Effective natural remedies for psoriasis will address both the inner (root) cause and the outer symptoms. Psoriasis is a skin condition which produces red, itchy, irritated patches of skin that flake and form scales. The scales are actually dead skin cells that haven’t yet shed. In psoriasis, the skin is regenerating too quickly, leading to the buildup of scales. It is generally attributed to genetic causes and/or and autoimmune response.
In holistic medicine, psoriasis is associated with many causes, including excessive heat and wind. However, it can be a complicated disease and difficult to treat. The following natural remedies may be useful for mild to moderate psoriasis.
Internal Natural Remedies for Psoriasis
- Burdock root (Arctium lappa) is specific for many skin ailments, being liver supportive and cooling.
- Red clover (Trifolium pretense) is a blood cleanser and supports the liver in metabolism.
- Dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale) is another classic for liver-related conditions, including skin diseases.
All of these herbs are useful as a tea or tincture and can be found in whole form or as products at Mountain Rose Herbs.
External Natural Remedies for Psoriasis
- Exfoliation with a soothing substance like oats, milk, lavender, rose, and/or calendula flowers (gently only of course).
- Aloe vera gel can help cool down the inflammation and calm the itching.
- Shea butter is an anti-irritant for psoriasis and can make the condition less bothersome.
- Just Natural Skin Care carries a beautiful collection of natural remedies for psoriasis, including skin and hair care.
The Ultimate Psoriasis Balm Recipe
The following balm is based on a formula found to be effective for psoriasis in controlled studies, combined with the traditionally indicated herbs burdock, sassafras and comfrey. If you do not have the herbs, you can make the formula with plain extra virgin olive oil, just leave out the herbal infusion step and proceed to make the balm with just olive oil, honey and beeswax.
**This balm for psoriasis should be applied 3 times per day for up to 4 weeks for best results.
Ingredients:
Extra Virgin Olive Oil 3 oz
Comfrey root and leaf ½ oz
Burdock leaf ½ oz
Sassafras root ½ oz
Manuka or Local honey 3 oz
Beeswax 3 oz
Directions:
If using the herbs for the balm, follow the instructions for making an herbal oil. Once you have your herbal-infused oil, you are ready to go.
Pour the olive oil or herbal oil into a glass measuring cup to the 3 oz mark.
Grate the beeswax and add to the oil until the mixture is raised to the 6 oz mark.
Place this mixture in a double boiler, set on low. Keep stirring the mix with a chopstick until the beeswax is melted. Take off of the heat and allow the mixture to cool.
Then add the honey until the mix is up to 9 ounces. Blend the honey in with a handheld blender.
Once everything is well-mixed, pour the balm into jars, cap and allow to cool.
Most of the ingredients for the balm can be found here.
Reference: The source for the base of the Ultimate Psoriasis Balm recipe is found in the references in the article Olive Oil for Face.
