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Ayurvedic Medicine For Psoriasis

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If you are experiencing a buildup of abnormally red, itchy, and scaly patches of skin, usually on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back, chances are that you are suffering from psoriasis. Being one of the most common skin diseases, let us try to understand this condition better.

Psoriasis is a non-contagious, autoimmune disease, meaning that the main reason for this condition is the immune system of the body attacking its own healthy cells instead of the dangerous ones. It is a chronic condition, meaning that it has no cure and can flare up unexpectedly, but treatments can help improve the condition. The immune system dysfunction leads to excess growth of skin cells, which results in their accumulation and, therefore, the painful patches we just talked about.

How Does Ayurveda Look At Psoriasis?

In Ayurveda, the condition of psoriasis is termed as ‘kucchasadhya’, meaning intractable, and ‘asadhya’, meaning incurable. The disease is linked to an imbalance of mainly two doshas (bodily energies) that are Vata and Kapha. Vata dosha is responsible for bodily functions and movement, and Kapha dosha is responsible for growth and stability. The imbalance of these doshas results in the accumulation of Ama (toxins) in the body, which circulate through the bloodstream (rakta dhatu) and deposit in the skin tissues (Twak, Mamsa, Lasika). 

Types Of Psoriasis

Various types of psoriasis include:

• Plaque psoriasis: 

It is the most common type of psoriasis, affecting 80 to 90 percent of people with psoriasis. It appears as red, itchy, and thickened plaques of skin with silvery scales. It usually appears on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back.  

• Inverse psoriasis: 

Appears in skinfolds of the skin, such as areas like armpits, groin, beneath the breasts, and behind the knees. It looks like smooth red skin without scales, and it worsens if sweat and friction are involved.  

• Pustular psoriasis: 

In this form, small, pus-filled bumps appear on top of the red, inflamed skin. It can appear in specific areas or on a larger skin area, too. It can include symptoms such as fever, too.

• Erythrodermic psoriasis: 

A severe form of psoriasis, it covers a large area of the body (around 90%) and causes widespread skin discoloration and shedding. Symptoms like fever, chills, and dehydration can also occur in this form.

• Nail psoriasis: 

This form appears in the fingernails and toenails, causing discoloration and abnormal nail growth.

• Guttate psoriasis: 

A distinct type of psoriasis, it is characterized by small, drop-like lesions that often appear suddenly after a bacterial infection, particularly a streptococcal throat infection.

Common Symptoms And Causes

Depending on the individual and the type of psoriasis they are affected by, the symptoms of the condition can vary widely. However, the most common symptoms of it are:

• Red patches of skin: red, itchy patches of skin that might have silvery scales on top of them. They can be small or large patches that typically appear on the elbows, knees, scalp, or lower back.
• Dry and cracked skin: Psoriasis can cause dehydration and the skin to become dry. The dry skin can bleed and cause pain and infection if not treated timely manner.
• Itching and burning sensations: Psoriasis-affected skin is usually inflamed and causes itching and soreness. 
• Plaques: Tough, thickened areas of skin that may crack and bleed.
• Thickened or ridged nails: nails may become thick and may also separate from the nail bed.   

The root cause of psoriasis is the dysfunction of the immune system. The reason for this is a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Psoriasis is said to have a strong connection with the genetic history of the person. Environmental factors like dietary habits, lifestyle habits, stress, certain medications, weather, infections such as strep throat and HIV, smoking, and alcohol can be the triggering factors for the flare-up of the condition. 

Psoriasis Vs Eczema

Both psoriasis and eczema are common skin diseases and show common symptoms like itchiness and burning in the affected area. However, they are different both in their causes as well as symptoms. While the cause for psoriasis is a dysfunctional immune system, eczema is a condition that flares up because of irritants or allergies. Symptomatic differences include the formation of thick, plaque-like skin structures due to the increased speed of skin cell formation in the case of psoriasis, while eczema appears as an itchy rash on the skin. Psoriasis can be mild to moderate, while eczema is usually more severe and causes more itching. 

Although both conditions are chronic, it’s important to note that the symptoms can be relieved to a huge extent through Ayurveda health care. If you observe any of these symptoms, you should immediately contact an Ayurvedic health expert at ���ϳԹ��� and book a free consultation as soon as possible. The sooner the treatment begins, the better the chances of relief. 

But How Does ���ϳԹ��� Help In Relieving The Condition?

���ϳԹ���’s Ayunique Treatment Philosophy aims to look at the condition of psoriasis through a holistic lens. The treatment plans are tailored-made for each patient, keeping in mind their prakriti, which is their bodily constitution of the three doshas. The treatment includes tested medicines, physical treatments like Panchkarma, and various massages to cleanse the body by the expert hands of the field, and guided therapeutic practices like meditation, yoga, and mindfulness. The nutritionists advise the patients on the dietary as well as lifestyle changes that should be made.  

