Psoriasis is a skin disease characterized by dry, reddish patches covered with silvery scales that can develop on any part of the body (usually the head, lower back, elbows, and knees) as the result of an abnormally high rate of skin cell reproduction. It is not contagious, and pain is usually psychological, though severe forms can involve cracks in the skin and, in rare cases, a painful type of arthritis, affecting legs, hands, and spine. The cause is unknown, but it appears to be an inherited tendency that stays once it starts, coming and going at intervals. Attacks are classically triggered by stress and illness.

Naturopathy

Natural sunlight, containing ultraviolet A and B rays, is the best of all treatments for psoriasis, but except in unusual places, such as the Dead Sea, exposure must not be long (10-30 minutes, depending on skin type). To improve skin health, some naturopaths recommend fasting for 48 hours, drinking water or freshly pressed fruit and vegetable juices—a combination of carrot, celery, beet, cucumber, and/or grape is best, taken as often as you want. If drinking only water, do not exercise, and take plenty of rest. If doing a juice fast, exercise moderately. To encourage cleansing, take Epsom salts or castor oil in orange juice, two days before starting the fast, and the morning of the first day of the fast.

Herbal Beauty

Nutritional and dietary therapy

Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables, and salads, and reduce intake of animal fats as much as possible. Oily fish, such as mackerel, salmon, sardines, and herring, is recommended. Bitter melon is an old remedy for psoriasis that might be of help, and so are avocado and sauerkraut.

Supplementing with a daily tablespoonful of cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil, flaxseed (linseed) oil, or canola oil may help—or, better, take capsules of essential fatty acids (EFAs) containing gammalinolenic acid (GLA) and eicosapentenoic acid (EPA), such as starflower (borage) oil, evening primrose oil, and fish oils. Other supplements that might help during an attack are vitamin A (10,000 iu three times daily for six days), vitamin B complex (100 mg twice a day with meals), vitamin D (400 iu a day), spirulina (an algae rich in micro-minerals), zinc (15-20 mg a day), and the tissue salts silicea, nat sulf, kali phos, fen phos, and talc sulf.

Herbal medicine

A type of berberis (Mahonia aquifolium) has recently shown success in treating psoriasis, but a more traditional treatment is dandelion root and burdock with red clover flower as blood cleansers. Nettle is also said to help psoriasis by “purifying” the blood. Other useful herbs are echinacea (for the immune system), yellow dock (boil 2-3 leaves per quart/liter of water, and drink), garlic, and sarsparilla.

Homeopathy

The remedies sulfur 6c (for dry, red, itchy patches), petroleum 6c (dry, rough, and cracked skin), and graphites 6c (oozing plaques) can help alleviate acute attacks. Take 3-4 tablets daily for 14 days.

Aromatherapy

The essential oils bergamot and lavender, added to a bath or rubbed on in a neutral oil or lotion, may help. Sandalwood vaporized in a burner can also be beneficial.

Reflexology

Massaging the reflex points linked to the liver, kidneys, and lungs are said to help psoriasis, along with those of the solar plexus and diaphragm (shown above).

Relaxation

Reducing stress levels and learning to relax is important in preventing psoriasis, which is why approaches such as meditation, visualization, and biofeedback can help. Bathing and listening to relaxing tapes and CDs can also help.

Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)
Psoriasis Treatment: Naturopathy, Nutritional Therapy and Herbal Medicine