Psoriasis is a chronic skin disorder that appears when skin cells reproduce at an accelerated pace. Because the new cells replicate faster than old cells are shed, patches of red, swollen skin covered by encrusted, silvery scales form. While the National Psoriasis Foundation states that no cure exists for psoriasis, practitioners of alternative medicine recommend the use of turmeric to ease symptoms associated with the condition. Consult your doctor, however, before use.
About Turmeric
The turmeric plant, found in India, China and the tropical region of Peru, grows to 3 feet tall, and produces large leaves and tubular spikes of yellow flowers. Turmeric, also known as Indian saffron, has fleshy rhizomes, or rootlike extensions of the stem, that contain an orange pulp used for culinary and medicinal purposes. Traditionally, herbalists have used turmeric to strengthen the immune system and to treat menstrual cramps, respiratory conditions, liver obstruction, ulcers and inflammation.
Psoriasis
A cyclical condition, psoriasis can appear anywhere on your body, but most often surfaces on your scalp, elbows, knees, buttocks and backs of the wrists. Scales usually don't itch, but may bleed when scratched. Additional symptoms include inflamed patches of skin, burning, pain, stiff joints and pitted nails. Although the exact cause of the immune disorder remains unknown, prevailing theories attribute it to a genetic flaw or a malfunction of the immune system. Triggers such as stress, infection, cold weather, sunburn, fluctuating hormones and lifestyle choices can contribute to flare-ups. Conventional treatment commonly includes steroid preparations, including cortisone creams.
Turmeric Psoriasis Link
Due to its antioxidative, anti-cancerous and anti-inflammatory qualities, turmeric's key constituent, curcumin, has a reputation in the alternative medicine community as a therapeutic or preventive agent for several major human diseases, including psoriasis. Phyllis A. Balch, certified nutritional consultant and author of the book "Prescription for Herbal Healing," claims that turmeric possesses an effectiveness equal to that of the steroid preparation hydrocortisone in relieving pain and inflammation associated with psoriasis. According to a review in the March 2011 issue of "The Journal of Family Practice," curcumin has shown limited success in treatment of psoriasis. As data are preliminary, more well-designed clinical trials would be needed before substantiating turmeric's usefulness for psoriasis.
Cautions
Generally considered safe, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, routine use of turmeric can irritate your stomach lining. Children, pregnant and nursing women, women undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer, people with fertility problems, stomach irritability, gastritis, congestive heart failure and others who have gallstones, diabetes or blood-clotting disorders should avoid turmeric. Check with your doctor before using herbal remedies, especially if you have health problems.
References
- National Psoriasis Foundation: Frequently Asked Questions
- MayoClinic.com: Psoriasis Definition
- "Prescription for Herbal Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch; 2002
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Turmeric
- "The Journal of Family Practice"; Clinical Inquiry. Does Turmeric Relieve Inflammatory Conditions?; B. White, et al.; March 2011
- "Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology"; Oral Curcumin in the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Psoriasis Vulgaris: A Prospective Clinical Trial; S.K. Kurd, et al.; April 2008
