5 Alternative Treatments and Home
Remedies for Psoriasis
For people with
psoriasis, suffering from painful symptoms like inflamed, flaking and red skin
is not pleasant. The chronic skin condition is due to an overactive immune
system that can be triggered by a number of internal and external factors. Many
Western treatments include steroid creams and oral medications that come with a
slew of unwanted side effects.
Below are
alternative treatments that are safe and natural and can help reduce symptoms
of psoriasis, leading you back to better health.
1. Herbal Remedies
● Aloe Vera: The
gel from this cactus plant can be used generously on your skin to reduce
redness and scaling caused by psoriasis. Aloe vera can be found in almost any
grocery or health store.
● Tea Tree Oil: Tea
tree oil is thought to have antiseptic properties. It can sooth irritated skin
or scalp and can be applied daily.
● Turmeric: Turmeric
has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Because of this,
turmeric has been found to reduce psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis flares.
Turmeric can be found in pill form as well as powder form to be added to food.
● Dead Sea Salts:
Soaking in a bath with Dead Sea salts or Epsom salts can remove scaly skin and
reduce itching. It is recommended that you use warm water and stay in the tub
for 15 minutes.
2. Mindfulness/Meditation
Mindfulness and
meditation practices have been found to be effective in people suffering with
chronic pain like psoriasis.
Meditation is
the practice of focusing your attention on the moment and ridding yourself of
all external thoughts you may be having. This can lead to a state of relaxation
and calmness, bringing balance to your body and mind.
Mindfulness,
which is practiced in meditation, includes becoming completely aware of your
body, externally and internally. This can be a seated meditation that is
focused on awareness of mind, body and senses.
3. Exercise
Not only is
exercise important to maintain overall health and wellness, it is especially beneficial
for people with psoriasis.
Because people
with psoriasis have an increased risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes,
regular exercise can prove very helpful.
Many find it
hard to exercise because of the chronic pain associated with psoriasis.
Exercise programs in the water prove to be an effective alternative that is
easier on the body and still allows you to build endurance and strength.
Other simple
ways to fit more exercise into your day include short walks, taking the stairs
and stretching.
4. Massage
Seeing a
licensed massage therapist can help reduce symptoms and pain. Massage promotes
the function of muscle and connective tissue and can increase relaxation and
circulation in the body.
5. Acupuncture
Acupuncture has
been proven to be effective in minimizing chronic pain in patients. Acupuncture
takes a holistic approach with the body and symptoms you may be experiencing.
By returning the body to its natural flow, acupuncture can help reduce the
intensity of symptoms of psoriasis.
Home Remedies:
● Soak a towel in cold milk and apply
to affected area to relieve itching.
● Add ½ cup ground oatmeal into a warm
bath.
● Rub the affected area with the inner
side of a banana peel.
● Apply aloe vera gel to affected area.
● Cut several fresh willow branches
into 3-inch stems and place in a pot with plenty of water. Bring to a boil,
then simmer until water becomes black. Wash affected areas with the water three
times daily.
● Slice 15 water chestnuts and soak in
3 oz. of rice vinegar crush and store in a sealed jar. Apply the paste to
affected area and cover with gauze. Change daily.
Bishara Wilson, L.Ac., MSTOM, C.SMA
New York Sports Acupuncture
(888) 375-5444
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