Ayurveda For Psoriasis

If you are looking for a complete natural Ayurveda cure for Psoriasis, then don’t look further than this.

What will happen if you wake up some morning and find your skin has lost its normal tone? If it’s looking so dry?

Some red patches have started to appear on your skin? It starts looking like a burnt piece of wood, having blackish margins and reddish inner side?

What if all you see on your skin is ulcerated patches with secretion? And what if these findings are getting worse as the day passes? You will get confused, tensed, worried and embarrassed.

Yes, you will be surrounded by all those random emotions. You will keep asking few questions to yourself and your friends, family members, doctors.What the hell is this?

Why me? Is it curable? Will I get my skin tone back? And many in the queue. All these questions come along with this disease as a gift offer.

This condition is called as psoriasis. A disease of the skin. It affects 2 to 3 % of general population.

It can be defined as a chronic recurrent inflammatory disease of the skin characterized by erythematous demarcated papules and rounded patches covered by silvery minacious scales.

The word psoriasis is derived from two Greek words. Psora stands for itching and asis means itching. So in layman’s language, we can describe psoriasis as, a disease of the skin with excessive itching, scaling, and patches.

Psoriasis is a disorder of the immune system. The T cells type of white blood cell become over stimulated.

They then direct the skin to try and heal a non-existing injury. The skin follows instruction received from the immune system.

It grows very fast. And results in reddened inflamed patches having whitish scales on them or dry and scaly patches on the skin.

Here below is an article which will help you know this disease better.

Types Of Psoriasis

According to modern medicine, psoriasis is further classified into eight sub-types. The signs and symptoms differ from type to type.

1. Plaque Psoriasis (Psoriasis Vulgaris)

This type of psoriasis is one of the most common forms of the disease.In this dry and scaly patches appears on the skin.

2. Guttate Psoriasis

This is the second type of psoriasis which appears as some small dots on the skin which starts coming out pink in color and eventually becomes scaly.

3. Inverse Psoriasis

This type appears as smooth and red lesions which are primarily found in the armpits, groin, and folding of the skin.

4. Pustular Psoriasis

This type of psoriasis appears as small white and fluid-filled blisters which contain the white blood cells.

5. Palmo-Plantar Pustulosis

it is a localized type of pustular psoriasis that appears on hands and feet.

6. Erythrodermic Psoriasis

This type of psoriasis develops over large areas of the body.In this, the affected area of the skin becomes red with the excess shedding of fine scales.

7. Scalp Psoriasis

This type is localized to scalp only.It appears on the scalp as red lesions covered with scales.

8. Nail Psoriasis

This type affects the nails.It produces nail changes such as pitting, thickening, discoloration, and loosening of the nail from the nail bed.

Symptoms Of Psoriasis

• Red and scaly patches on the skin.
• Excess dryness of skin
• Itching sensation on the affected areas
• Pain in the joints
• Pitting and discoloration on the nails
• Scaly lesions on the scalp

Causes Of Psoriasis According To Ayurveda

The Reason or etiology of psoriasis is still unknown. Scientists have been working to find it, but a confirmed word about causative agent of psoriasis is yet to come. But Ayurveda has solved the mystery.

According to it, psoriasis is caused due to the imbalance developed between the doshas within the body due to the increased level of toxins.

Skin is a site of action for any Kushtha (skin disease).This is because it is the most commonly exposed area to the infection, illness or injuries. Skin is formed from 7 layers namely:

• Avabhasini
• Lohita
• Shweta
• Tamra
• Vedini
• Rohini
• Mamsadhara

Skin diseases like psoriasis effect the 4th and the 5th layer of the skin. According to Ayurveda the reasons for psoriasis can be linked to this kush that.

In today’s world hurry, curry and worry are the major factors for major diseases. People are earning more and spending less on their health.

Food habits have been changed, Level of stress has been increased, No of courses served in the banquet has reached to 10.All these can be the cause of the disease.

Faulty food habits are one of the leading cause of psoriasis. In Ayurveda Food for one might be poison for another. There is a difference in digestion and body functioning of people from different countries.

