What Are the Best Herbal Remedies for Psoriasis?

ABSTRACT

The skin is the largest organ in our body, making its health of equally greater importance. Healthy skin maintains a delicate balance of hydration, elasticity, and regeneration. It is constantly renewing itself, shedding old cells to make room for new ones. Healthy skin helps keep our body safe and comfortable. Skin health can be influenced by factors such as genetics, environmental stressors, lifestyle, and underlying health conditions. When skin’s natural processes, such as cell turnover, are altered, it can result in visible symptoms such as redness, flakiness, and irritation. One such autoimmune condition that develops is “psoriasis” disrupting our skin health. Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes the rapid growth of skin cells, leading to the formation of scales and red patches that are often itchy and painful. It can affect various parts of the body, from the scalp to the knees, elbows, and even the nails. Psoriasis can range from mild to severe, and while there is no cure, it is possible to manage and control the symptoms with proper treatment, dietary changes and lifestyle adjustments.

INTRODUCTION

Psoriasis is one of the most common chronic autoimmune skin conditions, impacting millions of people worldwide. It develops when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s healthy skin cells, speeding up the skin cell turnover process. In a normal skin cycle, skin cells are produced in the lower layers of the skin and then they move to the surface, where they are eventually shed. In psoriasis, however, this process gets accelerated, causing the buildup of dead skin cells and the formation of thick, dry scaly patches. The most common type of psoriasis is plaque psoriasis, which affects approximately 80% of individuals. While psoriasis can develop at any age, it often appears between the ages of 15 and 35. It can affect both men and women, and although it is not contagious, it can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life, especially due to its visible nature and associated discomfort.

CAUSES

Psoriasis is primarily triggered by an immune system malfunction. The immune system is normally responsible for defending the body against infections and harmful invaders. In psoriasis, T cells, which are a type of white blood cell, mistakenly attack healthy skin cells. This leads to inflammation, causing skin cells to multiply too rapidly leading to their buildup. Normally, skin cells take around 28 to 30 days to mature, but in psoriasis, this process gets completed in just a few days and is then repeated on and on.

This overproduction of skin cells results in the accumulation of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin, which forms the characteristic scales of psoriasis. These scales are often red or silver and can be itchy, painful, and inflamed. The exact reason for this immune system malfunction remains unclear, but several factors are believed to contribute to its development.

RISK FACTORS

1. Genetics: Family history plays a significant role in the development of psoriasis. If anyone in your family has psoriasis, then you have a 30% chance of developing it.
2. Infections: Certain infections, such as strep throat or skin infections, can trigger psoriasis flare-ups or worsen already existing symptoms.
3. Stress: Emotional stress is one of the most common triggers for psoriasis flare-ups. Stress activates the immune system, leading to escalation of symptoms.
4. Medications: Few medications, like lithium, antimalarials, beta-blockers, can trigger psoriasis.
5. Climate: Cold, dry weather can worsen psoriasis symptoms, as it dries out the skin quickly, making the condition more difficult to manage.
6. Obesity: Fat cells produce inflammatory substances that can trigger psoriasis symptoms.
7. Smoking and Alcohol Consumption: Both smoking and heavy use of alcohol are associated with an increased risk of developing psoriasis.

SYMPTOMS

• Itching: Many people with psoriasis experience intense itching, especially in the affected areas.
• Burning or stinging sensation: Psoriasis can cause a burning or painful sensation, particularly when the plaques are thick and cracked.
• Discomfort: Psoriasis can be uncomfortable, particularly if the plaques are in areas that rub against clothing.
• Pain: Some may experience joint pain or swelling, which may indicate psoriatic arthritis.
• Dry skin: The affected areas can feel dry and tight. In the winter season, the psoriatic areas dry out quickly.

SIGNS

• Red, inflamed skin: Psoriasis causes patches of skin to become red or inflamed, often a distinct border is seen.
•  Silvery scales: One of the hallmark signs of psoriasis is the presence of thick, silvery-white scales on top of the inflamed areas.
• Thickened nails: Changes in the nails, like pitting (small dents), discoloration, or even lifting of the nail from the nail bed are seen.
• Cracked skin: The affected skin may become dry, cracked, and sometimes even bleed through the cracks
• Plaques: Raised, red patches of skin covered with scales that accumulated dead cells are often seen, especially on the scalp, elbows, knees, or lower back.

DIAGNOSIS

Physical examination is the key feature for a confirmative diagnosis in psoriasis. The presence of the scaly patched, redness and other symptoms will confirm your diagnosis. Also family history, medical history are considered for diagnosis. In some cases, a skin biopsy may be performed to rule out other conditions and confirm the diagnosis. Blood tests are not typically needed to diagnose psoriasis, but they may be ordered if psoriatic arthritis has developed.

