Herbal Remedies For Psoriasis
Abstract
Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin disorder. Autoimmune disorders are increasing day by day because of bad habits and bad lifestyles. Bad dietary habits may lead to low immunity factors. This immune system protects the body from numerous diseases and infections. But sometimes this immune system can produce antibodies that attack its own healthy cells, tissues and organs and can lead to autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune disorders are the collection of many complex diseases of unknown cause. A sedentary lifestyle or a lifestyle with a lot of sitting and lying down with very little physical exercise is the main cause of autoimmune disorders. This lifestyle can potentially contribute to ill health and these causes will be the reason for the life threatening conditions. In this article we are going to discuss psoriasis and its herbal remedies and some preventive measures so that further we can prevent ourselves with these autoimmune disorders.
Introduction
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that affects the overall health of the skin. This is a long lasting condition in which skin gets infected. In this condition there is itchy skin and red coloured scaly patches over the skin, mostly scalp, trunk, knees and elbow. Psoriasis is a skin condition that changes the life cycle of the skin cells. This disease tends to go through cycles and flares up for a few weeks or months and subsides for a while and then goes out into remission. This condition affects the normal day to day activities of the patient. This disease is an inflammatory condition visible on the skin as raised plaques and scales on the skin.
Ayurvedic Aspect Of Psoriasis
After seeing the symptoms of psoriasis we can compare this disease with Ekakushtha and kitibha kushta. Ekakushtha and kitibha kushtha are one of the varieties of eleven Kshudra kushtha. The dosha involved in developing this disease are Vata and Kapha. The clear discussion of this disease is available in Charak Samhita. “Kushnati Vapu iti Kushtam” means the disease which affects the whole skin of the body is known as Kushtha.
As per Ayurveda, the causes of all the skin disorders are the same, that is intake of contradictory food like fish and milk together, intake of unctuous and heavy drinks, suppression of natural urges like vomiting, sleep, thirst, etc. doing physical exercise in excess heat climate and also exposing to heat and cold environment for longer period of time, intake of cold water immediately after exposing to scorching sun, Intake of uncooked food, etc. These all are the causative factors of Kushtha roga and if person is suffering from Kushtha roga then they might have the symptoms like type of skin disorder that may not be sweat, have blackish brown appearance of the skin, scaly lesions over the skin and affected skin is rough to touch like a scar tissue and also hard to touch.
Etiology/Causes
It is thought to be an immune system problem. But this is not clear what causes the immune system to work against the body. Researchers believe that both genetic and environmental factors play a role in developing this disease. This skin disease is not contagious.
Clinical Features/Signs and Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of the patient can vary from patient to patient. The person who is having psoriasis may have the following symptoms:
- Red patches of skin
- Silvery scales over the skin
- Dry and cracked skin that may bleed
- Swollen and stiff joints
- Itching, burning or soreness over the skin
Risk Factors
Factors that may increase the risk of psoriasis include:
- Family History
- Stress
- Smoking
Complications
If this disease is not treated in time then the following complications may arise:
- Psoriatic Arthritis
- Conjunctivitis
- Blepharitis
- Obesity
- Type 2 Diabetes
- High Blood Pressure
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Depression
Differential Diagnosis
They include:
- Discoid Eczema
- Seborrheic Eczema
- Pityriasis Rosea
- Nail Fungus
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of this disease is made usually on the appearance of the skin. The typical appearance for psoriasis is scaly patches of the skin that may be painful and itchy. Skin biopsy is also done for the diagnosis.
Ayurvedic management of Ekakushtha and Kitibha kushtha
Acharya Charak mentioned the general treatment for Kushtha as:
In Vata predominance Kushtha intake of ghee is recommended. In Kapha predominance kushtha, medicated emetic therapy should be done and in Pitta predominance kushtha, purgation followed by bloodletting should be done.