As our nation is developing, we are getting modernized and have started to enjoy food of a different origin like Europe, America or Africa.

This food, changes the level of dosha in your body. This creates an imbalance thus causing the disease.

Intake of Viruddha ahar (wrong combination of food items) can also be one of the reasons for such diseases. Making a faulty mixing of food like fruits and curd or meat and honey. All these are examples of viruddha ahar which again changes the balance of doshas in the body.

1. Curd

Excess consumption of curd also causes harm to the body. Dadhi has been considered as ‘abhishyandi .’ It closes the opening of ‘strotasas ‘.

Knowing your Agni or power of digestion and eating food according to it is very important.If this is not maintained indigestion takes place which leads to various diseases. Ayurveda insists you take food according to your Agni or power of digestion.

If you eat more food than your Agni level then only a part of your food will be digested while the rest will keep on getting stored in the digestive system and that too undigested. This deposition will act as ‘dushi vish’.This will invite various diseases ex psoriasis.

2. Sleeping At Odd Times

It can also be one of the causes of psoriasis. This is very common in people working in BPO and IT companies.

Due to the work schedule, you tend to sleep either in the day time or you stay awake at night. This will create an imbalance in doshas of the body thus inviting disease.

3. Irregular Eating Timings

Irregular eating timings of your primary food like lunch and dinner is also one of the reasons.
Eating food just after your workout is also not good.

4. Some Of Viruddha Food

Addition of food in the same quantity which is injurious to health. E.g. – Milk + fish, Honey +hot water, Hog meat +honey etc.

5. Avastha Viruddha

Taking food which will help you to aggravate the dosha which is already present in the increased state. For E.g. If you are suffering from any vata disease and if you consume food that aggravates vat dosha, it is termed as Avastha viruddha.

Stress and excess exposure to the ultraviolet rays can aggravate the symptoms of psoriasis.

People suffering from weak immunity system are more prone to psoriasis.It is also likely to hit people suffering from aids and other immunity-related disorders.

People suffering from chronic diseases like blood pressure, diabetes are more prone to psoriasis.
All the above factors can be the cause of the disease, or only one of the factor can lead to this condition. There is still no confirm the cause. The cause which triggers psoriasis in one person may not affect another person at all.

Scalp Psoriasis

Psoriasis can affect many parts of the body depending upon its type i.e. nails, scalp, skin folding or healthy skin. When red and scaly patches accompanied with itching are observed on the scalp. It is called the scalp psoriasis.

These red patches are like lesions and can go beyond scalp affecting the neck and forehead areas also. The wounds that are often created give a burning sensation with dryness and lots of dandruff.

Excess growth and replication of skin cells in those areas due to the weakened immunity system is the fundamental cause of this disease.

Prevention Of The Scalp Psoriasis

As the proverb goes “prevention is better than cure.”

The basic rule for preventing the disease is sanitation and cleanliness.

Don’t let your scalp go arid. Avoid usage of any chemicals on your scalp. Excess usage of hair dryers, conditioners leave your hair sterile from the roots which are the primary cause of the onset of the scaly lesions.

Start using a mild, moisturizing, anti-psoriasis shampoo once you feel that the disease is getting started.

People who have this disease hereditarily need to take good care of the skin and scalp from the beginning.

Herbal Treatments For Scalp Psoriasis

These herbal or homely treatments help you to reduce the symptoms and speeds up the recovery when it is combined with the conventional methods of treatments.

When your hair feels parched, then apply a small amount of warm olive oil on your scalp. Massage your head properly so that the roots absorb the oil. This will not only keep your scalp moisturized but also reduce the lesions and the itchiness along with it.

Take one banana and mash it in a little amount of yogurt. Mix them properly and prepare a hair pack. Apply this pack on the entire scalp. This will reduce the itchiness due to the lesions. Keep it for some time and then wash it using a mild shampoo.

Make it a habit to use mild, moisturizing, anti-psoriasis shampoo. Make sure that they are not harsh to your skin or scalp.

Excess brushing will irritate the lesions on the scalp leading to itchiness and burning. So you should avoid brushing your scalp too much.

