Psoriasis – Causes, Symptoms, and Ayurvedic Remedies
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin disorder characterized by red, scaly, and itchy patches on the skin. It affects men and women of all ages and can impact both physical and mental well-being. Ayurveda offers natural remedies and lifestyle measures that help balance the doshas, especially Pitta and Kapha, reduce inflammation, and promote healthy skin.
PSORIASIS It is a chronic recurrent papulo-squamous skin disease with silvery grey scaling papules or flakes. Although the condition may occur on any part of the body, the most common sites are surfaces over the knees and elbows. In Ayurveda it is known as eka-kushtha. Blood impurities associated with some emotional factors are mentioned in Ayurveda as causes of this disease.
Since there is severe irritation on these patches the patient is unable to resist scratching. By scratching, scales come out of these patches and a shiny silver skin is exposed below the scales which is the characteristic feature of this disease. At times, because of violent itching, watery exudation and blood come out of these patches which produce a burning sensation.
Ayurvedic Treatment for Psoriasis: Kushtha rakshasa taila is highly efficacious in the treatment of this condition. It is rubbed externally over these patches and nearby areas especially when the patient feels like scratching. Guggulu tiktaka ghrita is given to the patients. It contains, among others, guggulu and five bitter drugs. It keeps the bowels clean, promotes digestion, stimulates the liver, purifies the blood and produces unctuousness in the body. It is to be started in a dose of one teaspoonful twice daily on an empty stomach, mixed with a cup of warm milk. The dose is to be gradually increased to six teaspoonfuls of the ghee twice daily or till the signs of proper unctuousness appear in the body of the patient.
This is a preparatory treatment, and is usually given to the patient before the administration of the actual therapy. Chanda maruta is another medicine found useful for the treatment of this condition. Among others, it contains mercury and arsenic. It is usually given in a dose of 125 mg. twice daily mixed with honey on an empty stomach. Since some of the ingredients of drug are highly toxic, proper care should be taken during its administration.
Diet to taken by Psoriasis patients: Hot and spicy things should be avoided. The patient should avoid salt and curd. If at all found essential, rock-salt in small doses can be taken. All vegetables having bitter taste like bitter gourd, bitter variety of drumstick and flowers of neem tree are very useful in this condition.
Other regimens: The Psoriasis patient should avoid nylon and other synthetic fabrics. He should not use his nails for scratching the patches. Whenever itching sensation is there, the patient should be advised to rub Kushtha rakshasa taila over the patches.
Causes of Psoriasis
Genetic predisposition and family history of psoriasis
Imbalance of Pitta and Kapha doshas leading to skin inflammation
Stress and emotional factors
Poor diet, especially excessive intake of oily, spicy, and processed foods
Environmental factors like infections, injuries, and climate changes
Symptoms of Psoriasis
Red, inflamed patches of skin covered with silvery scales
Itching, burning, or soreness in affected areas
Commonly affects elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back
Cracking and bleeding in severe cases
Thickened nails or pitting in nail psoriasis
Ayurvedic Remedies for Psoriasis
1. Herbal Treatments
Neem (Azadirachta indica): Known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, neem helps reduce itching and skin lesions.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa): Contains curcumin, which helps control inflammation and improve immunity.
Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis): Soothes skin irritation and reduces redness and scaling.
Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia): Purifies blood and promotes healthy skin tone.
Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia): Strengthens immunity and detoxifies the body.
2. Ayurvedic Oils and Pastes
Neem oil, coconut oil, and Mahamarichyadi oil can be applied to affected areas to reduce inflammation and dryness.
Herbal pastes made from Turmeric and Sandalwood help calm irritation and promote healing.
3. Panchakarma Therapies
Virechana (therapeutic purgation) removes excess Pitta dosha and toxins from the body.
Raktamokshana (bloodletting therapy) may be suggested in severe cases to purify the blood.
4. Dietary Measures
Include fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and herbal teas.
Avoid spicy, fried, and processed foods, which aggravate Pitta.
Drink plenty of water to detoxify and maintain skin hydration.
