Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition characterized by scaly, dry, itchy skin. Psoriasis blotches most often occur on the knees, elbows, scalp, forehead and crotch. To treat this condition, doctors often prescribe costly ointments or steroid creams. As an alternative, you might consider using natural treatments.
Herbs and Vitamins
Herbalists often recommend red clover as a home remedy for people who have skin problems. Its high mineral content seems to affect the function and metabolism of tissues in your body. A very versatile ingredient, red clover can be used in syrups, teas, ointments and compresses.
Lecithin can help remedy psoriasis if you take two or three capsules before or after each meal (six to nine capsules daily). In granule form, ingest 4 tbsp. of lecithin granules every day for two months. After that time, lower the dosage to only 2 tbsp. a day.
Other possible treatments for psoriasis include vitamins A and C, zinc, selenium, cod liver or fish oil, milk thistle, evening primrose oil and devil's claw root. Vitamin E can also reduce itching and scab formation when taken in therapeutic doses of 400 mg a day.
Food and Drink
A diet of raw foods can help ease your psoriasis symptoms, as can drinking whey milk at breakfast and a combination of slippery elm and honey at night. Buttermilk can also be helpful if you drink it in liberal amounts.
To make a drink that can help reduce psoriasis, combine 1 oz. each of dried chamomile flowers and dried burdock seed with 1 pt. of water. In a covered pan, simmer the mixture for about 15 minutes. Strain through a clean cloth and sweeten with honey. For two weeks take 3 tbsp. of this liquid four times a day. Refrigerate the mixture to keep it fresh.
Another psoriasis treatment uses bitter gourd. Juice this vegetable to make 1 cup of liquid, mixing it with 1 tsp. of lime juice. Sip it slowly on an empty stomach once a day for four to six months.
Homemade Topical Applications
Homemade topical applications can also help treat psoriasis. Combine two drops of calendula (marigold) oil and one drop of oregano oil in 1 cup of olive oil. Apply this mixture to the affected area.
If you have psoriasis on your scalp, try some marigold lotion. Boil four marigold heads in 4 cups of water for two minutes. After it cools, massage this lotion into your scalp. Rinse the lotion out with a mild shampoo. You can add lemon juice or cider vinegar to the shampoo to be sure the lotion is completely rinsed out.
To make another psoriasis treatment, soak a clean cotton ball in nettle extract, calendula extract or witch hazel and apply it to the places affected with psoriasis. You can also mix 1 tsp. each of castor oil and wheat germ oil into an eggcup of sunflower oil. Rub this mixture gently into the affected area.
Cabbage leaf compresses are another home remedy for psoriasis. Choose the thickest, greenest outer leaves, wash them with warm water and dry them with a towel, then remove the veins and flatten the leaves with a rolling pin. Warm them, then apply them to your psoriasis patches in an overlapping manner. Cover this compress with a soft wool cloth and secure it with an elastic bandage.
Try applying cashew nut oil, avocado oil or a buttermilk compress to any areas of your skin affected by psoriasis.
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