TREATMENT & LIFESTYLE ADJUSTMENTS

Topical Treatments

They are effective in mild to moderate cases and are the first line of treatment in psoriasis. They are

1. Corticosteroids: For reducing redness and inflammation.
2. Vitamin D analogues: They help slow down rapid production of skin cells.
3. Topical Retinoid: They help reduce inflammation and cell turnover.

Phototherapy

It involves exposing skin to direct UV light in a controlled environment. It helps reduce inflammation and overproduction of skin cells.

Systemic Medications

Immuno-suppressants are used.Also, biologics that target specific components of the immune system are used. Use of Oral Isotretinoin is done to reduce the rapid turnover of skin cells.

Lifestyle Adjustments

• Avoid any triggering factors for flare-ups.
• Make sure your diet is rich in omega -3 fatty acids.
• Regularly use ceramide-rich moisturizers to prevent dryness and flakiness.
• Practice relaxation techniques like yoga, pranayama, medications to prevent any stress related flare-ups.

AYURVEDIC OVERVIEW

Acharya Charaka [father of Medicine in Ayurveda], has mentioned about “Kushta Roga” [skin disorders] which has 18 types. Among those Psoriasis can be co-related to three of these types on the basis of the correlation to the symptoms. They are “Kitibha”, “Sidhma” and “Eka Kushta”. All these three types are Vata and Kapha dominated which explains excessive dryness and flakiness of skin.

“कुष्नति इति कुष्ठ”

This means something that destroys your twaka {skin} and other dhatu is called Kushta.  Kushta involves all your tridoshas i.e., vata, pitta and kapha and Twaka [skin], Rakta [blood], Mamsa [muscles] and Udaka [lymph]. Since all three doshas are involved, but one or two doshas will be more aggravated and the symptoms will develop according to the dominated doshas in your particular doshas.

Due to over-eating, poor nutrition, overly spicy & oily foods, sedentary lifestyle our doshas get vitiated and these vitiated doshas then accumulate in our twaka [skin], Rakta [blood], mamsa [muscle] etc. developing symptoms.

स्पर्शाज्ञत्वमतिस्वेदो न वा वैवर्ण्यमुन्नतिः| कोठानां लोमहर्षश्च कण्डूस्तोदः श्रमः क्लमः व्रणानामधिकं शूलं शीघ्रोत्पत्तिश्चिरस्थितिः| दाहः सुप्ताङ्गता चेति कुष्ठलक्षणमग्रजम्|

Acharya Charaka has explained about prodromal symptoms of “Kushta Roga” [skin disease]. These are decreased touch sensation, change in color (discoloration), excessive sweating or absence of sweating (which may be localized or sometimes generalized), formation of papules on skin, pricking pain, mental fatigue, severe pain in ulcerated area, and burning sensation.

In “Sidhma”, white-coppery scales develop and “घृष्टं विमुञ्चति” which means dust like particles form on skin.

In “Eka Kushta”, यन्मत्स्यशकलोपमम् which means skin has scales similar to that of a fish.

श्यावं किणखरस्पर्शं परुषं किटिभं स्मृतम्

In “Kitibha”, the skin feels rough, hard to touch and similar to scar tissue. You can feel granulation of skin i.e., rapid turnover of skin cells in this type. In Ayurveda, various herbs and panchkarma (detoxification procedures) have been mentioned in the management of “Psoriasis”. Procedures like Snehana (Oleation), swedana (fomentation), lepa (application of medicinal paste), Raktamokshana (bloodletting), Sarvangh-dhara or Ekaang-dhara (warm medicated oils or decoction are poured either over whole body or the affected part).  If the scales on skin are elevated, then Swedana (fomentation) followed by bloodletting is done.

Use of “Rasanjanana” (solid extract prepared from decoction of Daruharidra i.e. Berberis aristata) along with cow’s urine is done. Classical preparations like Patolamuladi kashayam, Kanakabindu Arishta, Madhav-asava, Sidharthaka Snana (medicated baths) are used in management of “Kushta”. Use of Gandhak (sulphur) has also been mentioned for treatment of 17 types of “Kushta”. Gandhak (sulphur) along with amlaki and honey is used in 17 types of “Kushta”. Acharya Charaka, has mentioned about “Kushtagna Mahakashaya” (alleviates skin disorders)in which he has mentioned about 10 herbs that are helpful in management of “Kushta”. They are Khadira (Acacia catechu), Abhya (Terminalia chebula), Amlaki (Emblica officinalis), Haridra (Curcuma longa), Arushaka (Semecarpus anacardium), Saptaparni (Alstonia scholaris), Aragwadha (Cassia fistula), Karvir (Nerium indicum), Vidang (Emblia ribes), and Jatipraval (Jasminum officinale). These drugs pacify the vitiated doshas, cleanses blood and also their prabhava (specific potency) helps in pacifying the aggravated symptoms.