5. Lifestyle Recommendations
Practice yoga and meditation to reduce stress.
Maintain good hygiene and moisturize skin regularly.
Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight and harsh chemicals.
PSORIASIS It is a chronic recurrent papulo-squamous skin disease with silvery grey scaling papules or flakes. Although the condition may occur on any part of the body, the most common sites are surfaces over the knees and elbows. In Ayurveda it is known as eka-kushtha. Blood impurities associated with some emotional factors are mentioned in Ayurveda as causes of this disease.
Since there is severe irritation on these patches the patient is unable to resist scratching. By scratching, scales come out of these patches and a shiny silver skin is exposed below the scales which is the characteristic feature of this disease. At times, because of violent itching, watery exudation and blood come out of these patches which produce a burning sensation.
Ayurvedic Treatment for Psoriasis: Kushtha rakshasa taila is highly efficacious in the treatment of this condition. It is rubbed externally over these patches and nearby areas especially when the patient feels like scratching. Guggulu tiktaka ghrita is given to the patients. It contains, among others, guggulu and five bitter drugs. It keeps the bowels clean, promotes digestion, stimulates the liver, purifies the blood and produces unctuousness in the body. It is to be started in a dose of one teaspoonful twice daily on an empty stomach, mixed with a cup of warm milk. The dose is to be gradually increased to six teaspoonfuls of the ghee twice daily or till the signs of proper unctuousness appear in the body of the patient.
This is a preparatory treatment, and is usually given to the patient before the administration of the actual therapy. Chanda maruta is another medicine found useful for the treatment of this condition. Among others, it contains mercury and arsenic. It is usually given in a dose of 125 mg. twice daily mixed with honey on an empty stomach. Since some of the ingredients of drug are highly toxic, proper care should be taken during its administration.
Diet to taken by Psoriasis patients: Hot and spicy things should be avoided. The patient should avoid salt and curd. If at all found essential, rock-salt in small doses can be taken. All vegetables having bitter taste like bitter gourd, bitter variety of drumstick and flowers of neem tree are very useful in this condition.
Other regimens: The Psoriasis patient should avoid nylon and other synthetic fabrics. He should not use his nails for scratching the patches. Whenever itching sensation is there, the patient should be advised to rub Kushtha rakshasa taila over the patches.
Causes of Psoriasis
Genetic predisposition and family history of psoriasis
Imbalance of Pitta and Kapha doshas leading to skin inflammation
Stress and emotional factors
Poor diet, especially excessive intake of oily, spicy, and processed foods
Environmental factors like infections, injuries, and climate changes
Symptoms of Psoriasis
Red, inflamed patches of skin covered with silvery scales
Itching, burning, or soreness in affected areas
Commonly affects elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back
Cracking and bleeding in severe cases
Thickened nails or pitting in nail psoriasis
Ayurvedic Remedies for Psoriasis
1. Herbal Treatments
Neem (Azadirachta indica): Known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, neem helps reduce itching and skin lesions.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa): Contains curcumin, which helps control inflammation and improve immunity.
Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis): Soothes skin irritation and reduces redness and scaling.
Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia): Purifies blood and promotes healthy skin tone.
Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia): Strengthens immunity and detoxifies the body.
2. Ayurvedic Oils and Pastes
Neem oil, coconut oil, and Mahamarichyadi oil can be applied to affected areas to reduce inflammation and dryness.
Herbal pastes made from Turmeric and Sandalwood help calm irritation and promote healing.
3. Panchakarma Therapies
Virechana (therapeutic purgation) removes excess Pitta dosha and toxins from the body.
Raktamokshana (bloodletting therapy) may be suggested in severe cases to purify the blood.
4. Dietary Measures
Include fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and herbal teas.
Avoid spicy, fried, and processed foods, which aggravate Pitta.
Drink plenty of water to detoxify and maintain skin hydration.
5. Lifestyle Recommendations
Practice yoga and meditation to reduce stress.
Maintain good hygiene and moisturize skin regularly.
Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight and harsh chemicals.
