Psoriasis is a long-term health condition. The American Academy of Dermatology states that most people who have psoriasis will have this noncontagious condition for the duration of their lives. However, knowledge about the condition and appropriate treatment can lead to clearer skin. Some herbal remedies may help your psoriasis. Exercise caution when taking herbs for your psoriasis. Talk with your doctor about herb-related topics, including dosage, duration of treatment and likely side effects.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis, a chronic, autoimmune condition that affects your skin, develops when your body's immune system increases the growth rate of your skin cells. Of the five main types of psoriasis, plaque psoriasis is the most common. Plaque psoriasis is characterized by red patches of skin coated by an accumulation of dead skin cells, or scales. The National Psoriasis Foundation states that about 7.5 million people in the United States may have psoriasis.
Helpful Herbs
Certain herbs are known for their ability to treat psoriasis and other skin conditions, such as acne and eczema. Herbal medicine expert Ed Smith, author of "Therapeutic Herb Manual," notes that the following herbs have been used to treat psoriasis: blue flag, gotu kola, echinacea, devil's claw, burdock, cleavers, sarsaparilla, dong quai, prickly ash, pau d'arco and nettle. Khella, Oregon grape and tea tree oil may also help treat your psoriasis. Many of these herbs possess anti-inflammatory action and help heal skin lesions.
Featured Herb
Burdock is often used to treat psoriasis and other skin conditions, including eczema and boils. Burdock is an alterative, or an herb that tends to restore your health. Burdock also possesses anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-fungal action. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center lists psoriasis as one of burdock's purported uses and notes that herbal medicine is derived from the burdock plants' roots or seeds. Burdock is believed to support your immune system health and function.
Warning
Using herbs to help treat your psoriasis does not guarantee a cure. You should always talk with your physician before using any substance to treat your health complaints, including herbal remedies. Herbs can have strong effects on your body, and you need to understand the potential risks and side effects of herbal therapies before ingesting herbs or applying herbs to your skin. Consider visiting a health care professional with extensive training in herbal therapies for the most relevant herb-related information.
References
- American Academy of Dermatology: Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis
- National Psoriasis Foundation: Learn: About Psoriasis
- "Therapeutic Herb Manual"; Ed Smith; 2007
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Burdock
