Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease where skin cells build up and form scales that are red and itchy, according to MayoClinic.com. Rashes most commonly appear on the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back. It can be treated with herbs such as comfrey, as well as oregon grape and aloe vera, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. You can make your own soap using these herbs to have a custom remedy for your condition.
Step 1
Add your dry herbs to a quart mason jar and fill it with boiling water. The root of oregon grape, known botanically as Mahonia aquifolium, has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, according to herbalist Rosemary Gladstar in her book, "Family Herbal -- A Guide to Living Life with Energy, Health and Vitality." Comfrey, botanically known as Symphytum officinale, activates the healing of damaged skin tissue.
Step 2
Close the jar tightly with a lid and let the herbs steep for four to eight hours or overnight to make a strong herbal infusion.
Step 3
Strain out the plant material using cheesecloth, and mix 1 cup of your herbal infusion with your liquid castile soap and aloe vera gel. Aloe vera is a soothing herb for skin abrasions, and it has a natural pH of 4.3, which helps treat skin disorders. It also contains aloin which acts as a natural sunscreen that can block up to 30 percent of UV rays, says Gladstar.
Step 4
Pour your mixture into a squeeze bottle and add tea tree and lavender essential oils. Tea tree and lavender essential oils are highly antimicrobial, notes the book, "The Pharmacy of Flowers," written by acupuncturist David Crow.
Step 5
Cap your squeeze bottle and shake it well in order to mix the essential oils with the soap.
Step 6
Store a part of your soap in the refrigerator if you will not use it within three to four weeks.
Tips and Warnings
- Shake your psoriasis soap before each application to mix the oils with the liquid. Use only organic ingredients to avoid harmful chemicals present in conventionally grown herbs that may aggravate your skin condition.
- Contact your dermatologist before using any herbal remedies on your skin, especially if you are under medical treatment for psoriasis, as some herbs may interact your medication. Terminate the use of your homemade soap if your psoriasis worsens or you exhibit any signs of an allergic reaction. Stay out of the sun and avoid stress as much as possible, as these can trigger a psoriasis outbreak.
Things You'll Need
- 2 tsp. comfrey root
- 2 tsp. oregon grape root
- 1/2 cup aloe vera gel
- 3 oz. castile soap
- 35 drops lavender essential oil
- 10 drops tea tree essentail oil
- Quart mason jar
- Cheesecloth
- Squeeze bottle
References
- Mayo Clinic: Psoriasis
- Herbs 2000: Psoriasis
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Psoriasis
- "Family Herbal - A Guide to Living Life with Energy, Health and Vitality"; Rosemary Gladstar; 2001
- "The Pharmacy of Flowers"; David Crow; 2005
