Psoriasis, a common and chronic skin condition, occurs when the normal rate of cell production accelerates in some areas, causing a thickening of your skin and itchy, deep pink, raised patches. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, approximately 7.5 million Americans suffer from the unsightly disorder. While herbal treatment does not cure psoriasis, practitioners of alternative medicine believe licorice can bring a measure of relief. Due to safety and efficacy concerns, however, only use licorice when administered by a qualified medical professional.
Psoriasis
While the exact cause of psoriasis remains unknown, certain triggers, including stress, damage to the skin, cold weather, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, can induce the condition. According to MayoClinic.com, the autoimmune disease tends to run in families and often affects people with viral or bacterial infections. Scaly patches appear most often on knees, elbows, chest, back, buttocks and scalp.
About Licorice
Used as a distinctively flavored sugar in candy, licorice is a small perennial herb native to Europe and western and central Asia. It reaches heights of 3 feet and bears oblong leaves, mauve flowers and smooth fruit pods. A member of the pea family, licorice has sweet roots, or rhizomes, that constitute its value in herbal medicine, primarily as a remedy for lung, stomach, intestinal and skin problems.
Licorice Psoriasis Link
Traditional medical treatment for psoriasis commonly includes topical steroid preparations. According to Steven Foster, author of the book "National Geographic Desk Reference to Nature's Medicine," licorice contains key constituents that appear to possess anti-inflammatory qualities similar to hydrocortisone and other corticosteroid creams used to treat psoriasis. Additionally, Phyllis A. Balch, certified nutritional consultant and author of the book "Prescription for Herbal Healing," claims that licorice not only extends the length of time that hydrocortisone works but also helps conserve your body's natural steroids, easing inflammation and pain associated with psoriasis.
Cautions and Considerations
The University of Maryland Medical Center cautions against using licorice for periods longer than one week as it can lead to pseudoaldosteronism, a condition characterized by headaches, fatigue, high blood pressure, fluid retention, leg swelling and heart attacks. Even low doses can cause muscle pain or numbness in your arms and legs. Pregnant and nursing women, children and people with heart problems, kidney damage, liver disease, hypertension and diabetes should avoid licorice.
References
- National Psoriasis Foundation: About Psoriasis Staistics
- MayoClinic.com: Psoriasis Risk Factors
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center: Licorice
- "National Geographic Desk Reference to Nature's Medicine"; Steven Foster, et al.; 2006
- "Prescription for Herbal Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch; 2002
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Licorice
