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 soothe 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 from 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, but it is also 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.
Sources:
https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis
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