Relieve the symptoms of psoriasis with herbal remedies
Research shows that certain plants are effective remedies for psoriasis. The list below details some of the known therapeutic herbs believed to help manage this troublesome disease. (h/t to MedicalNewsToday.com)
Oregon grape
Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium) is a flowering plant, also known as barberry. This herb contains an anti-inflammatory compound called berberine, which is believed to help manage the symptoms of psoriasis. It also has anti-proliferative effects that inhibit the rapid growth of skin cells, preventing the development of scaly skin and plaques.
Several systematic reviews confirmed the efficacy of Oregon grape as a remedy for psoriasis. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) also reported that Oregon grape is one of the best herbal solutions for treating psoriasis. Clinical studies also found that topical solutions containing 10 percent Oregon grape extract were effective in treating mild to moderate psoriasis.
Qing dai
Qing dai or indigo naturalis is a traditional Chinese medicine known to cure skin ailments. During ancient times, this herb was also used as an indigo-colored dye.
In a systematic review published in the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, researchers found that qing dai is an effective treatment for managing symptoms of psoriasis. (Related: An ingredient found in a traditional Chinese medicine shown to be effective in treating psoriasis.)
In another study published in the journal of BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, researchers investigated the effect of qing dai extract on participants with mild to moderate symptoms of psoriasis. They found that the plant extract helped reduce the symptoms of the disease.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera contains compounds that have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Creams and gels with aloe vera extract can soothe the skin and prevent bacterial infections. This herbal plant is also known to help regenerate skin cells.
Several studies show that aloe vera is an effective herbal remedy for treating symptoms of psoriasis. Moreover, NCCIH stated that this herbal plant could help manage symptoms of other skin diseases.
Topical treatments containing at least 0.5 percent aloe vera extract can be used for psoriasis. When applied three times a day for five consecutive days, aloe vera cream can reduce inflammation and help clear up symptoms of mild psoriasis.
Other ways to manage psoriasis
Aside from applying topical treatments with herbal extracts, there are also other ways to get relief from dry, itchy, and scaly symptoms of psoriasis.
- Apply moisturizer: Applying moisturizer prevents dry skin, keeps skin supple, and prevents the formation of plaques.
- Take warm baths: Soaking in a lukewarm bath with Epsom salt, mineral oil, or olive oil can relieve symptoms of psoriasis, like itching. Moreover, soaking in a nice warm bath can infiltrate scales and plaques.
- Reduce alcohol intake: Alcohol is a potential trigger for people suffering from psoriasis. Research found that there is an increased risk of developing symptoms with regular consumption of alcohol.
- Avoid certain foods: Red meat, saturated fats, refined sugar, and carbohydrates are known to trigger psoriasis flare-ups. On the other hand, consuming cold water fish, seeds, nuts, and other sources of omega-3 fatty acids can reduce inflammation and help manage the symptoms.
Sources include:
BMCComplementAlternMed.BioMedCentral.com
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