Ayurvedic Medicines For Psoriasis

• Neem (Azadirachta Indica): Neem possesses anti-inflammatory properties, and it is antibacterial as well. It helps in relieving itchiness and also aids in the healing of the skin. It can be applied topically or taken internally for the detoxification of the blood.

• Turmeric (Curcuma Longa): Curcumin present in turmeric helps in reducing skin irritation and inflammation. It can be used orally as well as for topical application. 

• Aloe vera: Aloe vera gel is known to heal psoriatic patches as it helps in decreasing inflammation and irritation.

• Guggul: This herb is known for its blood-purifying properties and therefore helps in improving skin health.

• Triphala: A commonly used ayurvedic medicine, it is a combination of three fruits and helps cleanse the body and manage psoriasis symptoms.

• Khadira (Acacia Catechu): This herb is known to purify blood and clear ama (toxins) from the body. It also helps in balancing the Kapha dosha.

• Manjistha (Rubia Cordifolia): Also a blood purifier, it helps in balancing the pitta and kapha doshas, and promotes better skin health.

• Black nightshade: It can be prepared in different forms and is particularly helpful for psoriasis.

• Boswellia (Frankincense): This herb also possesses anti-inflammatory properties.

• Garlic: Garlic boosts the immune system and helps in relieving psoriasis symptoms, as it is an autoimmune disease.

• Jasmine flower paste: Applied topically, jasmine flower paste can soothe psoriatic patches and relieve discomfort.

Lifestyle And Dietary Changes That Can Help Improve The Condition

Although psoriasis is a condition that's predominantly caused because of genetic patterns and environmental triggers, active lifestyle and eating habits also contribute to the onset or worsening of the condition. 

Some dietary tips that one can inculcate in their daily lives are:

• Emphasizing anti-inflammatory foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins like fish, beans, and tofu.
• Consuming foods rich in omega-3, like flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts.
• Limiting inflammatory foods like alcohol, sugary drinks, processed foods, and saturated fats. Some people might also find avoiding nightshade foods like tomato, eggplants, potatoes, peppers, and dairy and gluten to be helpful.
• After consultation with a doctor, one can also consider taking supplements such as Vitamin D. This should not be done without a doctor’s consultation.
• Maintaining a healthy weight can also help reduce symptoms, as there would be fewer skinfolds for them to grow in.  

Some lifestyle changes include:

• Maintaining a healthy weight should not just be a dietary habit; it should be a lifestyle.
• Quitting smoking can help a lot with the reduction in symptoms because smoking is related to worsening the condition.
• High stress triggers psoriasis flare-ups. Finding healthy ways to manage stress, like meditation, yoga, and journaling, can help with stress management. 
• Dietary and lifestyle habits should not replace professional healthcare; rather, they should be used in balance with it to achieve maximum benefit.

Conclusion

Being a chronic condition, psoriasis is very difficult to treat. It is even worse because the symptoms sometimes become so severe that they become impossible to ignore. They hinder the daily functioning of a human being and cause great discomfort and difficulty. Though there is no permanent cure for the condition, ���ϳԹ���’s Ayunique Treatment philosophy offers a holistic treatment program that is tailor-made for every patient. 

Our healthcare professionals curate a balanced combination of healthy lifestyle changes, medicated treatments, along physical treatments to reduce the symptoms to the maximum. 

FAQS:-

What are common psoriasis triggers?

Stress, certain medications, skin injuries, cold weather, and infections can trigger flare-ups.

Does psoriasis affect the quality of life?

Yes, psoriatic symptoms can cause extreme discomfort both physically and mentally. Therefore, it is necessary not to leave it untreated.

Is there any suggested diet?

Ayurveda suggests a diet full of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. It restricts processed foods, red meat, and dairy products to manage symptoms.

How is psoriasis diagnosed?

A physical examination, as well as doshic assessment based on the family history, forms the basis of psoriasis diagnosis in Ayurveda.

Do lifestyle changes help reduce symptoms?

Yes, lifestyle changes like stress management, a healthy weight, and avoiding certain foods and medications can help a lot.

How does stress impact psoriasis?

Stress harms the immune system, and therefore, it can result in a flare-up because psoriasis is directly connected to the performance of the immune system.

How do herbal therapies help psoriatic patients?

They help in balancing the kapha and vata doshas, which are responsible for this condition.

Any preventive steps for this condition as per Ayurveda?

Regular detoxification helps because it reduces the toxins (ama) in the body. Also, eating the right kind of food as well as managing stress effectively helps prevent the symptoms from recurring.   

Is psoriasis contagious?

No, it is not contagious, meaning you cannot get it by getting in contact with a patient or through the exchange of personal items.