Herbal Remedies for Scalp Psoriasis

As we as all try to lead a greener life, more and more people are turning to alternative approaches to health and well-being. This approach doesn't just stop at our diets, often extending to treatments for common disorders, including psoriasis. While most people will still employ the more common "cures," there are a few herb remedies to treat scalp psoriasis.

Identification

• Psoriasis is a chronic skin disorder in which lesions develop on the skin, first in the form of a red bump and then an almost whitish scale. Typically, this disorder is relatively mild for most sufferers, but can involve fairly large areas of the body, including the scalp. Once you experience a flareup, the patches of skin will flake off and can appear to be like dandruff; yet the two syndromes are not the same. Psoriasis can not only cause you to itch, but also produce a certain amount of burning or pain.

Features

• While psoriasis of the scalp is rarely life-threatening, it is a disorder that will require constant care during an inflammation, and can lead to hair loss. Typically, sufferers use a salicylic acid or a tar-based product to care for their scalp. But many people are now looking for more natural methods of therapy.

Significance

• When you're looking for an herbal remedy for psoriasis, it will usually entail an oral supplement, as opposed to a standard topical ointment. The theory behind this type of treatment is a lot like that behind many of the alternative approaches to healing other illnesses and diseases. Instead of "treating" the symptom, the herbal approach is concerned with "curing" the root cause. In the case of psoriasis, it is believed to involve the health of a person's colon and liver. The three most popular supplements to treat these organs are slippery elm, dandelion and cascara sagrada.

Function

• Slippery elm is highly touted as a natural cleanser. It essentially rids the colon of the toxins that could manifest in the scaly patches associated with psoriasis. When you are able to rid the body of these toxins, the psoriasis will go into a sort of remission--at least in theory.

  Dandelion works in a similar way to slippery elm, yet focuses on the cleansing of the liver. This decontamination of this organ should help the body produce the appropriate amount of bile for your system, which is believed to be a natural defense mechanism against the toxins related to psoriasis. Once these toxins have departed, so should your psoriasis.

  Cascara sagrada is basically a bark that acts as a natural laxative, which essentially cleanses the colon of toxins, among other waste that may be present in your system. The theory behind this herbal supplement is similar to that of slippery elm. So if you were to use one, you needn't use the other.

Warning

• As with any alternative "medicines," one of the main risks is interaction with other medications you may currently be taking. All three herbal remedies may reduce the efficacy of certain drugs. Before using a supplement to treat psoriasis, consult your physician about potential adverse effects. Currently, each herb has potential side effects, but these may not be limited to the ones described, as each person is different. Cascara sagrada may cause abdominal cramping, diarrhea, vomiting and a change in your potassium levels. Slippery elm and dandelion are generally safe, but many people have experienced an allergic reaction to the supplements, including a rash and trouble breathing.