Ayurvedic Psoriasis Treatments
Psoriasis is a Skin Disease that takes a toll on the confidence of a person. Silvery Scales or Fish Scale like Plaques on Skin characterizes it. Skin cells are easily lost. Skin will also be dry with Itching, which is so severe that in certain patients oozing of the blood is seen commonly along with Pus and Secondary Infections. Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease characterized by eruptions of superficial papules and larger patches with phenomena of chronic inflammation. The Lesions usually occur at First on the Elbows, Knees Scalp and Lower Limbs and later spread all over the body. Psoriasis results in the form of a complication known as Psoriatic Arthritis, which gives Joint Discomfort, Swelling, Stiffness or Throbbing. Psoriasis usually goes through cycles of relapses and remissions.
Western Medical Research concludes that there is no known cause for Psoriasis and hence no cure “ when it comes to Psoriasis, Modern Medicine in absolutely inadequate”. Latest Modern Treatment for Psoriasis includes Immune Suppressing Drugs, Injection of Steroids etc to suppress the skin conditions. The long term use of such drugs however has their own resultant complications, In conclusion we would like to assure Psoriasis-affected persons that a Controlled, Balanced, Nutritious Diet, Stress Free Living and a well thought out Ayurvedic Treatments supported by Yoga and Pranayama will be the path to Freedom from Psoriasis.
Ayurvedic Treatment for Psoriasis lasts for 21 to 28 days and effectively cures Psoriasis. All types of psoriasis and skin diseases have effective treatment in Ayurveda. We at THE KERALA AYURVEDIC CARE, Speciality Panchakarma Centre, 3-6-101/1, St no: 19, Basheerbagh, Hyderabad-29 have Treated Thousands of Patients with 99% results. Speciality Treatments are being done from the past 9 Years. For the Services in the field of Ayurveda, Dr. Kranthi Vardhan, the Chief Physician & the Managing Director, has been awarded “KKRUSHI RATNA AWARD”, “AYURVEDA TAPASWI AWARD”, and “VAIDYA RATNA AWARD”.
According to Ayurveda, Psoriasis (Sidhma Kushtam) occurs due to vitiation of Vata and Kapha doshas. The reasons are Incompatible Food, Accumulation of Toxins etc.
Panchakarma, the Basic Body Purification method is used in the Treatment of Psoriasis. Ayurvedic treatment for psoriasis goes through several stages viz. Abhayangam (Oil Massage), Snehapanam (Taking medicated ghee), Elakizhi (Leaf Bundle Massage), Vamana (Induced Vomiting), Takra Dhara (Medicated Butter Milk poured continuously on the hair bearing area and a gentle massage is done), Pizhichil (Oil Bath with 3 litres of Oil), Siro Vasti (keeping oil on head) and other Vastis (enemas which include Kashaya vasthi, Anuvasana Vasthi Etc.), Virechanam (Purgation), Raktha Mokshanam (Blood Letting) and Lepanam (Application of Ointments). A psoriasis patient is also given a strict diet regime called Pathyam. Ayurvedic Treatment of Psoriasis utilizes a Three-prolonged Strategies taking into account the Ahara (Diet), Vihara (Lifestyle) and Oushada (Medicines). Along with the Application of Medicines, The person also needs to control his Diet and Lifestyle to attain maximum results of Psoriasis Treatment.
LATEST TRENDS IN THE MANAGEMANT OF PSORIASIS
USING AYURVEDIC MEDICINES.
Psoriasis is a non-infectious, inflammatory disease of the skin. It is characterized by well-defined erythematous (reddish) plaques with large adherent silvery scales. The main abnormality in psoriasis is an increased proliferation of the skin layers due to excessive division of the cell in the basal layers of the skin. Severe itching may associate with the plaques. Dryness of the skin and silvery scaling are characteristics of this condition.
1% to 3% of the most population has Psoriasis. It is very common among Europeans and North Americans. It is often seen between 15 to 40 yrs of age.
The exact reason behind Psoriasis is unknown. There is frequently a genetic predisposition. A child with one affected parent has a 15% chance of developing the disease and this rises to 50% if both the parents are affected. Streptococcal infection of the upper respiratory tract may exacerbate the condition. Deprivation of sunlight influences this condition and mental stress plays an important role in aggravating the condition. Certain drugs like chloroquine, chlorpropamide, lithium and practaol may aggravate this condition.
The peculiar lesions will be raised and red with dry, silvery-white scaling. Size may vary from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter. Common sites are scalp elbows knees and lower back. Pitting of the nails is very common. Involvements of palm is not uncommon. Many may develop sero-negative inflammatory arthritis, which is characterized by multiple involvements of joints and pitting on nails.
