How To Cure Psoriasis Through Kerala Ayurveda
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Introduction
Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes red, itchy, scaly patches, most commonly on the knees, elbows, trunk, and scalp.As per Ayurveda, the term Psoriasis originated from the Greek word, Psora (spelled sora) which means itch. Psoriasis in Ayurveda is known as Kithibha is a chronic skin disease characterized by dry skin and raised, rough, red areas on the skin covered with fine silvery scales.
Ayurvedic texts say that psoriasis arises due to an imbalance of two doshas or the areas of energy. They are called Vata and Kapha. Vata is responsible for controlling bodily functions and could contribute to the dryness and skin scaling of psoriasis. Kapha is beneficial for growth, so Ayurvedic practitioners explain the itching and rapid skin cell turnover using this dosha. The imbalance between these two energies causes toxins to build up in our body, leading to inflammation. So Ayurveda prescribes not only herbal applications but also diet and lifestyle advice.
Symptoms Of Psoriasis
Psoriasis signs and symptoms can vary from person to person. Common signs and symptoms include:
- Inflamed patches of skin.
- Plaques on the red patches.
- Dry skin that may crack and bleed.
- Soreness around patches.
- Itching/burning sensations around patches.
- Thick/pitted nails.
- Swollen joints.
- Stress – Unusual high stress may trigger a flare-up.
Causes Of Psoriasis
- Genetic predisposition and environmental factors.
- The irregular lifestyle.
- Consumption of foodstuffs such as dairy products with fish, yogurt, paneer, black gram, and seafood, sour and salted items.
- Intake of unctuous and heavy drinks, suppression of natural urges like vomiting, sleep, thirst, etc.
- The consumption of alcohol and tobacco.
- Physical exercise in excess heat climate or after taking a heavy meal.
- Intake of cold water immediately after exposure to the scorching sun
- Intake of uncooked food and food before the previous meal is having digested.
- Sexual act in the state of indigestion, day sleeps, performing sinful acts.
- Emotional stress.
Different Types Of Psoriasis
There are several types of psoriasis. These are including:
- Plaque Psoriasis
The most common form, plaque psoriasis causes dry, raised, red skin patches (lesions) covered with silvery scales. The plaques might be itchy or tender, and there may be few or many. They usually appear on elbows, knees, lower back, and scalp.
- Nail psoriasis
This type of psoriasis affects fingernails and toenails, causing pitting, abnormal nail growth, and discoloration. Psoriatic nails might loosen and separate from the nail bed (onycholysis). Severe cases may cause the nail to crumble.
- Guttate Psoriasis
It commonly occurs in children and causes small pink spots on the torso, arms, and legs.
- Pustular Psoriasis
It commonly occurs in adults and causes white, pus-filled blisters and broad areas in red, inflamed skin. Generally, it appears to smaller areas of the body that have hands or feet.
- Inverse Psoriasis
It occurs in the bright areas of red, shiny, inflamed skin. These patches grow under armpits or breasts or around the skin folds in the genitals.
- Erythrodermic Psoriasis
It is a rare type of Psoriasis that often covers large sections of the body at once. This type of Psoriasis can be life-threatening. So the best way is to consult the doctor immediately.
- Psoriatic arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis causes swollen, painful joints that are typical of arthritis. Sometimes the joint symptoms are the first or only symptom or sign of psoriasis. And only nail changes are seen. Symptoms range from mild to severe and psoriatic arthritis can affect any joint.
Psoriasis signs and symptoms can vary from person to person. There are several types of psoriasis. They are Plaque Psoriasis, Nail psoriasis, Guttate Psoriasis, Pustular Psoriasis, Erythrodermic Psoriasis, and Psoriatic arthritis.
Ayurvedic Treatment Plan
Some of the treatment in Ayurveda includes:
- Diet changes
In Ayurveda, drinking lots of water and eating green, leafy vegetables is thought to help with psoriasis. Foods and drinks to avoid include alcohol, red meat, spicy food, junk food, and acidic foods.