Some classical Ayurvedic formulations for Ekakushtha and Kitibha kushta
Rasa/Bhasma
- Shuddha Gandhak
- Ras manikya
- Gandhak Rasayan
- Talkeshwar Ras
- Swarna Makshik Bhasma
- Kushtha Kuthar Ras
Vati/Guggul
- Arogyavardhini Vati
- Yograj Guggul
- Panchtikta Ghrit Guggul
- Kaishore Guggul
Churna
- Bakuchi Churna
- Manjishthadi Churna
- Triphala Churna
Kwath
- Brihat Manjishtadi Kwath
- Patoladi Kwath
Asava/Arishta
- Khadirarishta
- Madhvasava
Ghrit
- Mahatikta Ghrita
- Panchatikta Ghrita
- Triphala Ghrit
Herbal Remedies For Psoriasis
Planet Ayurveda is a firm that provides herbal products for various diseases. This is basically a herbal company that manufactures herbal products from the extracts of herbs. The products are natural and vegetarian. These are made under expert supervision. Planet Ayurveda offers the following herbal products for the treatment of chronic liver disease:
- Navkarshik Churna
- Gleaming skin hair nails formula
- Neem Capsules
- Manjishtha Capsules
- Pitta Balance
- Recumin Gel
- Jatyadi Tailam
Products Description
1. Navkarshik Churna
This is a natural formulation in powder form. It helps in clearing the toxins from the blood. It helps in reducing the symptoms of psoriasis by clearing away the harmful substances from the blood. It contains ingredients such as Triphala (Three myrobalans), Vacha (Acorus calamus), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), etc. This herbal formulation corrects the metabolism of pitta and also improves the immunity of the patient. So this herbal formulation is good for psoriasis.
Dosage: 1 tsp twice daily after meals with plain water.
2. Gleaming skin hair nails formula
This formulation of Planet Ayurveda is a poly herbal formulation. It is used in various skin problems. It clears the toxins from the body. This is rich in natural antioxidants. This formulation is made from the standardized extracts of the herbs which are very helpful in skin disorders such as Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Pitt papda (Fumaria officinalis), chirayata (Swertia chirata) and ghrit kumari (Aloe barbadensis). This formulation fights skin disorders like psoriasis, impetigo, lichen, ring worms, etc. It contains herbs which are all cooling in nature.
Dosage: 1 capsule twice a day after meals with plain water.
3. Neem Capsules
This single herb formulation is the effective herbal supplement for all skin problems. This formulation is made from the extracts of Neem (Azadirachta indica). This herb relieves itching and pain while reducing the scale and redness of lesions in psoriasis. This herb is known to be anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-parasitic. Neem is the best blood purifier and regular use of this herb cleanses the skin and brings back the glow.
Dosage: 1 capsule twice a day after meals with plain water.
4. Manjishtha Capsules
This is the best natural blood purifier. This herb named Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia) treats all the skin diseases and allergies due to its blood purifying properties. This herb enhances the blood circulation and detoxifies the body. Manjistha is rich in antioxidants and supports the healthy immune system. Hence this herb is best for psoriasis as this disease is caused due to improper immune system. It is the best detoxifier and too good for skin disorders.
Dosage: 1 capsule twice a day after meals with plain water.
5. Pitta Balance
This is a poly herbal formulation and helps in alleviating the pitta dosha. This is a natural balancer of fire elements. . This product is made from the natural calcium compounds such as Jahar mohra pishti, Akik pishti, kamdudha ras, etc and one extracted herb Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia). According to Ayurveda, Pitta represents the fire element and its function is to break down the compounds into the smaller molecules. So too much consumption of alcohol, heat producing food, spices, anger and aggression leads to its imbalance. This imbalance of pitta dosha will lead to skin problems and so many. So this pitta balance results in such conditions.
Dosage: 1 capsule twice a day after meals with plain water.
6. Recumin Gel
This is a herbal formulation and used in the treatment of various skin problems. It provides glowing and disease free skin. It is made from the herbs like curcumin (Curcuma longa), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Guggul (Commiphora mukul), Tila (Sesame indicum), etc. These herbs make this formulation a great herbal product for skin disorders. It is also used in wound healing. This remedy has anti-bacterial, antifungal and antiseptic properties. It is used in the treatment of psoriasis, dermatitis, etc skin problems.
How to apply: Apply on the affected side of the body.
7. Jatyadi Tail
This is a classical Ayurvedic formulation. This is a wonderful herbal oil preparation for skin problems. It heals the wound quickly. This oil is composed of herbs such as Jasmine (Jasminum officinale), Chameli (Jasminum officinale), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Patola patra (Stereospermum chelonoides), Mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra), etc. This oil is externally applied which aids healing and also stops bleeding. Due to these properties this herbal oil is used in the treatment of Psoriasis.
How to apply: Apply on the affected side of the body.
Conclusion
At last we can say these herbal formulations are natural and prepared from natural herbs and the best thing is they are devoid of any type of chemical, additive and preservatives. They do not cause any type of adverse effects and complications. They are safe to use in psoriasis and also these Planet Ayurveda products enhance the immunity as well. Use these herbal formulations and stay safe and happy. For more information kindly visit www.planetayurveda.com
Dr. Vikram Chauhan
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