Plants have a long history in treating skin conditions. Recent studies suggest that some of them can help relieve the symptoms of psoriasis. Here are natural solutions that can relieve skin and scalp psoriasis.
This fairly common skin disease is manifested by outbreaks during which sometimes itchy red patches appear in certain areas of the body, the most common being the knees, elbows and scalp. Stress, infection, or taking certain medications can trigger a flare-up.
Psoriasis, when the skin gives you misery
Psoriasis causes red scaly patches of varying sizes, usually on the scalp and lower back, as well as elbows, knees, and finger joints. On the nails of the feet and hands, it causes pits to appear as well as a brownish discoloration. Sometimes the nail lifts and splits. Most of the time, these rashes occur in teenagers and young adults. Psoriasis can persist for the entire life of an individual, with more or less severe periods.
Psoriasis does not leave scars. It is usually accompanied by itching, especially in the folds of the body. In severe cases, it can cause cracks and pustules on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Psoriasis can also lead to a rash on the genitals, profuse flaking of dead cells, and even (although rarely) symptoms of arthritis affecting the spine and major joints.
According to statistics, psoriasis affects about 2 million people. Medically, the disease is difficult to treat and impossible to cure. It is not due to an infection or an allergic reaction, but rather to stress, diet or certain vitamin or mineral deficiencies. It could be an autoimmune disease, that is to say that the immune system attacks the body itself. On the other hand, psoriasis is not a contagious disease. We also know that psoriasis is not always hereditary, even if it involves a particular arrangement of a bouquet of genes. In 30% of cases, it can occur in several members of the same family. Illness, arguments, violence and emotional disturbances can make it worse.
Psoriasis somehow interferes with the normal cycle of skin cell growth and renewal. Normally, the body renews the cells of the epidermis approximately every 28 days. Psoriasis accelerates this process, which then occurs five to ten times faster, causing the accumulation of scaly plaques.
Sunlight often helps clear up these plaques. Many of us nowadays avoid sunbathing, because we know that exposure to the sun's rays promotes the appearance of malignant melanomas, that is, skin cancers. However, for patients with psoriasis, the sun can be beneficial, if exposed with the usual precautions. When the weather or the season does not allow it, tanning lamps are always a possibility.
In mild cases, doctors sometimes recommend 0.5% hydrocortisone ointment, and sometimes stronger prescriptions. The latest treatment for psoriasis, PUVA therapy, consists of combining exposure to certain ultraviolet rays from the sun, UVA rays and the oral intake of complex substances called psoralens. The latter are present in various plants and are also found in certain pharmaceutical preparations. Because PUVA can cause potentially serious side effects, it should only be used for severe cases of psoriasis.
The most effective shampoos to fight scalp psoriasis
For psoriasis located on the scalp, shampoos specially designed for this purpose prove to be great allies. Carapa procera oil-based shampoo is a 100% natural solution recommended for scalp psoriasis. It should be used as soon as dandruff or scales appear, but also in case of redness or itching on the scalp. It can be noted that shampoo against scalp psoriasis is suitable for oily hair as well as dry hair.
Its Carapa procera oil content, thanks to the synergy of its active ingredients, helps with healing, restructuring and regeneration of the epidermis. It reduces itching after the first use. While most shampoos are produced with 90% water, its formula is a concentration of natural active ingredients, which makes it very effective. Its use is possible as a "classic shampoo" for frequent use if you suffer from itching, or sporadically, as a 10-day cure.
There are also other types of shampoo that can provide relief for people with scalp psoriasis. Anti-itch shampoos such as those containing Zanthoxylum are sometimes effective. They eliminate scales and also have healing properties.
Finally, moisturizing shampoos based on natural ingredients are particularly recommended. They are suitable for those whose scalp is particularly irritated and dry. Often based on aloe vera, they relieve burning sensations.
Plants for Psoriasis
Fortunately, there are also a number of herbs that can sometimes provide significant relief. First of all, there is angelica (Angelica archangelica) and other plants containing psoralens. Many plants contain psoralens. To get a natural version of an often-prescribed treatment for psoriasis, ingest any herb (or herbal blend) that contains psoralens, then spend some time in the sun. Edible plants containing psoralens include a number including citrus fruits, angelica, carrots, celery, fennel, figs and parsnips.
