Exploring Natural Remedies: Can You Really Heal Psoriasis?

Well, possibly you already know about psoriasis if you clicked on this page. This poss here is trying to make sense of the skin condition that was previously thought to be a type of leprosy. No joke, some patient with psoriasis were treated the same way as leppers were. Do I need to say more.

So, as always, we are trying to see the skin condition form the Eastern Medicine perspective. In Ayurveda, the skin condition would suit more under the term of Kitibha Kushta. This time i'm not diving deep into the translations and the underlying pathway fo how our different medicine types have different views. Basically, you can say that there are a variety of skin conditions that canbe termed Kitibha Kushta, but their treatment in ayurvedic way is quite similar. For ease of access we will still call it psoriasis.

So, often people with vata-kapha constitution will have a predisposition for this disease. Vata-kapha constituion is difficult to understand because how a person can be stagnant and enthusiastic at the same time. Very stable and very improvising. It some ways it makes sense that they would be prone to autoimmune conditions such as psoriasis (I don't like the term "autoimmune").

The Crimes Against Wisdom

So, perhaps you have read in the previous posts that some, or coud you say most of the diseases are caused by crimes against wisdom. What are the "crimes" that the person with psoriasis might have done to have developed this disease?

Eating foods that go against each other, such as milk and fish, drinking heavy, decadent beverages
Stifling normal cravings like thirst, vomiting, and sleep.
Exercise in excessive heat or after a big meal, as well as breaking Ayurvedic rules about fasting, eating
Exposing oneself to the elements that are considered improper.
After being exposed to the intense sun, drink cool water right away.
Consumption of raw food and food before the digestion of the preceding meal.
Violating the rules of karma (the five cleansing rituals).
Overconsumption of foods such as raw grains, curd, seafood, salt, and acidic substances; overindulgence in black lentil, radish, pastry, sesame seeds, milk, and jaggery
When experiencing dyspepsia, engaging in sexual activity. Engaging in sexual activity shortly after eating food.
Engaging in day sleep.

The root cause of psoriasis in Ayurveda is improper digestion, leading to the formation of Ama (toxins).

Treatment Remedies

Khadira (Acacia catechu): Known for its blood-purifying properties, Khadira is widely used in the treatment of skin disorders. It helps cleanse the blood, reducing Ama and balancing the Kapha dosha.

Neem (Azadirachta indica): Neem is a powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial herb used to treat various skin conditions. It helps detoxify the blood, reduces itching and redness, and promotes healthy skin regeneration.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa): Turmeric contains curcumin, a potent anti-inflammatory compound that helps reduce skin inflammation and irritation. It also aids in detoxifying the liver and improving digestion, thereby reducing Ama.

Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia): This herb is a potent blood purifier and has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat chronic skin diseases like psoriasis. It balances Pitta and Kapha doshas and promotes skin healing.

Guggulu (Commiphora mukul): Guggulu has anti-inflammatory properties that make it useful in treating chronic inflammatory conditions such as psoriasis. It helps balance Vata and Kapha doshas and reduces joint pain associated with psoriatic arthritis.

Aloe Vera (Kumari): Aloe Vera is cooling and soothing, which makes it an effective remedy for managing Pitta-related skin inflammation. Topical application of Aloe Vera gel can relieve itching, dryness, and irritation.

Externally Applicable treatment

Thakradhara (Medicated Buttermilk Pouring): In this procedure, medicated buttermilk is poured continuously over the patient’s body or head. It has cooling and soothing effects, especially beneficial for Pitta-dominant psoriasis. It helps reduce inflammation, redness, and burning sensations.

Lepa (Herbal Paste Application): Various herbal pastes made from neem, turmeric, and sandalwood are applied to the affected areas to reduce scaling, redness, and itching.

Taila (Medicated Oils): Ayurvedic oils like Khadiradi Taila and Eladi Taila are used for external application to reduce inflammation and moisturize the skin. These oils are prepared using herbs with anti-inflammatory and healing properties.

Interestingly, reading Ayurvedic texts, it turns out that psoriasis is thought to be as a mild disease rather easy to handle. However, it is easier to treat the plaques than to actually rule the disease out of the body so that it doesn't come back again. For that, patience is needed, improving the crimes against wisdom and Panchakarma treatments should be applied.

Ok, gotta go. Perhaps it needs a part II