Ayurvedic view:
Psoriasis Causes: Many basic Ayurvedic texts have explained skin diseases, which resembles Psoriasis. According these references, Psoriasis can be considered as the vitiation of Vata and Kapha. (Two of the basic energies/humors, which maintains our body equilibrium) Accumulation of low potency poisons (Dooshi vishas), are the basic pathological changes taking place in the system. Irregular food habits, consumption of foodstuffs that cannot be eaten together (Eg: diary products with fish), excessive intake of yogurt, black gram, seafood, sour and salted items etc can activate the pathogenesis. Alcohol and tobacco consumption will act as a catalyst here. Ayurveda do emphasize on the effect of stress in the pathogenesis of Psoriasis.
Psoriasis Treatment: Coming to the treatment aspects of Psoriasis according to Ayurveda, it aims at the detoxification of the body or elimination of toxins from the body fluids. It is achieved by “Panchakarma” treatments.
Current schedule, comprising various treatment aspects of Ayurveda is aiming at a better control of Psoriasis. This includes internal and external medications purely of plant origin. Rough out line of this schedule is as follows. (i) Consumption of medicated ghee, considering the Dosha type of the Psoriasis and the person, for 5 to 7 days. (ii) Detoxifying, by inducing vomiting (Vamana) and purgation (Virechana). This is followed by medicated buttermilk dripping overhead (Dahara) and pasting the entire body with a paste of medicines and mud. (iii) Basthies (medicated enemas) are being done for 8 days and internal medicines like herbal concoctions; medicated ghee has to be consumed for at least 90 days.
Psoriasis Diet: A strict diet regime has to be followed during the entire treatment period and it is better to continue as vegetarian. Yogurt, black gram, chilies and salted thing have to be restricted. It is better to avoid refrigerated/chilled foods. Psoriatic must keep a state of mental calmness.
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Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Psoriasis :
Black Nightshade (Solanum nigrum)- Kakmachi – The juice of the leaves of the black nightshade can be applied locally on the affected regions. It helps in reducing the inflammation of the skin, and also has beneficial properties in allaying the pain and the itch.
Garlic (Allium sativum) – Garlic is a blood purifier. Eating a few cloves of garlic every morning on an empty stomach filters the toxins out of the blood and provides protection against psoriasis. Read more about Garlic>>>>
Jasmine (Jasminum polyanthum) – The flowers of the jasmine have good effects in the treatment of psoriasis. The flowers are crushed, made into a paste and are directly applied on the inflamed parts. This application reduces the pain and the itchiness of psoriatic inflammations.
Guggul is an Ayurvedic herb from a resin of a small tree, which grows in northwestern India, its useful in treating psoriasis. It has anti-inflammatory and lipid-lowering actions, helps remove fat, excess fluids from the body and penetrates deep into the tissues. It is a effective Kapha- and Vata-pacifying supplement. Read more about Guggul>>>>
Neem is one among the best blood purifier and detoxifier known to Ayurveda. It enhances immune system and neem oil is an antiseptic in itself. Leaf extracts are used in antiseptics and can be effectively used in treating psoriasis. It destroys fungus and bacteria and is best for almost all kinds of skin diseases including redness of skin and itching.
Turmeric – the spice has a long history in Ayurveda, and is a primary component for cooking. The powdered form can be used with food, or is available as capsules as a dietary supplement. Due to the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric, it relieves the pain, swelling and inflammation associated with psoriasis, arthritis etc.
What does ayurveda say about psoriasis?
Psoriasis is caused by vitiation of vata and kapha dosha. The vitiated doshas affect the skin and blood tissues. They also influence water element of the affected region on skin. Thus the skin which is influenced by affected doshas becomes discolored (white or copper colored), scaly and thin.
Causes of vitiation of Doshas
Consuming opposite foods.
Controlling natural urges.
Exposure to severe climatic conditions
Guide for Pimple, acne, moles, dark circles:-
Balance your doshas by adopting the modified diet and life styles. Take rejuvenating herbal drinks .
Apply a face pack containing
masoora, kushta, kaaliyaka etc later
Following this procedure for seven days makes your face pimple ,acne and dark circle free.
Consuming food that is too salty, too sour and/or too heavy for digestion.
Sleeping during the afternoon.
Taking bath in cold water immediately after physical exertion.
Mental stress.
Changes that occur on skin during psoriasis
It takes 27 days for skin to replace itself with new mature skin cells. But the regions of skin affected by psoriasis the skin replace itself within 3-4 days with plenty of immature skin cells forming thick psoriatic patches.
