Natural Solutions to Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a skin condition which has many causes and is often linked to other health conditions. Psoriasis It is not a disease of the skin although showing up on the skin.
To treat the skin with steroids or similar creams may alleviate symptoms but can’t be considered a cure. The skin is not healed, symptoms are suppressed – meaning they are pushed deeper into the body causing other health conditions, such as allergies and candida.
A naturopathic practitioner can help you identify root causes and create an effective programme by taking into account your individual constitution. This may include supporting you through an elimination diet (in order to identify any specific foods that you may be allergic or intolerant to), providing nutritional advice, and tailoring a bowel-cleansing formula.
Tips
Eat raw vegetables and fruits
Summer is a good time to try and address this condition because you can focus on eating a diet of raw food with plenty of vegetables and non-citrus fruit. These, alongside good fats and oils, plus pre-soaked or fermented whole grains, nuts and legumes, (rich in vitamins A, B-complex and D, plus calcium, magnesium and zinc), are all important in helping reduce symptoms. Opt for fresh, seasonal, local produce, organic if you can.
No Junk Food
Eliminate all junk food from your diet. Avoid processed food, white flour, sugar, artificial sweeteners, preservatives and citrus fruit.
Avoid Dairy
Milk, cheese, eggs, meat and poultry contain arachidonic acid; this may cause psoriasis lesions to turn red and swell, so you could reduce these for a 2-month trial and see if you find improvement.
Turmeric
Turmeric has shown great potential in scientific studies supporting the reduction of inflammation, especially in joints. Use it in soups, stews, sprinkled over fruit salads, as ‘turmeric latte’ or golden milk (with a plant milk as the base).
Flaxseeed Oil
Take some flaxseed oil and/or sesame oil, or primrose oil every day. These contain a chemical which tends to support individuals with psoriasis. If you have problems controlling your weight (over or under), seek advice from your naturopathic nutritionist.
Reduce Stress
Stress is a negative factor in most conditions so, if this is an issue, develop a strategy to increase calmness and contentment in your life.
Sun Safety
Regular, safe exposure to sunlight helps 95% of sufferers show signs of improvement. Avoid most commercial sunscreens which contain aggravating ingredients. Check the Environmental Working Group website for information on safer sunscreens.
Salt baths
Swimming in the sea is helpful. If you cannot do that, a few handfuls of unprocessed grey or Himalayan salt, or a few handfuls of fine powdered oatmeal into a warm bath can relieve itching and discomfort.
Capsicum Creams
Topical applications of creams containing capsicum can reduce both scaling and redness. Liquorice contains glycyrrhetinic acid which, studies have shown, is more effective than hydrocortisone in treating psoriasis and eczema. Apply it directly as a cream.
A naturopathic herbalist can also create an individualised combination of milk thistle seed, dandelion root and yellow dock, which, taken as a tea, can mitigate symptoms and even reverse psoriasis.
Always seek advice from a qualified natural health therapist.