If you want a pleasant treatment to apply, set aside a sunny afternoon and prepare yourself some citrus juice: all you have to do is put a mixture of citrus fruits in your juicer (keeping a little zest), a carrot and a stalk of celery. Or maybe you prefer to prepare a psoralen soup by adding carrots, celery, parsnips and fennel to your favorite vegetable soup recipe. Do not forget to then go out in the sun or immediately put yourself under the tanning lamp as soon as you have tasted these preparations.
On the other hand, be careful if you opt for plants that contain psoralens. In high doses, these complex substances can be carcinogenic. On the other hand, if you notice any irritation, stop this treatment immediately.
Oats are a well-known popular remedy for relieving itching. Some herbalists recommend treating psoriasis with oatmeal poultices or oatmeal baths. You can either throw a few handfuls of oatmeal into a warm bath or fill a muslin bag with it, then zip it up and put it in your bath.
Chamomile preparations are frequently used to treat psoriasis, eczema, and dry, scaly skin. Naturopaths claim that the external application of this plant is particularly effective in treating psoriasis. Flavonoids, complex substances found in chamomile, exert significant anti-inflammatory activity. You can find ready-made chamomile ointments in most health food stores.
If you suffer from hay fever, exercise caution when using chamomile. The latter belongs to the ambrosia family. It could trigger allergic reactions in some people. The first time you use it, watch your reactions carefully. If it seems to bring you relief, do not hesitate to take it regularly. On the other hand, if you find that it causes or aggravates irritation and itching, stop using it.
Various vegetable oils are chemically close to fish oils, which are said to help relieve psoriasis. Flaxseed oil, for example, contains two beneficial complex substances: eicosapentaenoic acid and alpha linolenic acid. I have reviewed various scientific works showing that 10 to 12 grams (or five to six teaspoons) of these acids can help treat psoriasis. Note, however, that flaxseed oil is very caloric. Therefore, if you opt for this treatment, it is worth revising the caloric content of the rest of your diet downwards. Flaxseed oil can be replaced by a mixture of sunflower oil (2 parts) and wheat germ oil (1 part), or by flax seeds available in health food stores.
You can also count on the holly leaf mahonia. Hollyleaf Mahonia's many anti-psoriasis chemicals are powerful antioxidants. They have the power to neutralize highly reactive molecules called free radicals, which have the effect of causing cell damage and play a role in various inflammatory disorders such as psoriasis. The same chemicals are also present in barberry, coptid and goldenseal.
As part of a study, researchers have shown that complex substances present in these plants, the alkaloids of mahonia, slow down the proliferation of certain skin cells.
Naturopaths consider external applications of licorice equal or superior to hydrocortisone ointments. They point out that the complex substance contained in this plant, glycyrrhetinic acid (or AG), has an action comparable to that of hydrocortisone for the treatment of psoriasis, eczema and allergic dermatitis. Other researchers have shown that hydrocortisone is significantly more effective when used in conjunction with GA. If you want to use this plant, buy a licorice extract that you apply directly to the affected areas using cotton wool or a clean cloth.
Milk thistle contains an active ingredient, silymarin, which is reputed to be effective in relieving psoriasis. Milk thistle seed contains at least eight complex anti-inflammatory substances that may benefit the skin. This plant is taken in the form of herbal tea or tincture, or in capsules.
Fumitory can also relieve the symptoms of psoriasis. This herb contains fumaric acid, a complex substance that appears to be beneficial for treating psoriasis. Prepare a well-concentrated fumitory herbal tea that you apply directly to the affected areas of the body, using cotton wool or a clean cloth.
Finally, aromatherapists often suggest using lavender essential oil externally, and then applying a cream based on sweet almond oil. It's worth a try, but most importantly, don't ingest any essential oil, as even a very small amount can be toxic.
So, even though psoriasis is a dermatological disorder that can impact the lives of those who suffer from it, there are many natural remedies to relieve the symptoms. For the scalp, the use of a special shampoo will be welcome.