Psoriasis is characterized by inflammation, irritation, and scaly patches of skin forming on different parts of the body. This occurs because of abnormal skin cell growth. A natural treatment for psoriasis such as the combination of a balanced diet and the use of psoriasis herbal remedies can bring great relief to sufferers.
Conventional treatments may be effective in the short term for quelling outbreaks, but they do not help to deter the typical triggers of psoriasis and they generally come with negative side effects. Using psoriasis natural treatment options, which address the disease by creating a state of balance and well-being, is an alternative route to healing.
Psoriasis Holistic Treatment Addresses Causes
While the exact causes of this chronic skin condition are unknown, there are known triggers. For people who have the disease, episodes are often brought on by stress, illness, injury, bacterial infections, and the use of drugs, alcohol, or prescription medication. Trouble metabolizing fats and a build-up of toxins in the colon may also be causes of the disease.
A holistic treatment for psoriasis fortifies the body's natural defenses through food and herbs, works to correct imbalances or toxic build-ups in the body with alterative herbs, and acts to sooth and heal the skin with topical psoriasis herbal remedies. This natural method is powerful because it increases well-being and reduces the likeliness and intensity of future episodes.
Conventional treatments, on the other hand, are designed to correct the skin condition in the short term, but they do not improve overall health. For example, topical corticosteroid creams work by suppressing the immune system to stop inflammation. Topical retinoids can normalize skin cell activity, decreasing inflammation, but at the cost of irritation, increased sensitivity to sunlight, and the risk (although minimal) of birth defects for pregnant women.
How to Treat Psoriasis with Diet
Using diet as a natural treatment for psoriasis is a matter of creating a state of balance with cleansing, nutrient-rich foods. Essential fatty acids found in nutritional oils, nuts, and fatty fish are important for healing dry skin disorders. Enzymes, vitamins, and minerals found in fruits and vegetables are crucial for immune strength, skin cell protection, and healthy cell regeneration. Fiber, which helps to cleanse the body of toxins, and the B complex vitamins, which promote proper metabolism of food and help to manage stress, are found in whole grains.
Comprising most of the diet of some or all of the following foods, while also limiting or eliminating processed foods, excess saturated fats, trans fats, sugary foods, and white-flour based products will help the body thrive and heal naturally.
- flax seed oil
- avocado oil
- avocados
- almonds
- walnuts
- salmon
- mackerel
- green leafy vegetables
- sea greens
- carrots
- sweet peppers
- apples
- berries
- pears
- bananas
- pineapple
- papaya
- tofu
- yogurt
- brown rice
- oats
- whole wheat bread and pasta
- quinoa
Psoriasis Natural Treatment Option – Herbal Teas
The alterative herbs are often used to treat chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. It is not known exactly how they work, but their use results in a corrected or purified state in the body. Try drinking an infusion made from any of the following herbs, one to three cups daily.
- burdock root
- red clover
- nettles
- sarsaparilla
- sassafras
- yellow dock
- mountain grape
- Pasque flower
To make a tea, infuse two teaspoons of dried herbs in one cup of boiling water for ten minutes. Do not expect results in one or two days, or even one or two weeks. Herbal remedies have a cumulative effect on the body, normalizing and restoring well-being gradually.
Topical Herbal Remedies for Psoriasis
Topical psoriasis herbal remedies can help by soothing irritation. Like conventional remedies, they are only effective in the short term. Any of the following herbs can be used as an herbal compress for relief. A simple method for a compress is to make an herbal infusion, place a clean cloth in the infusion, and then apply to the inflamed area.
- comfrey
- marshmallow
- chickweed
- dandelion
Using these psoriasis natural treatment options is effective, but only when done over time. For best results, make a healthy diet a permanent lifestyle change. Even after the psoriasis is healed, try drinking herbal infusions once or twice a week. Knowing how to treat psoriasis naturally can be a powerful tool for dealing with this condition, regardless, be sure to regularly consult professional medical care as well.
References:
"Psoriasis: Treatments and drugs." Mayo Clinic
Balch, Phyllis A. " Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Fourth Edition (Penguin Books, 2006).
Hoffmann, David. "The Complete Illustrated Holistic Herbal: A Safe and Practical Guide to Making and Using Herbal Remedies." (Element Books, 1996).
Page, Linda. "Healthy Healing: A Guide to Self-Healing for Everyone." Eleventh Edition (Traditional Wisdom, 2003).
Brenna Coleman - Brenna is a freelance writer focusing on natural health and beauty. She has written hundreds of articles, helping readers find ways to ...
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