Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that affects your skin. Its main symptoms are scaly patches that appear red or silvery-white on light skin tones or purple or dark brown on dark skin tones.
Psoriasis affects at least 2–3% of the population and is often accompanied by a related condition called psoriatic arthritis. Psoriasis treatment methods vary, from topical creams to light therapy to oral medication.
More and more research is being done to discover natural remedies for treating psoriasis. Evidence is growing to support the use of herbs to treat certain types of psoriasis. Here’s what to know.
Oregon grape (Berberis aquifolium and Mahonia aquifolium) has anti-inflammatory properties.
The stem and leaves of the plant can be ground into a powder or distilled into an extract that is then used to make a topical skin cream. It’s been found to reduce redness in psoriatic flares when used topically.
In various clinical studies, skin creams containing
How to use: topical cream
Qing Dai (Indigo naturalis) is a plant used in traditional Chinese medicine. It’s also been used to make indigo-colored dye for many centuries.
In various older clinical studies, creams containing 10% Indigo naturalist extract reduced psoriasis symptoms by
A newer
How to use: topical cream
Aloe vera (Aloe vera barbadensis) is a plant known for its soothing and cooling properties. Aloe vera may also help regenerate skin cells and heal irritated skin.
It has
How to use: Topical cream. Look for creams containing at least 0.5% aloe vera.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is part of the same family as the ginger plant. Its active ingredient is curcumin, and it has unique anti-inflammatory and antibacterial
Through various
How to use: topical gel
Dong Qquai (Angelica sinensis) is another herb used as a remedy in Chinese medicine.
It contains
There’s also some evidence that just applying it topically
That said, you should never apply herbs and expose yourself to the sun without medical supervision or without consulting with a dermatologist first. It’s safer to use under medical supervision through light therapy.
How to use: in phototherapy
Capsaicin is the
The ability to create a “burning” of cells might actually help heal psoriasis flares, as well as reduce the feeling of pain or itch.
How to use: topical cream
They include:
- fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
- anise (Pimpinella anisum)
- clove (Syzygium aromaticum)
- basil (Ocimum basilicum)
- araroba tree (Vataireopsis araroba)
- barberry bark (Mahonia aquifolium)
- gotu kola (Centella asiatica L.)
- day blooming jasmine (Cestrum diurnum)
- American wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens L.)
- Khella (Ammi visnaga L.)
- Queen Anne’s lace (Ammi majus L.)
- German chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.)
- narrow-leaved paperbark (Melaleuca alternifolia)
- black seed (Nigella sativa)
- olibanum (Boswellia serrata)
What Chinese herbs are good for psoriasis?
In a
The herbs studied include:
- assam indigo or Chinese rain bell (Strobilanthes cusia)
- common purslane, hogweed, pursley (Portulaca oleracea)
- densefruit dittany (Dictamnus dasycarpus)
- Chinese dandelion (Taraxacum mongolicum)
- plum blossom (Prunus mume)
- red sage (Salvia miltiorrhiza bunge)
- zedoary (Curcuma zedoaria)
- safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.)
It’s important to be careful when using herbal remedies. Botanical products
It’s also important to be vigilant about allergies. Always test a new topical ointment or cream on a small part of your skin that isn’t affected by your psoriasis before you use it on a psoriasis flare.
If you have any redness, hives, or itching from a topical cream, don’t use that product as a psoriasis treatment. Don’t apply it to a flare that has an open wound.
How can I get rid of my psoriasis naturally?
There’s no natural remedy that can completely get rid of psoriasis, which is a chronic condition.
That said, some home remedies may help relieve symptoms. This includes taking oatmeal or Epsom baths, eating food with omega-3s, such as fatty fish, exercising, managing stress, and more.
What clears psoriasis fast?
While there’s no quick fix for psoriasis, medical treatment options include topical creams and ointments, light therapy, and oral or injected medications.
Psoriasis can’t be cured, but there are more and more ways to manage its symptoms. Herbal treatments for psoriasis are promising.
However, herbal treatment is not a replacement for professional medical oversight. If you have success treating your psoriasis with complementary therapy, don’t stop other parts of your treatment plan without speaking to your doctor first.