Research into natural remedies for psoriasis is growing. We look into herbs such as aloe vera, turmeric, and more as potential treatment options.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that affects the skin. Its main symptoms are scaly patches that appear purple or dark brown on dark skin tones and red or silvery white on light skin tones.
Psoriasis affects at least 2% to 3% of the global population and is often accompanied by a related condition called psoriatic arthritis. Psoriasis treatment methods vary from topical creams and light therapy to oral medication.
More and more research is being done to discover natural remedies for 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 plant’s stem and leaves can be ground into a powder or distilled into an extract, which is then used to make a topical skin cream. When used topically, it may reduce redness in psoriasis flares.
For instance, a
However, the cream can cause itching and burning in some cases.
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.
According to a small
A small
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.
According to a
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, which has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that have
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How to use: topical gel
Female ginseng, also called dong quai (Angelica sinensis), is another herb used as a remedy in Chinese medicine.
It contains psoralen, which is the same compound you would consume before undergoing phototherapy. Eating it before exposure to UV light
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Never apply herbs and expose yourself to the sun without medical supervision or without consulting a dermatologist first. Psoralen is 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:
- American wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens L.)
- anise (Pimpinella anisum)
- araroba tree (Vataireopsis araroba)
- barberry bark (Mahonia aquifolium)
- basil (Ocimum basilicum)
- black seed (Nigella sativa)
- clove (Syzygium aromaticum)
- day blooming jasmine (Cestrum diurnum)
- fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
- German chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.)
- gotu kola (Centella asiatica L.)
- khella (Ammi visnaga L.)
- narrow-leaved paperbark (Melaleuca alternifolia)
- olibanum (Boswellia serrata)
- Queen Anne’s lace (Ammi majus L.)
What Chinese herbs are good for psoriasis?
In a
Some of the most commonly used herbs researchers investigated 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.)
Studies looked at using herbs topically, orally, or in a formula. Formulas that contain a mix of herbs are a common practice in traditional Chinese medicine. Chinese herbs are rarely taken individually.
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’s not affected by your psoriasis before you use it on a psoriasis flare.
If you have any skin discoloration, like deepening of color or 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. Psoriasis is a chronic condition.
That said, some home remedies alongside medical treatment may help relieve symptoms. This includes taking oatmeal or Epsom salt baths, getting physical activity, managing stress, and eating foods with omega-3s, such as fatty fish.
What clears psoriasis fast?
There’s no quick fix for psoriasis. It may take time to find a treatment that works for you. 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 with your doctor first.