AYURVEDIC HERBS BENEFICIAL IN PSORIASIS

1. Neem (Azadirachta Indica)

Neem is an excellent exfoliant and is helpful in dead skin removal. Neem is said to be “Kushta hara” i.e., it is helpful in alleviating skin disorders. It is antimicrobial, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and cleansing in nature. Neem balances our vitiated Kapha dosha. Neem is sheeta (cool potency) in nature. Its kashayam (decoction) is used for medicinal baths. Neem leaves powder is used for wound healing, in abscess along with honey and Haridra (Curcuma longa).

2. Haridra (Curcuma Longa)

Haridra increases our Agni (metabolic fire) because of its ushna veerya (hot potency), Katu (bitter) rasa and Tikta (pungent) rasa. It digests Ama (toxins) and balances tri-doshas. It balances vata due to its Ushna veerya (hot potency); Kapha due to its Rooksha(dry), Katu (bitter), and Tikta (pungent) rasa and also Pitta due to its Tikta (pungent) guna. Haridra removes the blockage in “srotas” (circulatory channels) which are created by vitiated Pitta and Kapha dosh and allows free movement of Vata. Haridra is helpful in immune-modulation by correcting metabolism, enabling free circulation of nutrients & oxygen to every cell due to its antioxidant properties. It is also “Vishothahar” i.e., it is naturally anti-inflammatory.

3. Khadira (Acacia Catechu)

Acharya Charaka has mentioned khadira as “Kushta hara” which means it is useful in skin diseases. Its decoction, arishta (alcoholic preparation) are used internally to treat a variety of skin disorders like eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis. It is rich in Tikta (bitter) and Kashaya (astringent) rasa therefore it balances vitiated Kapha and Pitta dosha. It is “Kandhughna” i.e., it relieves itching. It is rich in alkaloids like acactechin, quercetin, and gum quercitrin. The branch from this tree is used as a toothbrush due to the presence of Kashaya (astringent) rasa in it.

4. Manjishtha ( Rubia Cordifolia)

Manjistha is a potent herb known for its blood purifying properties as it is a “Raktashodhaka”. It is helpful in removing toxins from our blood circulation. It also works on hyperpigmentation by reducing melanin production, thus evens out the skin tone. It is a powerful anti-oxidant which nourishes our skin. It is Kapha and Pittashamak that balances the vitiated kapha and pitta doshas. Acharya Charaka has mentioned it as “varnya” because of its various skin benefits. It is helpful in relieving itching and promotes skin healing. This herb is rich in bioactive constituents like purpurin, munjistin, xanthopurpurin, psuedopurpurin.

5. Jati (Jasminum Officinale)

It is commonly known as Chameli or Jasmine. It is rich in Tikta (bitter) and Kashaya (astringent) rasa and is Laghu (light) and Snighda (slimy). It balances all the tridoshas. The leaves of this plant contain salicylic acid, ascorbic acid, & anthranilic acid and alkaloid jasmine. The paste of its leaves is used to relieve itching. This fragrant herb has both anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. The oils or medicated ghee prepared with the leaves of Chameli are miraculous in healing open and chronic wounds.

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR PSORIASIS BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Planet Ayurveda provides a combination of ayurvedic herbs for the management of psoriasis. With the use of above-mentioned herbs, planet Ayurveda has compiled the “PSORA Care Pack”. This pack includes Navkarshik Churna; Gleaming Skin, Hair, Nails Formula; Neem Capsules; Manjishtha Capsules; Pitta Balance; Gandhak Rasayan; Radiant Skin, Hair, Nails Lotion and Jatyadi Tailam. All the Planet Ayurveda medicines are 100 % natural, vegetarian, additive free, chemical & preservative free and without any side effects. With ayurvedic intervention, the Psoriasis can be managed efficiently and thus, increasing the quality of life.

1. Navkarshik Churna
2. Gleaming Skin, Hair, Nails Formula
3. Neem Capsules
4. Manjishtha Capsules
5. Pitta Balance
6. Gandhak Rasayan
7. Radiant Skin, Hair, Nails Lotion
8. Jatyadi Tailam

Product Description

1. Navkarshik Churna

This churna is prepared from the standardized extract derived from the equal parts of 9 potent herbs. These are Amla (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Vibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica), Vacha (Acorus calamus), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), Katuki (Picrorhiza kurroa), Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), and Daruharidra (Berberis aristata). These herbs balance the vitiated Kapha and Vata dosha. They are anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant rich which promote better skin health. It strengthens our immunity as it is an Immuno-modulator. These herbs purify our blood and relieve any itching or associated pain.

Dosage: 1 teaspoonful twice daily with warm water after a meal.

