What is psoriasis?
It is a non-contagious disorder of the skin where there are scaly dry patches that form on the skin. There may be redness, irritation and itchiness on these skin patches. It is most commonly seen on elbows, knees, forehead, scalp, buttocks and back, but less commonly on navel, genitals, nails and eyebrows. It can be caused due to poor hygiene, heredity, smoking, stress, severe weather conditions as well as some medications.
Ayurvedic medicine and treatment of psoriasis
According to the Ayurveda system of medicine, psoriasis is caused due to an imbalance in two of the three Doshas, namely, Vata and Kapha Doshas. They affect the blood tissues and the water or moisture content of the skin. Along with this, other factors that may affect are controlling natural desires and urges, heavy foods, and psychological stress.
Some Ayurvedic remedies for psoriasis
- Neem (Margosa): You can use the leaf extracts as antiseptic. This herb helps purify blood, improves functioning of the immune system, destroys diseases-causing microbes and relieves itchiness and redness.
- Marigold, lemon juice or cider vinegar: You can boil some flowers of this herb in water, strain, cool and massage scalp with this. Wash it off with shampoo, lemon juice or cider vinegar.
- Chamomile flowers, burdock seeds and honey: boil equal amounts of chamomile and burdock in water, strain and cool. Add honey and have a few spoons of this brew three to four times a day.
- Guggul: It is a herb that helps treat this condition, remove excess fats and fluids from the body. It also helps reduce inflammation and balance the Doshas to give relief.
- Calendula, oregano and olive oils: Mix a drop of oregano and two drops of calendula with a cup of olive oil. Massage this onto the affected area. It helps give relief.
- Castor, wheat germ and sunflower oils: Mix one teaspoon each of castor and wheat germ oils in a cup of sunflower oil and apply this on the affected skin. It helps relieve symptoms.
- Sunlight: Make sure that you expose the affected skin to sunlight at least for a minimum of thirty minutes everyday, preferably at sunrise. This helps smoothen affected skin and give relief.
- Lukewarm water: Wash the affected area with lukewarm water about twice a day. Washing more frequently will dry the skin and aggravate symptoms.
These are some remedies and tips that you can follow to take care of this problem. If you follow these regularly, you will get immense relief from symptoms and the condition itself will be healed.
