Natural Remedies for Psoriasis

By Judith C Evans, 6th Jul 2010 | Follow this author | RSS Feed | Short URL http://nut.bz/16rb8c.4/
Posted in Wikinut>Health>Alternative Medicine

Safe, accessible natural remedies--even sunlight--can treat this skin condition

Introduction
Sunlight and Salt Water
Diet and Exercise
Herbs
Meditation and Relaxation
Conclusion
References

Introduction

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease which affects 2 to 4 percent of Americans. Skin cells develop at a much higher rate than normal, causing scaly red patches to develop. Believed to be an autoimmune disorder, psoriasis cannot be cured, but its symptoms can be treated. The conventional course of treatment includes over-the-counter or prescription hydrocortisone creams; however, affordable natural methods can provide substantial relief with minimal side effects.

Sunlight and Salt Water

Sunlight, which boosts immunity as well as mood, is a freely accessible resource for the treatment of psoriasis. For centuries, Native American healers would advise individuals with scaly, red skin patches to sit in a sunny area. Health care practitioners support the use of sunlight (heliotherapy) as an effective component of psoriasis treatment. Discuss the proper amount of sunlight with your doctor.

Health clinics and holistic centers worldwide offer various types of warm water therapy for psoriasis patients. Patients experience symptom relief when they combine sunlight therapy with salt water baths (balneotherapy). The salty water of Israel’s Dead Sea seems particularly effective. Each year, thousands of psoriasis patients find dramatic relief from red, scaly patches when they bathe in the sunlit waters of the Dead Sea.

Diet and Exercise

A balanced diet rich in fresh, nutritious foods is an important component in psoriasis treatment. Daily meals should emphasize fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. PsoriasisRx.com notes that although there are no established food restrictions, the best diet for a psoriasis patient is one that includes foods that “make them feel the healthiest.”

PsoriasisRx recommends stretching and range of motion exercises such as swimming, cycling, and Tai Chi. Swimming in a heated pool is especially beneficial. Avoid heavy exercise which impacts painful, inflamed joints. Discontinue any form of exercise if it causes soreness or pain after exercising.

Herbs

Certain herbs contain compounds called psoralens, which inhibit skin cell division. In his book “The Green Pharmacy”, James Duke, Ph.D. recommends the use of several herbs and foods which contain this substance. He notes that Native Americans would rub scaly patches of skin with the juices of these herbs. Plants which contain these compounds include bishop’s weed (Ammi visnaga), as well as members of the Angelica family, such as carrots, celery, parsnips, and fennel. Duke recommends a “Psoriaphobic Citrus Juice”, which can be prepared by combining citrus fruits, citrus peel, celery, and carrots in a juicer. Avoid excessive use of psoralens, as some studies suggest that large amounts may be carcinogenic.

Capsaicin, a compound found in hot peppers, is an effective pain reliever. According to James Duke, studies suggest that creams containing capsaicin reduce scaling and redness in psoriasis patients. Look for creams, such as Zostrix, which contain 0.025 percent capsaicin. Capsaicin can cause burning and itching; discontinue use if these side effects become uncomfortable. To prevent eye irritation, be sure to wash your hands after handling these products.

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) contains anti-inflammatory flavonoids; many skin care preparations contain chamomile. Products containing chamomile are widely used in Europe – and by naturopathic practitioners in the United States – to treat psoriasis. If you are allergic to ragweed, a relative of chamomile, discontinue use if these products cause itching.

Meditation and Relaxation

Research suggests that stress can trigger psoriasis outbreaks. Studies show that relaxation techniques (such as meditation or guided imagery), combined with UV light therapy, aid in clearing symptoms. When compared with patients who receive UV therapy alone, patients who add hypnosis to their UV therapy experience twice the rate of clearing.

Conclusion

Natural remedies cannot cure psoriasis, but can provide accessible, substantial relief from outbreaks. Most of the products mentioned in this article can be purchased at health food stores or pharmacies. Discuss the use of alternative treatments with your doctor or naturopath.

References

PsoriasisRx.com: Alternative Treatments
PsoriasisRx.com: Home Remedy for Psoriasis
“The Green Pharmacy”: James A. Duke, Ph.D.; 1997

Meet the author

Judith C Evans
I have been writing freelance since 2009. Mostly, I write about alternative health and gardening; I love to write poetry as well.

I grew up in New York and New Hampshire, lived in Arizona for 5 years, and now live in Texas. I enjoy writing, blogging...(more)