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According to ayurveda principles the vitiated vata dries the water element of skin and also initiate rapid growth of skin tissue. The vitiated Kapha dosha causes itching on the affected skin. The blood which is affected by vata and kapha adversely influences healing process.
Self-care for psoriasis
Avoid all factors which trigger psoriasis.
Reduce stress levels through meditation and Yoga .
Do not prick, peel or scratch skin. This may trigger psoriasis.
After bath or wash pat dry the skin. Do not rub the towel vigorously on skin.
Avoid soap. Instead use gram flour (besan flour) as soap dries the skin.
After washing, pat the skin dry, don’t irritate it by rubbing vigorously.
Apply moisturizing creams liberally on affected areas after
Opt for cotton clothes over synthetic ones.
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Ayurvedic tips for Psoriasis
Avoid consuming opposite foods.
Do not control natural urges like vomiting, urination, bowel emptying etc.
Do not take cold water bath immediately after a heavy work out, traveling, a long walk etc.
Take care not to consume foods which cause indigestion.
Absolutely do not eat too much of salty, sour or acidic foods.
Avoid sleeping in afternoons.
Say no to radish, urad dal, sesame, jaggery (gur), curds, fish and other sour foods.
Always apply besan flour or herbal scrub instead of soap.
Smear herbal cream which is infused with vata and kapha balancing herbs.
Keep on applying moisturizing gel or cream continuously to maintain the moisture levels of skin.
Home Remedies for Psoriasis:
Affected area of the skin should be treated with ointments at least 2 times a day. The salicylic acid, anthralin, and tar preparations contained in ointments will control the growth of the skin cells.
Another way to treat psoriasis is to combine 1 pint or 600 ml water honey and 1oz or 25 grams of dried camomile flowers and 1oz or 25 grams of dried burdock seed. Simmer it for 15 minutes covered and strain it to remove the solid contents. Add honey to sweeten the tea. Store it in the refrigerator. Drink 3 tablespoon for at least 4 times a day for 2 weeks.
Another home remedy is marigold lotion. It works effectively on irritated scalp. Prepare marigold heads and water. Boil the water with marigold heads for 2 minutes. Allow it to settle until it reaches the room temperature. Massage it on the scalp and wash it with ultra mild shampoo. You can also use cider vinegar or lemon juice to ensure thorough rinsing.
Rub the psoriasis with celendula oil mixed with oregano oil and olive oil. The proportion is calendula (2 drops), oregano oil (1 drop), and olive oil (1 cup).
Combine 1 tsp. of castor oil and 1 tsp. of wheat germ oil and mix it with sunflower oil of about 1 cup. Apply it on the affected area.
Use lukewarm water to wash the skin affected with psoriasis. Do not over-wash the skin. It will result to more scales and sore.
Ayurvedic Remedies
Eat thin slices of onions, fried in ghee.
Apply diluted limejuice, externally.
Tie a fresh thin banana leaf on the affected area.
Powder few almonds and boil thoroughly in water. Apply this paste on affected areas and let it remain overnight. Next morning, wash it off with water.
Boil one teaspoonful sandalwood powder in three cups water until it is reduced to one cup. Add a little rose water and sugar and take thrice a day.
Grind cleaned grass (Doob) without the roots and turmeric in 4:1 ratio into a fine paste and apply on the affected areas.
Grind a handful of fresh jasmine flowers and apply the paste on the affected areas.
Boil one teaspoonful powdered soap pod (shikakai) in one-cup water. Cool and apply on the affected parts.
Drink fresh cabbage juice (1/2 cup) everyday, which will ensure faster recovery.
Garjan oil, obtained from the Garjan tree (Dipterocarpus alatus), made into an emulsion by adding equal quantity of limewater is applied on the affected skin.
Capsaicin, derived from hot peppers, works on redness, scaling and itching. Mahaamarichyadi taila, an ayurvedic oil, contains pepper as one of the ingredients.
Kushtaraakshasa taila, kitibhaari malahara etc. are specific applications for psoriasis. They remove the scaling of the skin and provide soothing effect.
Internally, Pancha tikta ghrita guggul about 5-10 gm with Mahaa Manjistaadi kwaatha every morning & evening for 6 weeks are to be used. Mahaa tikta ghritam can also be used in similar lines.
1)Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Psoriasis
-Black Nightshade (Solanum nigrum)
The juice of the leaves of the black nightshade can be applied locally on the affected regions. It helps in reducing the inflammation of the skin, and also has beneficial properties in allaying the pain and the itch.
