The University of Maryland Medical Center describes psoriasis as a recurring skin condition with patches of rough, dry skin cells. It's not a contagious or particularly painful condition. Doctors think that psoriasis is hereditary and gets triggered by stress. Other possible causes are obesity, sunburn, poison ivy rash, a recent strep infection, alcohol or certain drugs. A number of herbal treatments are often used to relieve the symptoms.
Milk Thistle
The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) states that milk thistle (Silybum marianum) works to boost the immune system and counteract the stress that triggers psoriasis.
Yellowdock, Red Clover and Burdock
A combination of three herbs--yellowdock (Rumex crispus), red clover (Trifolium pratense) and burdock (Arctium lappa)--is a traditional treatment for psoriasis. UMMC gives a recipe for a tea treatment: combine equal parts of each herb and add to boiling water, allow to cool and drink 1 cup of this remedy two to three times daily. This treatment is said to detoxify the body and may diminish psoriasis symptoms.
Evening Primrose Oil
Evening primrose oil (Oneothera biennis) is potentially toxic, so it should be only applied to the skin topically to relieve discomfort.
Dandelion, Thuja and Cleavers
Medicinal herbalist Claire Choudhury recommends making a tea with thuja (Thuja occidentalis), cleavers (Galium aperine), or dandelion root or leaves (Taraxacum officinalis). Each herb acts as a diuretic which aids the body in eliminating toxins.
Sarsaparilla, Licorice
Ms. Choudhury also recommends using sarsaparilla (Smilax ornate) or licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra). These herbs help the adrenal glands produce natural steroids to counteract the psoriasis.
Oatmeal
Powdered oatmeal (Avena sativa), added to a warm bath, is very soothing and helps the body heal from psoriasis.
Blue Flag and Poke Root
Blue flag (Iris versicolor) and poke root (Phytolaca decandra) have detoxifying and anti-inflammatory properties, which help the psoriasis to heal.
Additional Herbs
MedicinalHerbInfo.org lists these additional herbs that may be of benefit in treating psoriasis: aloe, bittersweet, blackberry, bloodroot, flaxseed, ginger, hops, Oregon grape, sassafras, skullcap, tea tree oil, valerian and wild yam.
Member Comments