What Do Herbalists Say About Psoriasis?

Psoriasis sufferers try soaps, lotions and medications in an attempt to find relief. Natural herbal compounds is an alternative to lessen the severity of psoriasis.

What is Psoriasis?

• Red, irritated skin that can become scaly and thick usually is diagnosed as psoriasis. The inflammation can occur anywhere on the body. It is particularly difficult to cure, and sufferers often improve in one area as another patch flares up elsewhere. Current theories suggest that psoriasis is hereditary and an immune system response. The body indentifies cells as harmful and attacks them with an inflammatory response. Psoriasis is not contagious.

Mainstream Treatment

• Common medical treatments for psoriasis include topical application of steroids, drying compounds of salicylic or lactic acid and prescription retinoids. These can have side effects and are not always effective. According to a study done by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) and the National Center for Health Statistics, more than 38.3 percent of adults in the United States use some form of complementary and alternative medicine including herbalism.

Healing Baths

• Herbalists prescribe natural plants to treat inflamed tissue and skin. According to natural health practitioner Shirley Liipschutz-Robinson who suffered for years using modern treatments such as steroids that she did not find relief until she used Bentonite clay baths and colloidal oatmeal baths. She found that taking these baths a couple times a week not only stopped the psoriasis but the effects lasted much longer than other types of modern remedies. She also suggests massaging the affected areas with castor oil mixed with calendula extract after taking the healing baths.

Herbal Extracts

• Cynthea Sabolich, author of Psoriasis Spot Free in 30 Days--A True Story, is an RN and suggests using herbal extracts such as Oregon grape root extract in order to detox the body internally. This increases liver function and has been found to clear up many cases of psoriasis. She also recommends using omega fortified flax and alkyrol shark liver oil for maximum Omega 3 fatty acids to improve the immune system and improve psoriasis.

Paw Paw Tree Extract

• Ed Anderson, an herbalist, makes a recommendation of Paw Paw tree fruit extract has helped many psoriasis sufferers. These extracts are taken in capsule form daily. Several acetogenins have been found in paw paw twigs that have anti-cancer properties as well as working wonders for psoriasis.

Warning

• Herbs may interact with any oral medications you may be taking. Always consult a doctor or pharmacist before you combine treatment protocols.