07/30/2019 / By Stephanie Diaz
Psoriasis is an inflammatory condition that causes red and scaly patches to develop on the surface of the skin. While there is no cure for psoriasis, there are plenty of ways to get relief. Herbs, in particular, show potential in managing the symptoms of psoriasis.
Research shows that certain plants are effective remedies for psoriasis. The list below details some of the known therapeutic herbs believed to help manage this troublesome disease. (h/t to MedicalNewsToday.com)
Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium) is a flowering plant, also known as barberry. This herb contains an anti-inflammatory compound called berberine, which is believed to help manage the symptoms of psoriasis. It also has anti-proliferative effects that inhibit the rapid growth of skin cells, preventing the development of scaly skin and plaques.
Several systematic reviews confirmed the efficacy of Oregon grape as a remedy for psoriasis. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) also reported that Oregon grape is one of the best herbal solutions for treating psoriasis. Clinical studies also found that topical solutions containing 10 percent Oregon grape extract were effective in treating mild to moderate psoriasis.
Qing dai or indigo naturalis is a traditional Chinese medicine known to cure skin ailments. During ancient times, this herb was also used as an indigo-colored dye.
In a systematic review published in the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, researchers found that qing dai is an effective treatment for managing symptoms of psoriasis. (Related: An ingredient found in a traditional Chinese medicine shown to be effective in treating psoriasis.)
In another study published in the journal of BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, researchers investigated the effect of qing dai extract on participants with mild to moderate symptoms of psoriasis. They found that the plant extract helped reduce the symptoms of the disease.
Aloe vera contains compounds that have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Creams and gels with aloe vera extract can soothe the skin and prevent bacterial infections. This herbal plant is also known to help regenerate skin cells.
Several studies show that aloe vera is an effective herbal remedy for treating symptoms of psoriasis. Moreover, NCCIH stated that this herbal plant could help manage symptoms of other skin diseases.
Topical treatments containing at least 0.5 percent aloe vera extract can be used for psoriasis. When applied three times a day for five consecutive days, aloe vera cream can reduce inflammation and help clear up symptoms of mild psoriasis.
Aside from applying topical treatments with herbal extracts, there are also other ways to get relief from dry, itchy, and scaly symptoms of psoriasis.
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Tagged Under: aloe vera, alternative medicine, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, herbal medicine, Herbs, natural cures, natural medicine, Oregon grape, psoriasis, Qing Dai, remedies, skin diseases, skin health, TCM
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