-Garlic (Allium sativum)
Garlic is a blood purifier. Eating a few cloves of garlic every morning on an empty stomach filters the toxins out of the blood and provides protection against psoriasis.
-Jasmine (Jasminum polyanthum)
The flowers of the jasmine have good effects in the treatment of psoriasis. The flowers are crushed, made into a paste and are directly applied on the inflamed parts. This application reduces the pain and the itchiness of psoriatic inflammations.
-Onion (Allium cepa)
Onion has blood purifying properties. Hence, it is made an important part of the diet of a person suffering from psoriasis.
(2)Dietary Treatments for Psoriasis
A strict dietary regimen is very important in psoriasis. The wrong kind of foods can aggravate this condition, whereas the right foods can help in early treatment. The following dietary guidelines must be followed:-
-Avoid all hot, spicy and pungent foods. These take long time to digest and cause toxins in the blood, known as ama. When the ama builds up in the body, the psoriasis can spread to a great extent. Also, avoid all foods that cause constipation.
-Salts and curds must be avoided as they can inflame the skin further. This will cause greater itching and hence more discomfort. Rock salt can be taken in small quantities for flavoring, but not the salt readily available in the market.
-Cut down on fats, animal proteins and sugars. Also consume less quantity of food.
-Bitter tastes are preferable. These foods help in purifying the blood and also facilitate the kidneys to flush out the toxins from the blood. For this purpose, foods like bitter gourd, the bitter variety of drumstick and neem are very ideal.
(3)Ayurvedic Treatments for Psoriasis
The Panchkarma therapy is utilized in Ayurveda for the treatment of psoriasis. This is the first step because unless the toxins are removed from the body, it will not respond to any medication. In severe cases, purgation and bloodletting is done to cleanse the body internally.Oleation is employed using medicated ghee with bitter herbs. Commonly used herbs are neem, kutki and guduchi.
Once the purification of the body is done, Mahatikta ghrita or Panchatikta ghrita are prescribed to the person. The dosage is given in one teaspoon quantity twice a day for a month. Any guggulu preparation can be given together for better results.
There are also some popular Ayurvedic oils for external application. These are Mahamasha taila, Pinda taila, Kasisadi taila and Chandana Bala Lakshadi taila. Kushta Rakshasa taila is prescribed only for application when there is severe itching. This oil reduces the itchy sensation and prohibits the psoriasis from spreading.
(4)Home Remedies for Psoriasis
-Take one teaspoonful of sandalwood powder in three cups of water. Boil it till it is reduced to one-third the quantity, i.e. to one cup quantity. Add some rose water and sugar to it. Take this thrice a day.
-Make the powder of some almonds and boil them thoroughly in water. This is used for external application on the affected part. Keep it overnight and wash it next day with water.
-Shikakai (soap nut) boiled in water and applied on the affected parts also gives good relief.
-Attach a fresh thin banana leaf on the affected part.
-Fry thin slices of onion in ghee and eat them.
-Apply lime juice that has been diluted with water externally on the psoriatic patches.
-Cabbage soup is good for treatment of psoriasis. Drink one bowl of it everyday.
Exercise is good for psoriatic people, but care must be taken not to perform exercises like jogging and running which will put more pressure on the knees. Cycling and waling are good. Leading a sedentary life will aggravate the psoriasis further. It is also important to keep the mind stress-free through yoga. Stress can aggravate psoriasis.
Expose yourself to sunlight regularly for at least 30 mins. It will improve the texture of the affected area of the skin. But avoid the period between 10am to 2 pm. This is the time when sunrays are strongest.
Keep your skin away from any forms of injuries as well as from cold. This will aggravate the psoriasis.
Use mineral oil mixed with 10% salicylic acid with toothbrush to scalp and remove the thick scales. Leave the skin overnight and wash it with a mixture of tar-based shampoo and 10% acid the following morning.
You can also use loofah as brush to remove scales. Do it gently. To reduce swelling and inflammation, massage it with oil.
Soak the affected area in a mixture of tar solution and water, or water with Epsom salts. Do this for 15 minutes to reduce the itching.
Eat foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E or take food supplements daily. Recommended amount is 10,000 IU for vitamin A, 2-5,000 mg. For vitamin C, and 400-1200 IU for vitamin E.
Reduce or remove dairy and red meat products from your diet. Both contain arachidonic acid. This will make your psoriasis swell and may further inflict inflammation to the affected area.
Look for good moisturizers and use it after bath or before going to sleep. This will reduce the dryness of the skin and in turn lessen the dryness of the psoriasis.