2. Gleaming Skin, Hair, Nails Formula

These capsules are prepared from the standardised extract derived from the blood purifying herbs like Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Pit Papada (Fumaria officinalis), Ghritkumari (Aloe barbadensis) and Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus). All these herbs are blood cleansing and remove any toxins present in it. All together they promote better health of our hairs, nails and skin.

Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily with warm water after meal.

3. Neem Capsules

These capsules are prepared from the standardized extract derived from the leaves of Neem (Azadirachta indica). Neem has shown excellent potency in dead skin removal, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial actions. Neem is “Kushta hara” i.e., it is helpful in treating skin disorders. These capsules are detoxifying in nature and thus help remove toxins from the body.

Dosage: 1 capsule twice daily with warm water after a meal.

4. Manjishtha Capsules

These capsules are prepared from the standardized extract derived from the roots of Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia).  This is known for its blood purifying properties as it is “Raktashodhaka”. It is classified as “varnya” in our texts which means it works on improving our skin texture, evens out skin tone, decreases hyperpigmentation. It has effect on both the kapha and pitta doshas but it mainly balances “pitta dosha”. It is rich inbio-actives like purpurin, munjistin, xanthopurpurin, psuedopurpurin which gives it its significant properties of blood purification and wound healing.

Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily with warm water after meal.

5. Pitta Balance

It is available in capsulated form which is prepared from various ayurvedic preparations like JaharMohra Pishti, Keherwa Pishti, Akik Pishti, Mukta Pishti and Ghansatva of Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia). It is helpful in balancing the Pitta dosha in the body, keeping things cool and calm. It supports a healthy digestive system and has a cooling effect on the body. It’s also a rich source of calcium.

Dosage: 1 capsule twice daily with warm water after a meal.

6. Gandhak Rasayan

These tablets are classical herbomineral preparations which are prepared from the purified Sulphur. Along with this standardized extract from the various herbs like Chaturjaka (Twak (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) + Ela (Elettaria cardamomum) + Patra (Cinnamomum tamala) + Nagakesar (Mesua ferrea)); Triphala (Amlaki (Emblica officinalis) + Vibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica) + Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)); Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia); Shunthi (Zingiber officinalis) and Bhringraj (Eclipta alba). This preparation has anti-microbial, and rasayanic properties which helps in skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema. It helps relieve itching, redness and reduces flakiness of skin.

Dosage:  2 tablets twice daily with warm water after a meal.

7. Radiant Skin, Hair, Nails Lotion

This body lotion is prepared from the standardized extract derived from Haridra (curcuma longa) which is Curcumin, Neem (Azadirachta indica), Chameli (Jasminum officinale), Jivanti (Leptadenia reticulata), and Jyotishmati (Celastrus paniculatus). These herbs are prepared in an oil base of Sesame (Sesamum indicum) and Coconut (Cocos nucifera) oil. This lotion helps in relieving itching and dryness and restores moisture into skin for longer duration.

Dosage: For external use only, this Radiant Skin, Hair, Nails Lotion and Jatyadi Tailam can be mixed together and applied twice daily on the affected area after cleaning the area.

8. Jatyadi Tailam

This classical medicine is prepared from the standardized extract derived from the various herbs like Jati (Jasminum Officinale), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Patol (Stereospermum chelonoides), Mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Karanja Beej (Pongamia pinnata), and various other herbs. The goodness of these herbs is then mixed with beeswax and sesame oil. This oil is used on chronic wounds, healing wounds in fissures, piles, overgrowth of nails, etc. This tailam is extremely potent and has shown miraculous results.

Dosage: Apply on the affected area daily as advised by your physician.

CONCLUSION

Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition characterized by the rapid growth of skin cells, leading to thick, scaly patches. It is an autoimmune disorder, often triggered by genetic, environmental, and immune system factors. Psoriasis can have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life, contributing to emotional and psychological distress. While the exact cause of psoriasis remains unclear, advances in research have led to the development of more effective treatments, allowing individuals with the condition to better manage their symptoms. If you suspect you have psoriasis, it is important to consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. Treatment options include topical medications, phototherapy, and systemic treatments, but these often come with side effects and limited long-term effectiveness. Ayurveda, a traditional system of medicine, offers a holistic approach in managing psoriasis by addressing the root cause, balancing the body’s doshas and improving overall health. Ayurvedic treatments emphasize natural remedies such as herbal formulations, dietary adjustments, detoxification (Panchkarma), and lifestyle modifications. These treatments are known for their ability to reduce inflammation, enhance skin healing, and prevent flare-ups without the harmful side effects associated with conventional therapies. Ayurvedic practices aim to improve the immune system and promote the body’s natural healing processes, making it a promising complementary option for psoriasis management.