All About Psoriasis Herbal Remedies

By Lelia Hall


There are three levels for treating skin disorders; topical or ointments, ultraviolet therapy and systemic involving pills and injections. If you are or know someone suffering from psoriasis, then you are aware that at one point these conventional medicine alternatives fail. On the other hand, psoriasis herbal remedies soothe the skin and enable you to lead an almost normal life.

Aloe Vera extracts of the aloe plant have been found to treat the characteristic red and scaly skin of various skin disorders. The aloe plant has been in use for centuries to treat numerous skin disorders. However, it should not be taken in a tablet form for psoriasis as research shows that it could be harmful. Aloe Vera should only be used when combined with other ingredients in ointments at a composition of 0.5%.

Another readily available product is apple cider vinegar. It is used in many kitchens across the globe for various uses. The use of organic apple cider vinegar is restricted to the scalp. It should be applied several times a week for best results. However, users may experience a burning sensation that may be eliminated by first diluting the vinegar with water at a ratio of 1:1. Apart from dilution, you may also rinse immediately the apple cider vinegar has dried from the scalp.

Chilli peppers are hot because of a chemical component they contain called capsaicin. Apart from making food hot, capsaicin is a pain reducing chemical. Its mode of action is through blocking nerve cells that sense and transmit pain to the brain. Using capsaicin on skin with psoriasis, it blocks prevents pain, redness, inflammation and scaling through blocking the relevant nerves.

Dead Sea salts also commonly known as Epsom salts are a medical alternative for treating psoriasis. Though unconventional, millions of people visit Israel to get treatment for their skin ailments in the Dead Sea. Epsom salts are available in stores and are soaked in bath water. The water should be warm, not hot and should be left for fifteen minutes before taking a bath. They work by reducing itching and scaling. After the bath, remember to moisturize the skin.

Tea tree is a plant that produces tea tree oil. The oil is thought to be antiseptic and once applied to the skin may relieve itchiness and inflammation. Some people may be allergic and therefore, one should be cautious before trying it out. Turmeric is an herb widely used for its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative characteristics. It has also been found to minimize psoriatic flares in patients when taken either in pill form, supplements or in curries.

Oregon grape also known as Mahonia Aquifolium is an antimicrobial herb widely studied for its role in influencing the immune response. 10% Oregon grape in ointments has been proven to treat non-severe forms of psoriasis effectively. However, it is advised that patients use it only under supervision of a doctor.

Psoriasis is a life-long condition whose response to conventional medicine is not guaranteed or permanent. Consequently, managing its symptoms becomes imperative in order to live an almost normal life. There are many herbs under scientific study for their medicinal value and some of them can be used to relieve inflammation and pain. However, care should be exercised to use the herbs in the right manner, dosage and conditions.




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