Conventional Treatments Of Scalp Psoriasis

The conventional treatments involve usage of some ointments or topical treatments i.e. medicines applied externally on the affected areas. The treatments are shampoos, oils, soaps or creams. These are applied directly to the scalp, not the hair.

There are some prescribed drugs for treatment for psoriasis too. These include the salicylic acid and the coal tar.These drugs are vitamin based and are helpful in treating psoriasis by controlling the lesions.

It will take around 8-10 weeks to do this. After the situation is under control, you can use a mild anti-psoriasis shampoo or mild shampoos gel for normal daily usage.

There are many other techniques like the phototherapy or light therapy for scalp psoriasis.

All the above treatments should be taken only under the guidance of the doctor.

Panchakarma- Ayurveda Way For Complete Cleansing A Detoxification Of The Body

As per the causes, psoriasis is caused due to the imbalance in doshas of the body due to the toxins present in the body.

So if you want to cure psoriasis of its roots, then the only thing that can help you is by cleansing the body of all toxins.

By doing this balance between doshas will be created inside the body and immune system will restore its correct functioning.

This thorough cleansing of the body is done by a process called panchakarma-in Ayurveda. A special diet accompanies these therapies.

It is also entirely monitored by the doctors. This diet depends on the condition of the body of the patient.

This Panchakarma means five therapies, they are:

1. Vamana

2. Virechana

3. Nasya

4. Basti and

5. Raktamokshana

These treatments remove the illness and stress causing toxins which are the cause of the disease.

1. Vamana

It is a panchakarma treatment which is carried out when there is Kapha imbalance in the body. Kapha toxins are eliminated from the body. In Vamana, these toxins are made to loosen themselves so that they can finally be removed.

This treatment is done to cure diseases like allergies, chronic indigestion, hay fever, psoriasis, bronchitis, skin disorders, obesity or nasal congestion

2. Virechana

It is a therapy which is carried out due to the pitta imbalance in the body to remove Pitta toxins from the liver and gall bladder.It cleanses the gastrointestinal tract.it is done to cure diseases like diabetes, psoriasis, any digestive disorders or chronic constipation.

3. Basti

This is one of the leading therapy which is carried out to regain the balance between all the three doshas: vata, Pitta, and Kapha. It removes the accumulated toxins through the colon. Ghee is given to the patient to get rid of the toxins.

The duration of the treatment ultimately depends on the patients’ medical condition. It is to cure diseases like IBS, constipation, any digestive disorders, piles or obesity.

4. Nasya

In this, the Kapha toxins accumulated in the head and neck area is eliminated through the nose. It helps in improving eyesight, memory increase, migraines and headache, early graying of hair or any head and neck related problems.

5. Raktamokshana

It is a therapy to cleanse the blood. It is very less prescribed by the doctors because of the risk of infection during the cleansing of the blood.

Natural Ayurveda Remedies For Psoriasis

Psoriasis is just like an uninvited guest which no one wants to entertain. You and I can never imagine the kind of condition, frustration, and humiliation a psoriasis patient faces.

The discomfort caused can be taken care of by some severe changes in the lifestyle, the food that they eat along with herbal treatments. Completely restricting to the guidelines can only relieve you of the disease.

Psoriasis is like a big puzzle. Generally, in a span of 1-month new skin replaces the older one. But in psoriasis, this replacement gets fast enough i.e. 3-4 days. This causes the old cells to collect in patches mostly on the skin, scalp skin folding and knees.

Psoriasis is not an allergy nor an infection, but the perfect cause is still unknown. It is better to consult your doctor before starting any remedy.

If you are a pregnant or breastfeeding mother, then you should not take some herbal remedies.

Even people who are having any preexisting medical conditions like blood pressure or diabetes should also avoid some herbal remedies.

If you are taking the medications and you experience any side effects then discontinue it immediately and contact your doctor.

Below is the list of some herbal remedies that may help you with your psoriasis.

1. Aloe Vera

It is known to have a smoothening effect on the skin. Aloe Vera in the form of Gel can be applied on the affected area of the skin externally.

This can help reduce the redness and scaling associated with psoriasis. You can implement this at least three times a day. You can also use creams which have 0.5%, Aloe Vera.

