Psoriasis - The Ayurvedic Approach To Treat It!

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition precipitated by an overactive immune system. The skin cells grow rapidly and give rise to silvery and flaky red patches on the skin. The condition is not restricted to any particular area and can affect any place on the body.

The biggest problem with Psoriasis is that it is incurable. There are medicines and treatment options to manage the symptoms.

However, Ayurveda may be an alternative to modern medicine in treating this skin condition.

Symptoms of Psoriasis:

There are many signs and symptoms for Psoriasis. However, they are different for everyone. Some of the common symptoms are:

1. Cracked and dry skin that may bleed.

2. Red patches.

3. Silvery and thick scales.

4. Ridged and pitted nails.

5. Stiff and swollen joints.

6. Itchiness in the skin.

7. Plaques.

8. Discoloration of nails.

Basic Ayurvedic Tenets:

The basic tenets of Ayurveda revolve around balancing the three biological elements that make up our bodies. These are Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, which can be translated into wind, bile, and phlegm. In Ayurveda, it is opined that every human being has a different combination of these three elements or doshas. The proportions of these elements vary as we age or when we fall ill. The forces that abate change in these proportions are diverse. Emotions, thoughts, relationships, consciousness, lifestyle, diet, environment, season et al can affect these proportions and precipitate physical and mental problems.

Ayurvedic Approach To Treat Psoriasis:

It is incurable but contrable with Ayurvedic therapy and treatment. It is mentioned in Ayurvedic texts under the heading of Rog Kitibh. Taking a cue from its basic tenets, Ayurvedic treatment of Psoriasis revolves around changes and corrections in various elements that matter. So, the Ayurvedic practitioners may try to balance these three biological elements by suggesting dietary changes, meditation, changes in lifestyle, changes in environment, etc.

However, Ayurveda also depends heavily on medicines extracted from various plants and flowers. The use of several Ayurvedic herbs such as aloe vera, garlic, jasmine flower, boswellia, etc. are pretty useful in treating various skin conditions. All these herbs don’t work the same way. While some prevent inflammation, others may prevent drying of the skin and still others may try to pacify the immune system. A combined approach of using all these herbs, lifestyle, dietary, and environmental changes may bring about a remission of Psoriasis symptoms.

Studies Regarding the Utility of Ayurveda In Treating Psoriasis:

Studies have been conducted to validate the utility of Ayurveda in treating Psoriasis. These studies have come out with various herbs that help treat some or the other symptoms of Psoriasis. In a study published in Tropical Medicine & International Health in 1996, Aloe Vera has been found to be a safe and natural remedy for Psoriasis. Patients who participated in the study had an appreciable reduction in the severity of psoriatic lesions. In fact, the improvement was so encouraging that some of them were considered to be healed after four weeks of continued treatment. The cream made out of Aloe Vera healed 25 of a total of 30 patients.

Conclusion:

There are many other herbs that are capable of healing Psoriasis. It can be safely concluded from these studies that Ayurveda can be a very useful alternative to modern medicine in treating Psoriasis. However, one should always consult an Ayurvedic practitioner before opting these medicines and remedies.