According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, psoriasis is a skin condition that causes a buildup of rough, dry, dead skin cells. Psoriasis can occur in various places on the body including the scalp. There are a number of over-the-counter medications that you can use to treat psoriasis but they sometimes contain harsh chemicals. However, there are a few herbal remedies that may be helpful in treating this condition.
Aloe
Aloe can be a very effective treatment for the problem of scalp psoriasis. Aloe helps to soothe the affected area and remove the scaly skin that has developed. According to the University of Michigan Health System, a topical application of aloe cream with 0.5 percent extract was the most useful in treating psoriasis. In addition, the cream can be easier to apply to the scalp. An aloe cream can be purchased at many health food stores or pharmacies.
Cayenne
Cayenne peppers contain a substance called capsaicin which can be very beneficial in the treatment of psoriasis. According to the University of Michigan Health System, capsaicin helps to relieve the pain and itching by causing neurotransmitters to fire less. Capsaicin can be purchased in a cream for easy application from the pharmacy or health food store. The University of Michigan Health System suggests that the creams that contain 0.025 to 0.075 percent of capsaicin are the best for this condition. According to the University of Michigan Health System, there may be a slight burning when the cream is first applied but this will cease in a couple of minutes.
Lavender
According to Organic Facts, lavender is an herbal remedy that has antibacterial and antifungal properties. For this reason, it can be quite helpful in treating the condition of scalp psoriasis. A lavender essential oil can be obtained from a health food store. Only a few drops of the oil is needed for the remedy. The oil can be rubbed and massaged into the scalp every night until the skin condition improves. This may take a couple of weeks of treatment before the condition is healed. Lavender oil also has a very pleasant scent that many people enjoy as opposed to a harsh chemical scent of an over-the-counter treatment.