2. Capsaicin

It is an element present in very less percentage in ointments for psoriasis.This capsaicin blocks the nerve endings which transmits the pain.

This ingredient reduces the inflammation, scaling, and redness of the lesions in psoriasis.Care should be taken regarding the quantity of usage.Excess usage may cause a burning sensation.

To rehydrate the dry skin, you need to take a soak. This means that soak your

self in a tub or apply wet compresses on the affected skin. Use lukewarm water because hot water will worsen the case by making your skin more dry and flaky.

Doing this, will soften the skin and remove the scales of psoriasis without damaging your inner skin. But keep this soaking within limits.

Excess and frequent soaking may also take off your skin oils which will again result in drying of skin. Therefore moisturize your body immediately after the shower.

Keep your skin and body moisturized. Dry skin is more prone to infections. Moisturizing will prevent your skin from drying out and also reduce the inflammation of the scaly skin.

After bath do not forget to apply moisturizer on your whole body. This will lock the moisture content of your skin.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar

Since ages, it is well known for its disinfectant properties. It heals minor burns and inflammations on the skin. Take some apple cider vinegar in a bowl. Dip or soak your fingernails or toenails in it for few minutes.

This will help cure the nail psoriasis. Add 1 cup of apple cider vinegar to 1-gallon water. Soak a washed cloth in this solution and apply it on the skin. This will help to reduce the itching due to psoriasis.

If you are suffering from scalp psoriasis. Take some olive oil and warm it. Now gently massage this warm oil on the scalp. This will soften the scales and remove it. After leaving for some time wash it with a mild shampoo and rinse thoroughly.

You can also make fresh apple cider vinegar at home and try out the remedy.

4. Tea Tree Oil

This has antiseptic properties. When this oil is applied on the affected area, it reduces the itching and scale formation. People suffering from scalp psoriasis can use shampoo containing this oil to reduce scaling on the scalp.

Tea Tree oil is also for treating different allergies.

5. Turmeric Paste

Make a turmeric paste using raw turmeric and water. Apply this paste on the affected area. This will help heal psoriasis faster due to the antiseptic properties of turmeric. Turmeric can do wonders and is effective than drugs.

6. Baking Soda

Take some 1 and a half cups of baking soda into 3 gallons of water. Mix it thoroughly. Soak a washed cloth in this baking soda solution and apply it on your scales. This will help reduce the itching.

You can also use natural Baking soda shampoo to treat the hair itching.

7. Epsom Salts

Take some Epsom salts and add it to your bath. Bathing with this water will contribute to reducing the scaling and itching due to psoriasis.

8. Cabbage Leaves

Take some cabbage leaves and crush it. Keep this bowl of crushed cabbage inside the bowl of hot water. Keep it until the leaves becomes lukewarm. Apply this lukewarm leaves onto the affected area. After this wrap it with elastic adage for around 2-3 hrs.

9. Bitter Gourd & Lemon Juice

Mix one glass of bitter gourd and one tsp. of lemon juice. Drink this mixed juice every day on an empty stomach. Take this for around 4-5 months. Bitter gourd juice has great health benefits to treat different ailments.

Lifestyle Advice To Control Psoriasis

To prevent the infection and psoriasis the first and foremost thing you should take care is to keep your skin clean and moist.

If the skin is dry and dirty, it will only increase the itching and flaking while making the disease worse.

Below is some advice that will help to keep the skin clean and avoid the infection related to psoriasis. These will also reduce the lesions and its itchiness.

• Stay in a humidified condition of the room. Any dry air will worsen your case. Use a room humidifier instead to raise the humidity.

• Discuss with your doctor before starting any medications related to any disease. Certain medications worsen psoriasis.

• Make sure that the soap you use is not too dry and harsh for your skin. Better choose your soap very carefully. Harsh soap will dry and irritate your skin accompanied with itching.

• Choose your skin products also carefully. Psoriasis makes your skin too sensitive. Any cosmetics may irritate your skin and make the disease worse.

• Reduce your weight. Being overweight will make the disease difficult to handle.

