Natural Treatment for Psoriasis

Abstract

Skin plays a major role in the physical and mental well being of an individual because the unbroken skin is the nature’s dressing over the body and it also acts as a protective barrier against the entry of disease causing pathogens.

Psoriasis is considered as a non-contagious skin condition that causes rapid skin cells production because of this, skin cells don’t have time to fall off which results in piling up of dry, thickened and red patches of the  skin. This disorder mainly affects the skin of the elbows, scalp and knees.

Psoriasis can be a very persistent complaint which is responsible for the great deal of unhappiness and depression among the patients. Thus those living with Psoriasis have a higher risk of being diagnosed with depression. Hence, psychological aspect of psoriasis is also important in the etio-pathogenesis and the management of psoriasis.

What are the symptoms of Psoriasis?

The signs and symptoms of psoriasis are different for every patient but the common signs and symptoms include

• Red patches on the skin which are covered by thick and silvery scales.
• Itching and burning sensation on the skin.
• Nails appear as thickened, pitted or ridged.
• Swollen or stiff joints

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of psoriasis can be done by taking the medical history of the patient, by analyzing the skin, hair and nails.

Treatment

Natural treatment of psoriasis includes the application of topical corticosteroids, Vitamin D analogues, topical retinoids, phototherapy, oral or injected medications etc.

Psoriasis according to Ayurveda

In Ayurvedic classical texts, the word ‘Kushtha’ is a broad term which is mentioned for all types of skin disorders. Ekakushtha is classified under Kshudra Kushtha which has a close resemblance with psoriasis due to its maximum similarity with the symptoms.

Comparison between Psoriasis and Kshudrakushtha

Ekakushtha Lakshana	Psoriasis signs and symptoms
Aswedanam	The lesions are dry and rough.
Matsya Shakalopamam	There are well defined raised papules and erythematic plaques which are covered with silvery scales.
Twaka Parushya	Dryness in the skin
Mahavastu	Bigger lesions are deep rooted and found all over the body
Krishna Aruna Varna	Erythematous thick lesions become black in colour.

(Reference: Charak Samhita, Chikitsa Sthan, Chapter 7, Shlok No. 21)

Meaning : According to this shloka, ekkushta is defined as the disease in which there is no perspiration, extensive which means it affects the large area and looks like fishy scales. This condition is known as ekkushta.

What is the natural treatment of Psoriasis?

Planet Ayurveda offers ‘Psora Care Pack’ which helps in the purification of blood and tissues which is the primary aim in the ayurvedic treatment of psoriasis. These remedies help in the cleansing of the toxins and restoration of digestion to prevent their further accumulation. This pack consists of the nourishing herbs that strengthen and tone the tissues for the complete healing of the skin.

Psora Care Pack of Planet Ayurveda includes

1. Navkarshik Churna
2. Gleaming Skin, Hair, Nails Formula
3. Neem Capsules
4. Manjishtha Capsules
5. Pitta Balance
6. Gandhak Rasayan
7. Radiant Skin, Hair, Nails Lotion
8. Jatyadi Tailam

Psora Care Pack

Product Description

1. Navkarshik Churna

Navkarshik Churna by Planet Ayurveda is a polyherbal powder formulation made by Planet Ayurveda. This Powder is mainly effective in eliminating toxins from the body due to its detoxifying nature. It includes herbs such as Vacha (Acorus calamus), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), etc. In Psoriasis as per Ayurveda there is the accumulation of Ama (Endotoxins), so this herbal powder blend by eliminating Ama (Endotoxins) from the body helps in managing various symptoms of Psoriasis.

Dosage : ½ to 1 teaspoonful twice daily with plain water after meals.

2. Gleaming Skin, Hair, Nails Formula

Gleaming Skin, Hair, Nails Formula is one of the polyherbal capsule formulations of Planet Ayurveda. These capsules consist of herbs such as Ghrit Kumari (Aloe barbadensis), Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), etc. The herbs present in these capsules make them effective for various skin problems and also promote skin health. This remedy consists of anti-oxidant properties which help in reducing the accumulation of free radicals, removes endotoxins from the body and aids in management of Psoriasis.

Dosage : 1-2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

3. Neem Capsules (Azadirachta indica)

When it comes to skin disease, there is no herb equivalent to neem. Neem Capsules by Planet Ayurveda contain the standardized extract of this herb. The neem tree is known by the name community pharmacy in Indian villages because of its immense medicinal benefits. Neem is quite useful in the treatment of acute and chronic disorders such as acne, eczema, ringworm, psoriasis etc.

Dosage : 1 – 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

4. Manjishtha Capsules (Rubia cordifolia)

The standardized extract of the herb is used for the preparation of Planet Ayurveda’s Manjishtha Capsules. This herb acts as a  natural blood cleanser which helps in the detoxification of blood, removes excess heat, promotes circulation, removes ama (endotoxins), balances Pitta and Kapha doshas. These capsules provide relief in psoriasis in a natural way.

Dosage : 1 – 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

5. Pitta Balance

Pitta Balance Capsules is a wonderful product of Planet Ayurveda that contains natural calcium compounds which are cooling in nature. These compounds remove the excess heat or correct the vitiated Pitta within the system. In psoriasis, the compromised digestive system leads to an increase in pitta dosha in the rasa dhatu. So, these capsules alleviate excess Pitta and help in the management of psoriasis.

Dosage : 1 capsule twice daily with plain water after meals.

6. Gandhak Rasayan

Gandhak (purified sulfur) is the primary ingredient in Planet Ayurveda’s Gandhak Rasayan. Under the supervision of Ayurvedic practitioners, this composition, which comes in tablet form, can be administered to individuals of all ages. It purifies blood and keeps toxins from building up in the body. Psoriasis can be caused by vitiated blood and toxic accumulation, among other things. Thus, these tablets aid in alleviating psoriasis symptoms by cleansing the blood and detoxifying the channels.

Dosage : 1 – 2 tablets twice daily with plain water after meals.

7. Radiant Skin, Hair, Nails Lotion

Radiant Skin, Hair, Nails Lotion from Planet Ayurveda is an amazing product that contains a range of herbs and has no unfavorable side effects. This lotion contains a variety of herbs, including curcumin (Curcuma longa), neem (Azadirachta indica), and coconut (Cocos nucifera). This lotion helps reduce inflammation in case of Psoriasis due to its anti-inflammatory, healing, calming, antioxidant, and regeneration qualities.

Method of Application : Mix with Jatyadi Oil and apply this for 2-3 times a day.

8. Jatyadi Tailam

Jatyadi tailam by Planet Ayurveda is a classical Ayurvedic formulation in Oil form. This Oil consists of ingredients such as Neem (Azadirachta indica), Mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra), etc. This Oil is used since ancient times for its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, soothing and healing properties. Local application of this oil in case of psoriasis helps in soothing the skin and reducing inflammation and scaling.

Method of Application : Mix with Jatyadi Oil and apply this for 2 – 3 times a day.

Diet and Lifestyle

• Avoid taking wrong food combinations such as fish with milk, milk with fruits, milk with sour foods etc.
• Fruits should not be combined with the dairy products like milk, yogurt etc.
• Fruits should not be taken immediately after taking meals because fruits digest easily whereas grains and cereals take time to digest so there can be fermentation and formation of ama takes place.Adding fruits to ice-cream is really worse.
• Taking non-vegetarian food such as meat with milk is a bad combination because meat is hot whereas milk is cool in nature therefore they contradict one another and produce toxins.