Do You Need an Herbal Remedy for Psoriasis?

Are you looking for an herbal remedy for psoriasis? If that's the case, then look no further. In this article I'll tell you what psoriasis is, what causes it, and what you can do about it. We'll take a look at several herbs that can be beneficial in remedying the symptoms of this common skin condition.

Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes your skin to break out with red, scaly, raised lesions. The symptoms of psoriasis can vary from just a few spots of red, scaly skin to large areas of dandruff-like scaling and lesions covering various areas of your body. The most common areas affected by psoriasis include your elbows, knees, torso, and scalp. If you've suffered with this disorder, you'll eperience sporadic outbreaks. Sometimes these outbreaks are widespread over your body, and sometimes the symptoms are more mild. You probably also know that you can go for long stretches of time with no outbreaks at all.

What Causes Psoriasis?

Psoriasis happens when your skin cells reproduce at a very high rate, at about 100 times the normal rate. This high rate of skin cell reproduction is usually caused by an imbalance in the chemicals responsible for skin cell division in your body. One of these chemicals speeds up cell division, the other slows it down.

Roughly half of all people who have psoriasis come from families where the condition is prevalent. This seems to suggest that genetics play a prominent role with the disorder. What about the other 50% of people who have psoriasis? Well it seems that there may also be a connection between toxins absorbed into the skin from the digestive tract and psoriasis. Toxins can build up in your digestive tract if your bowels aren't as regular as they should be. These toxins can contribute to increased cell division. Stress and emotional strain may also be a factor, because these same toxins are produced during times of high stress.

An Herbal Remedy for Psoriasis can be Beneficial for You

Unfortunately, at this time there is no complete cure for psoriasis. The good news is that if you're looking for an herbal remedy for psoriasis, there are several that can be beneficial for you. Let's take a look at a few of them.

Aloe - This herb relieves inflammation and can help prevent infection.

Andiroba - This oil relieves inflammation and speeds the healing process.

Cayenne - Use it in cream form to relieve pain.

Chamomile - Use it in cream form to relieve inflammation.

Lavender - Dilute 2 ounces of this herb per liter of water let the water stand overnight. The next morning soak any affected areas to relieve pain.

Licorice - When used in cream form it prolongs the effectiveness of hydrocortisone.

Marshmallow - Used in cream form it protects against infections.

The preceding herbs are all to be applied to your skin, but when you're considering an herbal remedy for psoriasis, you should be aware that there are several herbs that can be helpful for this condition when you take them by mouth. Here are a few of them.

Barberry, coptis, goldenseal, and oregon grape root - These herbs help to prevent the buildup of toxins in your bowels.

Dong Quai - Also called angelica sinensis, this herb reduces inflammation when it's used at the first sign of an outbreak.

Milkthistle - This herb helps to reduce the occurence of outbreaks and promotes a healthy liver.

Sarsaparilla - This herb is effective as an herbal remedy for psoriasis because it binds with toxins in your intestines and flushes them out of your body.

Additional Recommendations

There are also dietary recommendations that may be helpful for you. First and foremost, make sure you find a rich source of omega 3 fatty acids.Eating 2 servings of cold water fish every day is preferred over omega 3 supplements, since the supplements can degrade into toxins themselves and make the disorder worse. Omega 3 fatty acids have been shown to lessen the severity and duration of outbreaks.

Make sure to eat plenty of protein and take a b complex vitamin regularly.People suffering with psoriasis have been found to be deficient in both protein and folic acid.

Eat plenty of fiber every day to promote healthy bowel movement and to help flush toxins from your body. Dietary fiber has been shown to bind to any excess fiber that nay be hiding in your intestines. So dietary fiber is as good as any herbal remedy for psoriasis.

This next piece of advice may sound a bit too simple, but it can be helpful. Are you ready for it? Make sure to get plenty of sunlight every day. The Sun's rays help the skin produce vitamin D. Vitamin D helps regulate skin cell division.

Sorry to be a party pooper, but if you have psoriasis you shouldn't be drinking alcohol either. Alcohol increases the absorption of toxins into your intestines.

While you're making dietary changes, you should aim for 50% of your food to come from raw, uncooked and organic sources like fruits and vegetables.

Final Words

As an herbal remedy for psoriasis, sarsaparilla is especially beneficial in easing the more chronic outbreaks of psoriasis. If you're currently being treated with steroids for psoriasis, please don't stop taking them. Discontinuing the steroids can lead to severe outbreaks.

Lastly, try to keep your stress levels to a minimum. I know that sometimes it's easier said than done, but stress can lead to more frequent outbreaks. Regular exercise, meditation, and massage are all great ways to reduce stress. Whatever you do, know that relaxation is effective as any herbal remedy for psoriasi