Psoriasis Herbal Remedies To Manage Pain And Inflammation

By Lelia Hall


Topical treatments, ultraviolet light therapy and pills and injections are some of the ways that modern science treats skin disorders. Psoriasis does not always respond to these treatments and if it does, the solution is not always permanent. The alternative is psoriasis herbal remedies that help patients live a normal life by relieving the harsh symptoms associated with the condition.

The aloe plant has been in use for generations to treat various skin and body conditions. The Aloe Vera extracts can be used to treat psoriasis by reducing the characteristic scaly and redness experienced in the skin of patients. It is recommended that Aloe Vera extracts for treating skin conditions should not be in tablet or pill form. Instead, a concentration of 0.5% in ointments combined with other ingredients is recommended by doctors.

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.

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 common herb used for numerous health or medical purposes. Its oil is antiseptic and has also gained widespread application in alleviating itchiness and inflammation. However, its use is restricted because some people are allergic. Another herb widely used in the kitchen, but with numerous potential medical applications is turmeric. It has been proven to be anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory.

Lastly, Mahonia Aquifolium or simply Oregon grape is an herb that has found widespread application because of its antimicrobial nature. The herb has been found to influence immune responses. On psoriatic skin, only 10% concentration in ointments is required to soothe mild and moderate forms of psoriasis. It requires monitoring and supervision by a physician.

Psoriasis patients live with their condition for their entire life. Since a positive response to modern medicine is not guaranteed, pain and inflammation management becomes necessary. Herbs are ideal for managing symptoms because they are natural and science has proven most of them effective. However, they should be taken while exercising caution.




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