- Turmeric
This bright yellow-orange spice is considered a psoriasis treatment in Ayurvedic medicine. Many studies show that turmeric reduces inflammation and has antioxidant properties, meaning it protects cells. You can eat turmeric in food, such as curries, or take it as a supplement.
- Andira araroba
It is a botanical powder made from the Andira araroba tree. Ayurvedic specialists mix the powder with vinegar or lemon juice to form a paste that they apply to psoriasis patches.
- Olive oil
Apply this directly to psoriasis patches or add it to a bath to ease dryness and irritation.
- Milk thistle
Ayurvedic experts think this herb stops psoriasis symptoms because it helps the liver and immune system work well.
- Cayenne pepper
It contains a compound called capsaicin, used in Ayurvedic medicine. When applied to your skin in a cream, capsaicin may block nerve endings that add to the pain. It may also ease inflammation, scaling, and redness from psoriasis. Be careful if you use a capsaicin product because it can cause a burning feeling on your skin.
- Aloe Vera
In Ayurvedic medicine, the gel of this plant is applying to plaques. Some research shows it reduces itching and scaling.
If you visit an Ayurveda practitioner, they will create a treatment plan based on your symptoms and lifestyle. It may include Diet changes, Herbs, massage, Oils applied to your body, Enemas or laxatives, Controlled vomiting, Blood cleansing using herbs or bloodletting, which involves draining blood from your body, Meditation, and movement, etc.
Ayurvedic Herbs For Psoriasis
Ayurvedic herbs that people have used to treat psoriasis include:
- Aloe Vera
- Black nightshade
- Boswellia, or frankincense
- Garlic
- Guggul
- Jasmine flower paste
- Neem
Home Remedies To Cure Psoriasis
Some of the home remedies to cure psoriasis include:
- Take daily baths
Bathing daily helps to remove scales and calm inflamed skin. Add bath oil, colloidal oatmeal, and Epsom salts to the water and soak for at least 15 minutes. Use lukewarm water and mild soaps that have added oils and fats.
- Use moisturizer
After bathing, gently pat dry and apply a heavy, ointment-based moisturizer while your skin is still moist. For dry skin, oils may be preferable, they have more staying power than creams or lotions do. If moisturizing seems to improve your skin, apply it one to three times daily.
- Cover the affected areas overnight
Before going to bed, apply an ointment-based moisturizer to the affected skin and wrap with plastic wrap. When you wake, remove the plastic and wash away the scales.
- Expose your skin to small amounts of sunlight
The controlled amount of sunlight can improve psoriasis, but too much sun can trigger or worsen outbreaks and increase the risk of skin cancer. Log your time in the sun, and protect skin not affected by psoriasis with sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30.
- Apply medicated cream or an ointment
Apply an over-the-counter cream or ointment containing hydrocortisone or salicylic acid to reduce itching and scaling. If you have scalp psoriasis, it is better to use a medicated shampoo that contains coal tar.
- Avoid psoriasis triggers
According to the type of psoriasis, take steps to prevent or avoid them. Infections, injuries to your skin, stress, and smoking, and intense sun exposure can all worsen psoriasis.
- Avoid drinking alcohol
Alcohol consumption may decrease the effectiveness of some psoriasis treatments. If you have psoriasis, avoid alcohol. If you do drink, use moderation.
- Strive to maintain a healthy lifestyle
In addition to quitting smoking and drinking moderately, you can manage your psoriasis by being active, eating well, and maintaining a healthy weight.
There are some home remedies to prevent psoriasis. They are, Taking a bath daily, use moisturizer, cream, and ointments to cover the affected areas overnight, expose your skin to small amounts of sunlight, avoid drinking alcohol, etc.
Conclusion
All the information is collected from various Ayurvedic books and always consults an Ayurvedic practitioner before starting any herbs or herbal medicines for psoriasis.
