Natural Herbs and Diet to Prevent Psoriasis in Ayurveda

Introduction

Psoriasis is an inflammatory disorder of skin with symptoms like cracks, itching, soreness, redness and bleeding. It results in pain and discomfort in the skin. Psoriasis can occur anywhere in the body but most prevalent sites are scalp surfaces, back of wrists, elbows, knees and buttocks. It can also occur on the nails. Psoriasis has no permanent cure because it is a chronic inflammatory condition. In psoriasis, thickened areas of silvery scales can be most commonly seen in the elbows, scalps, lower back and knees. It is a lifelong skin disease (non-contagious).

What is the Prevalence of Psoriasis?

• Most commonly, symptoms can be seen at the age of 15-35 years of age.
• Both men and women are equally prone to this disorder.
• Based on the locations of inflammation and severity, there are different types of psoriatic conditions.

What are the Etiological Factors of Psoriasis?

• The exact cause of psoriasis is unknown but it is believed that psoriasis occurs due to abnormality in the functioning of white blood cells which further results in inflammation and immune response in the skin.
• Psoriasis can also occur by skin infections like strep throat or with various medication like lithium.
• This condition is exacerbated by the overgrowth of candida albicans and other bacterial by-products.
• This can also occur due to genetics, stress, sunburn, poor liver functioning, infections, hormonal changes and poor diet etc.
• Psoriasis can be very severe in patients with autoimmune disorders.

What are the Types of Psoriasis?

There are many different types of psoriasis. They can be differentiated on the basis of location, severity, duration, size and shape, and the patterns of scales. One of the most commonly occuring psoriasis is plaque psoriasis. Some common type of psoriasis and their inflammation sites are as listed below

• Inverse Psoriasis – Under the breasts, genitals, armpit, in the skin folds around the groin, and buttocks.
• Pustular Psoriasis – White pustules which are encircled by skin which is red and limited to certain specific areas like feet and hands.
• Guttate Psoriasis – In the young adults as well as in the children which usually initiates after a sore throat with red, small, scaly spots in the skin.
• Erythrodermic Psoriasis – Characterized by periodic and widespread fiery redness of skin and affects most of the areas.

What are the Symptoms and Signs of Psoriasis?

The symptoms and signs of psoriasis differs from person to person which are as follows

• Thickened, ridged nails or pitted nails.
• Red coloured patches which are covered by silvery scales especially on the scalp, genitals and ears.
• Stiff as well as swollen joints.
• Dry and cracked skin.

How to Diagnose Psoriasis

Following are the diagnostic tools which can be used to diagnose psoriasis

• A detailed medical history.
• A proper physical examination.
• Biopsy of skin.

Natural Herbs for Psoriasis

There are various natural herbs for psoriasis which are as follows

1. Sea Buckthorn Oil

• This oil is already used in several topical preparations for scalds, burns, infections and ulcerations.
• Sea buckthorn is used in treating almost all kinds of skin disorders.
• Sea buckthorn helps in getting rid of symptoms of psoriasis and eczema.
• Sea buckthorn has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and rejuvenating properties which helps in the treatment of psoriasis.
• According to some studies, it has been proved that regular consumption of sea buckthorn oil helps for treating systemic skin diseases like psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and eczema.

2. Neem

This herb has great therapeutic importance in Ayurveda from ancient times to treat the skin diseases. Neem is packed with antibacterial, anti-parasitic, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Hence neem is good herbal remedy to provide relief in the symptoms of psoriasis like soreness, itching, burning around patches. It helps to boost up the immune system. It helps in purification of blood. It acts as wonderful antiseptic and detoxifier.

• Neem is an emollient and softens the cracked and dry skin in almost all the skin diseases.
• It is a wonderful remedy for skin diseases.
• It acts as an anti-oxidant and blood purifier.
• It boosts up the immune system.
• Neem can be used in the form of dried leaves, capsules and oil form.
• Neem oil helps in getting rid of infections which occurs due to cracked,dried and broken skin.
• Neem oil helps to nourish the scalp, soften the skin and stimulate the immune system.

3. Salicylic Acid

• It helps in peeling away the outer layer of skin.
• It helps in treating several conditions like psoriasis which results in softening of scales and fall away easily.
• It can be obtained even without doctor’s prescription.

4. Emu Oil

• Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it helps in relieving the symptoms of psoriasis.
• It also helps in relieving discomfort and pain in the psoriasis.
• It helps in reduction of redness and promotes smooth skin and in this way helps in reduction of the appearance of psoriasis.
• It helps in reduction of symptoms of skin inflammation and psoriasis symptoms as emu oil is rich in oleic acid.

5. Manjishtha

This herb is packed with the blood purification properties and helps to remove the impurities from skin. Moreover it helps to control over activation of the immune system in the psoriasis.

• This is also known as rubia cordifolia. This herb helps to balance the pitta and kapha dosha which is the main reason of psoriasis.
• It helps in purification of blood and toxins removal out of the body.
• It helps to increase the immunity and also helps in increasing white blood cells count.
• Manjishtha is very helpful in the treatment of psoriasis.

6. Aloe Vera

Gel from the aloe plant can be applied to the skin up to three times a day. It reduces redness and swelling associated with psoriasis.

7. Turmeric

Turmeric or what we call haldi in hindi is known for its anti -inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Curcumin the active ingredient has ability to alter gene expression. A layer of haldi and water paste in found to be very effective. It helps in relieving swelling, pain and inflammation in the psoriasis. Add turmeric in your daily meals to improve psoriasis.

8. Oats

Application of paste of oats removes redness and dryness of the skin.

9. Salted Water

Water when mixed with sea water can be used for bath as it cleans and detoxifies the body. Avoid putting it on open wounds.

Dietary Supplements to Prevent Psoriasis

Includes proteins, vitamins, minerals and other natural substances like fish oil, garlic, turmeric and ginseng etc. Have fish at least three times a week. Use fat free or low-fat diary products. Add carrots, spinach, blueberries, strawberries, figs and mangoes in your diet.

1. Vitamin D

It helps in reducing the risk of localized psoriasis. Increases the dose of vitamin D in the case of psoriasis. Include cod liver oil, salmon, eggs, Swiss cheese, mackerel, orange juice and fortified cereals in your diet. Exposure to sun is another alternative which is a huge source of vitamin D.

2. Fish Oil

As it alters the reactivity of immune system, psoriasis ultimately get improved.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar

Add apple cider vinegar in your diet as it helps in the reduction of inflammation. Alternatively, rinse your scalp with water mixed with organic apple cider vinegar.

4. Organic Chamomile Tea

Use organic chamomile tea in your diet so as to improve the symptoms of psoriasis.