Written By: Pavitra Sampath | Updated : September 25, 2014 3:02 PM IST
Psoriasis, also known as the scaly disorder of the skin is an extremely resilient disease and has no known cure. People suffering from this condition are often left with embarrassing patches of flaking skin that are highly sensitive to touch and can be extremely debilitating. While there are a number of medications to help control the condition, very often, none of these modes of treatment help. Along with conventional care, there are several natural methods that are often suggested to help relieve the symptoms of the condition. If you want to try these methods, but don't know if they will actually work, here is some scientific evidence to help you decide.
What works
Cabbage leaves: These leaves are often used as a compress for areas that are inflamed due to psoriasis. Packed with large amounts of sulphur, cabbage leaves have been found to help reduce inflammation and irritation of skin (a common symptom of psoriasis). In a study published in the Journal of Anticancer Research{1} it was found that cabbage helped slow the progression of cancer by stopping the inflammation process of mice induced with skin cancer. Another book titled The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants{2} states that cabbage leaves are very potent remedies for skin related conditions like eczema, psoriasis and acne. Applied as a warmed poultice, cabbage has definitely shown some effect on lessening the symptoms of psoriasis.
Tip: Take a few leaves of cabbage and wash them well. Now remove the big veins on the leaves and crush them using a rolling pin. Warm this paste and apply it as a poultice to the area that is affected.
Bitter gourd or karela: According to Ayurveda and other forms of traditional medicine hale karela as a vegetable that has a number of health benefits, but apart from that, this vegetable is also extremely beneficial for people suffering from psoriasis. This is backed up by a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry{3} that found that bitter gourd helped in reducing inflammation in the skin. Apart from that according to Dr HK Bhakru, author of the book Home Remedies for Common Ailments {4}, the juice of bitter gourd helps strengthen one's immune system and reduces inflammation, making it a valuable remedy for psoriasis.
Tip: To use this tip, make a cup of this juice and mix it with a spoon of lemon juice. Have this juice everyday on an empty stomach for a period of three to six months.
Vit B12 and avocado oil: Another natural substance that helps relieve the symptoms is vitamin B12 and avocado oil. Being a good moisturising agent this oil helps the skin heal, reduces inflammation and prevents scaling to a certain extent. In a study published in the Journal of Dermatology {5}found that applying a cream containing both vitamin B12 and avocado oil helped control the symptoms of psoriasis.
Tip: Takea small amount of avocado oil and gently apply it on the affected area for relief.
Remedies that have not been proven to work
Cashew nut oil, kukui nut oil and butter milk are common home remedies that are suggested as remedies for the symptoms of psoriasis, but there are no studies to prove the same. For instance, kukui nut oil, a study was published in the Journal of Dermatology, found that the oil had no significant effect on the symptoms of psoriasis but they state that since the number of people it was tested on was small the all round effect of this oil cannot be dismissed. Due to the lack of any evidence regarding their efficacy it is difficult to say if these home remedies actually work.
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References:
{1} Isbir T, Yaylim I, Aydin M, Ozt rk O, Koyuncu H, Zeybek U, A a han B, Yilmaz H. The effects of Brassica oleraceae var capitata on epidermal glutathione and lipid peroxides in DMBA-initiated-TPA-promoted mice. Anticancer Res. 2000 Jan-Feb;20(1A):219-24. PubMed PMID: 10769658.
{2} Jorge D. Pamplona Roger, Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants, Volume 2, Editorial Safeliz, 2001, 795p
{3} Masuko Kobori, Hirosuke Nakayama, Kenji Fukushima, Mayumi Ohnishi-Kameyama, Hiroshi Ono, Tatsunobu Fukushima , Yukari Akimoto, Saeko Masumoto, Chizuko Yukizaki , Yoshikazu Hoshi, Tomoaki Deguchi and Mitsuru Yoshida. Bitter Gourd Suppresses Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammatory Responses. J. Agric. Food Chem., 2008, 56 (11), pp 4004 4011.
{4} Dr HK Bhakru, Natural Home Remedies for common Ailments, 1st volume, Orient Paperbacks, Delhi, 1995, 232p.
{5} St cker M, Memmel U, Hoffmann M, Hartung J, Altmeyer P. Vitamin B(12) cream containing avocado oil in the therapy of plaque psoriasis. Dermatology. 2001;203(2):141-7. PubMed PMID: 11586013.
