Herbal Treatments for Psoriasis

Five to six million Americans deal with psoriasis every day. Psoriasis is a non-contagious skin condition in which the cycle of skin cell life is accelerated. The average life cycle of skin cells from birth to death is 25 to 30 days, whereas with psoriasis sufferers, it is three to four days. This accelerated skin cell growth causes red, irritated patches of skin with silvery, flaky scales. Psoriasis is a chronic condition that can come and go, and numerous prescription treatments are available. Sometimes, though, herbs for psoriasis can be more soothing and beneficial.

Internal Herbal Treatments to Consider

• The cause of psoriasis is unknown, although there are two schools of thought. One is the idea that this skin condition is an autoimmune response to outside stressors; and two, psoriasis is caused by the body's inability to adequately filter toxins out of the blood. Some herbal supplements can enhance the immune system as well as boost function of the liver--the body's primary organ for filtering toxins out of the blood. It is important to consult with a doctor first before trying any herbal remedies to ensure they would not interfere with any other current medications or health conditions.

  Milk thistle can be found in supplement form and is a good choice for protecting the immune system as well as liver function. Evening primrose oil and licorice root taken as a supplement both combat skin inflammation and itchiness. Pau d'arco bark, burdock, red clover and bupluerum root are additional immunity and liver function boosters and can be found in special herbal tea blends or even tinctures.

External Herbal Applications

• Some topical herbal applications provide not only soothing relief but also long-lasting healing properties. Gotu kola can be found in a variety of forms but salves or ointments with this herb serve psoriasis best. This herbal remedy, when applied directly to affected skin, slows the acceleration of skin cell growth as well as reducing inflammation and itchiness. Creams with Oregon grape invoke the same healing, soothing response.

  Ointments or creams with skin healing herbs such as calendula, lavender, tea tree oil, St. John's Wort and evening primrose oil are beneficial. If herbal skin products with these ingredients cannot be found, homemade remedies can be made using aloe vera gel, carrier oil such as grapeseed or olive oil and one or more of these essential oils. It is important to test any topical herbal remedy on a small patch of "normal" skin for sensitivity as a precaution before applying to psoriasis-affected areas. While herbs are not a cure for psoriasis, they can make living with this skin condition more tolerable.