Maximus, et al. “Cannabidiol for Treatment-Resistant Anxiety Disorders in Young People: An Open-Label Trial.” The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, vol. 83, no. 5, 3 Aug. 2022, p. 21m14130, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35921510/, https://doi.org/10.4088/JCP.21m14130.

• “CBD Oil for Pain Management: Effects, Benefits, and Uses.” Www.medicalnewstoday.com, 20 Oct. 2020, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319475.

• Dotinga, Randy. “Topical CBD Oil Study Suggests Benefits for Pain, Healing in Systemic Sclerosis Digital Ulcers.” Www.mdedge.com, 25 Jan. 2023, www.mdedge.com/rheumatology/article/260789/lupus-connective-tissue-diseases/topical-cbd-oil-study-suggests-benefits.

• “Entourage Effect.” Wikipedia, 1 Feb. 2023, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Entourage_effect.

• Jadoon, Khalid A., et al. “A Single Dose of Cannabidiol Reduces Blood Pressure in Healthy Volunteers in a Randomized Crossover Study.” JCI Insight, vol. 2, no. 12, 15 June 2017, https://doi.org/10.1172/jci.insight.93760.

• Moltke, Julie, and Chandni Hindocha. “Reasons for Cannabidiol Use: A Cross-Sectional Study of CBD Users, Focusing on Self-Perceived Stress, Anxiety, and Sleep Problems.” Journal of Cannabis Research, vol. 3, no. 1, 18 Feb. 2021, https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-021-00061-5.

• NHS Choices. “Raynaud’s.” NHS, 2019, www.nhs.uk/conditions/raynauds/.

• nutraingredients.com. “Study: CBD May Lower Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Patients.” Nutraingredients.com, 16 Feb. 2023, www.nutraingredients.com/Article/2023/02/16/study-cbd-may-lower-blood-pressure-in-hypertensive-patients.

• Shannon, Scott. “Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series.” The Permanente Journal, vol. 23, no. 1, 2019, https://doi.org/10.7812/tpp/18-041.

• Spinella, Toni C., et al. “Evaluating Cannabidiol (CBD) Expectancy Effects on Acute Stress and Anxiety in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Crossover Study.” Psychopharmacology, vol. 238, no. 7, 4 Apr. 2021, pp. 1965–1977, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-021-05823-w.

• Suter, Lisa G., et al. “Smoking, Alcohol Consumption, and Raynaud’s Phenomenon in Middle Age.” The American Journal of Medicine, vol. 120, no. 3, Mar. 2007, pp. 264–271, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjmed.2006.06.007.

• Thune, T.H., et al. “Thoracoscopic Sympathectomy for Raynaud’s Phenomenon—a Long Term Follow-up Study.” European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, vol. 32, no. 2, Aug. 2006, pp. 198–202, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejvs.2006.01.017.

• Vučković, Sonja, et al. “Cannabinoids and Pain: New Insights from Old Molecules.” Frontiers in Pharmacology, vol. 9, no. 9, 13 Nov. 2018, www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2018.01259/full, https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2018.01259.