Natural Herbs For Psoriasis

The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) reports that psoriasis affects more than 3 percent of the U.S. population. It results when skin cells proliferate too quickly and build up on the surface of the skin before they mature. The patches of thickened, inflamed and scaly skin associated with psoriasis typically feel sore and itchy. Some natural herbs may help, but psoriasis is a complex disease that should be evaluated by a qualified health-care professional.

Milk Thistle

Milk thistle is a spiny-stemmed plant with red to purple flowers. An extract made from its seeds has been used for centuries as a liver tonic. Phyllis Balch recommends milk thistle as an herbal treatment for psoraisis in her book "Prescription for Nutritional Medicine." Balch states that milk thistle, also known as silymarin, boosts the production of bile and protects the liver from toxins, thus enabling the liver to cleanse the blood more efficiently. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), milk thistle is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, a substance that helps protect cells from oxidative stress. Like any other natural herb, milk thistle has the potential to interact with drugs and other supplements. Consult a qualified medical professional before using it to treat psoraisis or any other condition.

Indigo Naturalis (Qing Dai)

Indigo naturalis, also known as Qing dai, is a traditional Chinese herb that has been used for centuries for psoriasis and other skin conditions. An article in the journal "Archives of Dermatology" describes a study in which patients with chronic psoriasis were treated with either an ointment made with indigo naturalis or an inactive placebo. The patients treated with indigo naturalis showed statistically significant improvements in appearance of their lesions. The authors concluded that indigo naturalis might be an effective alternative to corticosteroids, with fewer side effects. However, more clinical trials are needed to determine whether this herb is safe for long-term use.

Oregon Grape

An article by naturopathic doctor Francis Brinker in the "Journal of the American Herbalists Guild" reports that Oregon grape extract has been used in the treatment of psoriasis since at least the year 1900. The plant is not related to the grapes used for consumption, but its purplish berries are reminiscent of that fruit. Brinker reports that two clinical studies have shown Oregon grape comparable to anthralin, a prescription psoriasis medication. However, the studies were small, and larger trials need to be conducted before doctors can widely recommend Oregon grape to psoriasis patients. Consult a qualified health practitioner about using this herb.