Natural Home Remedies for Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an auto-immune disorder characterized by thickened, reddish patches of skin that cause itching and pain which may sometimes crack and bleed. A silvery build-up of dead skin cells may be present. This chronic skin condition is not contagious and usually first appears between the ages of 15 and 30. According to the National Institute of Health, over 7.5 million Americans suffer from psoriasis.

Psoriasis may be triggered by emotional stress, skin injury (sunburn, vaccinations, or abrasions), reactions to certain medications (lithium, antimalarial drugs, ACE inhibitors, and beta blockers), or some types of infections (strep, HIV). Research also indicates there is a possible genetic link.

While psoriasis is not completely curable, there are many natural remedies that may lessen the discomfort. Home remedies can relieve the itching and pain, making the condition easier to live with.

Sunlight is the best natural treatment for psoriasis. Affected areas should be exposed to small amounts of sunlight at regular intervals, taking care to avoid overexposure and sunburn, which may cause the psoriasis to flare up. It may take several weeks for noticeable improvement, and you may wish to have your dermatologist watch for signs of skin damage.

Mix 2 drops of calendula oil and a drop of oregano oil in a small cup of olive oil and apply. This solution may also be used on the scalp. Massage well into the scalp and remove with a mild shampoo followed by a cider vinegar or lemon rinse. Calendula oil is derived from marigolds and is often used to soothe skin inflammation, and oregano oil has strong antibacterial properties. If you have marigolds growing in your garden, boil four marigold heads in four cups of water for two minutes. Allow to cool and make a compress to apply the solution to the area or use as a scalp rinse.

Mudpacks may absorb toxins and remove some of the dead skin cells from the surface of the skin.

Take a lukewarm bath with epsom salt, followed by an application of olive oil to the affected areas.

Rub the flesh of an aloe vera plant or an avocado on the affected area to relieve pain and itching.

Some psoriasis sufferers have found relief in a diet rich in plant sterols. Sterolin is a plant fat that promotes a healthy immune system. This compound is found in fruits, vegetables, and other food plants but much of the sterolin is lost within eight hours of harvest, and is removed by food manufacturing processes. Freezing or boiling the food at home also removes the compound. If you have a home garden, eat your produce in a raw state within a few hours of picking to reap the most benefits of the plant sterols.

Sprouts are a rich source of sterolin. Sunflower seeds, alfalfa, and mung beans are easy to sprout at home. Soak seeds in pure water (bottled or filtered, not tap) for three hours, then drain and rinse well. Place the seeds in a jar covered with a piece of net held on by a rubber band. Rinse and drain the seeds twice daily, keeping them only slightly moist and not soggy, until they begin to sprout. Sprout alfalfa shoots and mung beans until the first leaves begin to appear in about seven days. Sunflower seeds should be removed from the hull before soaking, and will sprout in three days. The sprouts may be eaten as is, added to salads, or covered with a olive oil and lemon dressing.

Check with your medical practitioner before using any home remedies for treatment of psoriasis symptoms.