Psoriasis is a painful and chronic skin condition, typically causing reddish and rough raised areas on the skin, with silvery scales and red edges. It affects more than 6 million people in the United States each year, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Psoriasis often affects the scalp, as well as the skin on the knees, lower back, elbows and groin area. Several herbal remedies are available to treat psoriasis symptoms.
Aloe Vera
Multiple studies have found that using a cream containing 0.5-percent concentration of aloe vera can improve psoriatic plaques, says the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). Psoriasis patients who participated in a double-blind trial in Pakistan applied an aloe-based cream three times daily for one month and experienced better healing than the placebo group, according to the University of Michigan Health System (UMHS).
Cayenne
Cayenne peppers, known as Capsicum annuum or C. frutescens, contain the substance capsaicin, which relieves pain and itching associated with psoriasis when applied to the skin in the form of a cream, the UMHS says. A double-blind clinical trail discovered that applying creams containing 0.025- to 0.075-percent concentrations of capsaicin healed the skin lesions and relieved itching in people with psoriasis.
Oregon Grape
Oregon grape, known botanically as Mahonia aquifolium, extracts and ointments are effective at treating mild to moderate psoriasis, says the UMHS. Clinical trials have discovered that applying ointments containing 10-percent concentration of Oregon grape can treat psoriasis. A laboratory study found that extracts of the whole fruit reduced inflammation from psoriasis, the UMHS notes. One study concluded that using Oregon grape cream worked just as effectively as calcipotiene, a common psoriasis medication, but more solid evidence is needed, the UMMC says.
Coleus
Taking coleus, known as Coleus forskohlii, may help to heal psoriasis, but scientific studies are lacking. Coleus has been used historically as a treatment for psoriasis, the UMMC says. The UMHS recommends taking 50 to 100 mg of coleus extracts, standardized to 18-percent concentration of forskolin, two to three times per day, or taking fluid extracts at a dosage of 2 to 4 ml three times daily.
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