• Avoid any injury either mild or severe to your skin. Any rashes, burns or tight clothing irritation may lead to itching. These will trigger psoriasis and worsen the conditions.

• To reduce the inflammation and scaling on your skin expose the affected area of the skin to the morning sun.

• A moderate quantity of curd in the form of buttermilk has proved effective in curing off psoriasis.

• If you are having the urge of any natural phenomenon like vomiting, urination or bowel clearing then avoid controlling.

• Avoid any spicy food, sour, salty and acidic food items. These tend to trigger psoriasis.

• Even different food items like the wrong combination of food should be avoided at all cost.

• Include food items like raw and fresh fruits and vegetable, bitter gourd should be necessarily included. Even fruit juices can be included in your diet.

• Animal fats in the form of meat, eggs, and processed food items should be avoided.

• Apply linseed oil or vitamin E rich oil in the affected areas will heal the lesions faster.

• Don’t scratch, prick or peel your skin.

• Always wear clean, dry preferably cotton wear.

• Avoid any unnecessary stress.

• Practice yoga, meditation, regular exercises every day.

• These are simple, and self-care steps that will help psoriasis calmer and less irritating.

Psoriasis can be handled and taken control of only by strict diet restriction and lifestyle practices.

Conventional Medicines and Treatments For Psoriasis

Traditional medicines like:

1. Corticosteroids

These are drugs which reduce the replication of the skin cells and also controls the functioning of the immune system. This is applied at least two times a day. It is a short-term treatment and doesn’t cure the cause.

2. Calcipotriene

These drugs contain vitamin D3, and this also reduces the replication of the skin cells. This is also applied nearly two times a day.

But this drug is often accompanied with some irritation. Thus its usage is restricted to face and privet areas. Excess usage increases the calcium level in the body to dangerous levels thus having severe side effects.

3. Creams Of Retinoid Or Coal Tar

These ointments are applied externally on the skin. These have less irritation and also keeps the skin moisturized. As these are all chemical based, they come with side effects.

4. Anthralin

This reduces the inflammation and controls the increase of skin cells. After its application and leaving for some time it should be washed off to avoid any irritation.

5. Salicylic Acid

6. Clobetasol Propionate

These above things were the list of conventional medicines used to cure or get relief from psoriasis, but there are many therapies too which help control the immune system and also avoid the replication of skin cells.

Note: Don’t use any of these medicines without consulting the doctor.

Therapies To Cure Psoriasis

1. Light Therapy

In this, the UV rays of the sun are directly focused on the affected areas of the skin which reduce the speed of replication of skin cells in this field. Thus these UV rays are used as the healing source.

2. Nutritional Therapy

Food and diet of the patient are taken into consideration.By hit and trial method it is checked as to which food triggers psoriasis and thus modifying the diet plan of the patient psoriasis is reduces and healed.

In this, the problem is like one food items which trigger the disease in one patient may not be the cause in another.

3. Hydrotherapy

This hydro or water therapy is used to cure psoriasis. In this body is provided with minerals and moisture. Warm water is used for bathing to improve the blood circulation. Thus it is said that sea water bath is the best way to avoid psoriasis.

4. Detoxification And Elimination Of Toxins From The Body

This therapy is what is used in Ayurveda. In this treatment, the toxins of the body are eliminated.

Thus thorough cleansing of the body takes place. After cleaning skin regains its proper functioning.But proper supervision of a doctor is needed for this therapy.

The above medicines and therapy, all are helpful in reducing the symptoms of this disease. But all the effects are short lived. The symptoms reappear once the medication is discontinued.

Thus permanent cure is what you need. This permanent cure can be attained only when the cause the toxins of the body are removed, and body, skin regains its normal functioning. Ayurveda has the answer to it.

Conclusion

Psoriasis is not a contagious disease. People have a misunderstanding about it. This misunderstanding leads to social embarrassment.

The patient gets introverted. Hurt sentiments of his/her needs time to accept the disease and later to convince his/her mind to mix up again in society.

They are like us.They are as pleasant as you.Constant support and love give power to patient’s subconscious mind to seek the cure. Be happy. Make them happy!