According to Naturopathic doctors, psoriasis is a skin disorder that can be due to an overly toxic liver. When toxins enter the blood system, they flow into the liver where the organ can become overloaded. When this occurs, the liver becomes inflamed, which then can trigger skin disorders such as psoriasis. For this reason, Naturopathic treatment generally includes detoxifying the liver by fasting, eating foods that do not irritate the condition, or using herbs to heal the problem. Combined with hydro-therapeutic colonics or enemas, this form of detoxification can be extremely helpful in clearing up psoriasis without the need for drugs or topical medications.
The Value of Naturopathic Treatments
Naturopathic medicine's focus is on preventing and treating illnesses by stimulating the body's defense mechanisms. Here doctors give patients small doses of the very substance that would produce the same or similar symptoms in a healthy person if given in a larger amount. Naturopathic medicine is a personalized practice where many considerations are taken into account, such as the symptoms, diet, lifestyle, and emotional condition of the patient. In India the tradition of Naturopathy has been in existence for over 5000 years. It has been practiced by many cultures throughout the world and is based on the belief that using nature's resources is the most effective way to treat the body with the least invasion.
Naturopathic Food Choices to Treat Psoriasis
Some of the most effective foods for treating psoriasis are leafy greens, avocados, carrots, fresh fruits (especially bitter melons), whole grains, flax seeds, nuts, oatmeal, black or green tea, and omega 3 fatty acids that are found in fish oils. These foods soothe rather than irritate the system, providing a calming action which helps skin cells heal.
Foods to avoid if you have psoriasis are red meat, shellfish, margarine, the deadly nightshades (eggplant, tomatoes) monosodium glutamate, dairy wheat, fast foods, spicy foods. These foods are known to create heat in the body, which will exacerbate the sensation of itchiness and pain.
Herbs for Treating Psoriasis
Naturopathic treatment encompasses not only a detoxifying diet, but also the use of specific herbs that contain healing properties. One of the most effective herbal treatments for psoriasis is Milk Thistle, which can be purchased in either tincture or capsule form. The herb helps to bring the red and scaly rash of psoriasis under control by slowing down the proliferation of skin cells. Oregano Oil is another treatment that can be used both orally and topically to sooth psoriasis.
Turmeric is another powerful healer as it helps assist optimum liver function. Used for centuries in India and China for medical purposes, it is a favorite with Naturopaths for helping with digestion and treating problems that have to do with toxicity. Other herbs that are effective in helping clear up psoriasis include Salvia, Gardenia, Calendula and Capscasin. Used together in a formula or separately, these herbs are easily found in your local health food store.
Additionally, a salve made of aloe vera gel can be extremely soothing when placed over the irritated area, helping to heal skin lesions as it brings down inflammation.
