Psoriasis Herbal Remedies To Manage Pain And Inflammation

By Lelia Hall


Skin disorders are usually treated using ointments, ultraviolet therapy and pills or injections. These options provided by the modern medicine are not very effective in psoriasis. The condition does not respond too well or in other cases, the response is not permanent. There is still hope in the form of psoriasis herbal remedies that provide patients with relief from the unkind symptoms naturally. This way, they are able to relive an almost normal life.

One of the herbs that have numerous applications in alternative medicine is aloe Vera. Extracts from the aloe plant are used to treat, alleviate the redness and scaly skins of patients. It has been in use for centuries to remedy various ailments. Doctors advise that the pill form should not be used for treating psoriasis. Its use is guaranteed at a composition of 0.5% and combined with other useful ingredients in an ointment.

Readily available in many kitchens across the world is apple cider vinegar. Organic apple cider applied to the scalp helps relieve inflammation and itchiness. For best results, users should apply it for several times in a week. Since the vinegar is acidic, some people may experience a burning sensation after use. Therefore, it should be diluted 1:1 in water or alternatively the scalp rinsed after the vinegar has dried. If the skin is broken or if there is bleeding, apple cider vinegar should not be used.

The hot constituent of chilli peppers, a chemical known as capsaicin is another remedy for inflamed and itchy skin. Although very hot, it is also a known analgesic. It reduces pain by blocking the nerves that sense and transmit pain signals to the brain. When used in a psoriatic skin, it acts through blocking pain nerves to relieve pain, scaling, redness and inflammation.

Another herbal remedy is Dead Sea salts also known as Epsom salts. Although it is not a very conventional herbal cure, many people flock to the Dead Sea to seek help for various skin disorders. Available at many stores, Epsom salts are first soaked in warm bath water for fifteen minutes. The salts help remove scales and reduce itching. Once out of the tub, remember to apply a moisturizer.

Other commonly used herbs are turmeric and tea tree oil. Tea tree oil has widespread use in many household because of its antiseptic properties. Consequently, it is believed to soothe scaly, inflamed and itchy skin. Turmeric powder is also an ingredient in many food recipes. Scientifically, it has been found to have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. Using it on psoriatic skin, reduces flare.

Mahonia Aquifolium is an antimicrobial herb that can also be used to treat psoriasis. Also known as Oregon grape, it has been found to influence the human immune system. For use on psoriatic skin, it should be in a concentration of 10% and in an ointment. After use, patients observe reduced symptoms, especially in the mild to moderate forms of psoriasis. Its use, however, requires careful monitoring by a physician.

In conclusion, psoriasis lives with a patient for almost their entire life because a cure through modern medicine is not guaranteed. As a result, patients have to manage the condition and its symptoms to survive. Herbs come in handy to relieve symptoms and even though most are still under study, many of them have been proven to reduce pain and inflammation.




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