Herbs for Reducing Symptoms of Psoriasis

By Caroline Anderson April 19, 2023 17 mins read 65 Views

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes scaly patches of red or silvery-white skin. While there is no cure, people can naturally manage their symptoms with a variety of treatments and natural remedies.

Herbs have been shown to reduce symptoms of psoriasis, including itching, redness, scaling and inflammation. They’re also great for minimizing flare-ups.

Licorice

Throughout history, people have used Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) to reduce inflammation, soothe digestive problems and treat upper respiratory issues. However, there is insufficient scientific evidence to support many of these claims.

In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, licorice also may help prevent bacteria that cause skin infections. It contains glycyrrhizin, a chemical that has antimicrobial and antifungal effects.

Although it is a safe herb to use in appropriate amounts, there are certain risks with taking licorice root long term. It should be taken under the guidance of a health care provider.

Chamomile

Chamomile is an effective anti-inflammatory herb that can help reduce the discomfort associated with psoriasis flare-ups. The plant is available in several forms including tea, extract, capsule, powder and essential oil.

It can also be used to soothe the skin, making it useful for treating eczema and other skin conditions. It can be applied topically to the skin to help reduce rashes, redness, swelling and pain.

It can also be used to treat a variety of infections, including urinary tract infections and the common cold. It can also help regulate blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes.

Aloe

Aloe vera can help with psoriasis flare-ups because it soothes inflammation and moisturizes the skin. It also helps to reduce the flaking and scaling that occurs during a psoriasis flare-up.

It's also an effective way to treat psoriatic arthritis, which can result in pain and swelling of the joints. It's often used as a complementary therapy to prescribed medications, but more research is needed.

One study compared a commercial, preserved Aloe gel with a placebo in patients with stable plaque psoriasis. It found that Aloe gel helped to reduce the erythema, infiltration and desquamation of the skin over 4 weeks. The results were modest and no better than placebo, but it was more effective than steroids. It can be applied directly to the affected areas.

Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a versatile healing substance that can ease symptoms of psoriasis, including itching and irritation. It can also help reduce dandruff, eczema, and nail fungus.

Apple cider is fermented with specialized bacteria that transforms sugars into alcohol and acetic acid. The acetic acid in vinegar has antimicrobial properties and can kill bacteria that can cause skin infections.

ACV also helps rebalance the pH of the skin, which improves the skin barrier and protects against irritants that can exacerbate psoriasis.

It can also reduce inflammation, which is one of the main causes of psoriasis flare-ups. It's safe to use in a topical solution, but should be diluted with water before applying it to the scalp.

Avoid drinking undiluted apple cider vinegar, as it may damage tooth enamel and hurt the lining of the esophagus. It can also interact with certain medications, so talk to your doctor about using it.

Turmeric

Turmeric is a natural herb with anti-inflammatory properties that has been used for centuries to treat a range of conditions. It is widely used in Chinese and ayurvedic medicine for its healing abilities.

Taking turmeric, both in supplements and as a tea, has been reported to help reduce psoriasis flare-ups for many sufferers. Curcumin, the main ingredient in turmeric, is effective at reducing inflammation in the body.

Studies have found that curcumin can ease psoriasis symptoms by reducing TNF-cytokine levels in the body, which is an important factor for psoriasis flares. It also reduces the production of new skin cells, a key issue for people with psoriasis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What spice is good for inflammation?

Turmeric is one spice that can be beneficial for reducing inflammation. It contains the active ingredient curcumin, which has been studied extensively and shown to have anti-inflammatory effects on the body. Other spices like ginger, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, garlic, and cardamom may also reduce inflammation in the body. Adding these spices to your diet can help reduce inflammation and promote overall health.

Another spice that can be used to reduce inflammation is black pepper. The active ingredient in black pepper, piperine, has been studied and found to have anti-inflammatory properties. It may also help reduce pain associated with inflammation. Additionally, the spice contains antioxidants which are beneficial for overall health.

Adding black pepper to your diet may help reduce inflammation and promote overall health. Be sure to talk with your doctor before adding any spice to your diet, as some spices may interact with your medications or supplements. Eating various healthy foods, including spices with anti-inflammatory benefits, can help keep your body balanced and reduce the risk of chronic inflammation-related illnesses.

In summary, adding spices to your diet can be beneficial for reducing inflammation and promoting overall health. Spices like turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, garlic, cardamom, and black pepper have all been studied for their potential anti-inflammatory effects.

How to make herbal remedies at home?

Making herbal remedies at home is easy. All you need is fresh herbs, water, salt, and sugar. You can use any herb, depending on what you want to create.

For example, choose mint, basil, chamomile, or lemon balm to make a soothing tea. If you want to make a cooling drink, try rosemary, thyme, lavender, or eucalyptus.

All you need to do is put all the ingredients into a pot and boil them until they become soft. Strain out the herbs and serve hot.

Add honey to the boiling mixture to make a tonic drink. Honey is a preservative and will keep your herbal remedy fresh for longer.

You can also combine two or three herbs to make a more potent brew. For instance, you could mix equal parts of garlic and ginger to make a powerful antiseptic. Or you can combine equal amounts of turmeric and ginger to make a potent immune booster.

Soak a clean cloth in warm water and place it over the affected area to make a compress. Leave it for 10 minutes before removing it. Do this every day until the swelling goes down.

Make sure you consult your doctor first before using herbal remedies. Some plants may interact negatively with other medications. Also, don't take large quantities of herbs because they can cause side effects.

What is the difference between herbs and spices?

Herbs are used for cooking, and spices are used for seasoning.

Herbs have more intense flavors and can be used to cook dishes, while spices can bring out the flavor of foods without altering the taste.

Spices can also be added to food during preparation, such as curry. Spices may be bought individually, or whole packages may be purchased. There are many spices, including black pepper, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, garlic, ginger, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, parsley, rosemary, sage, salt, thyme, turmeric, vanilla extract, etc.

The best way to ensure that you are selecting the right spice for your dish is to read the label carefully. If there is an ingredient list, look for "spice" among the ingredients. A common mistake cooks make is buying too much of a particular spice because they do not realize how little they need.

There are a few basic rules to follow when choosing which herb or spice to use. For example, most herbs are fresh, whereas spices tend to last longer. Also, herbs are generally found in small quantities, while spices come in larger containers. Finally, most herbs are usually sold loose (or ground), while spices are packaged in jars or cans.

As long as you are careful to select the correct herbs or spices, you will find that adding them to recipes makes preparing meals easier. After all, spices add flavor to various dishes, while herbs can help improve the appearance and aroma of food.

What is the mother of all herbs?

The answer may surprise you!

It is a common garden herb known as rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis). Rosemary has long been associated with fertility, longevity, and protection from illness. In some cultures, it was believed that the fragrance of rosemary could ward off evil spirits.

As such, it has been used for centuries in various medicinal, culinary, and spiritual applications. Rosemary has a unique flavor that pairs well with many dishes, making it a popular choice in the kitchen. Its fragrant leaves also add flavor to sauces, herbs, and meats.

Rosemary is a powerful medicinal herb used throughout the centuries to treat various ailments. Rosemary essential oil can treat respiratory tract infections, digestion problems, skin irritation, and inflammation. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it helpful in treating headaches and muscle pain as well. In addition, the oil has been used to improve cognitive function and memory recall. Rosemary can also be taken as a supplement, tea, or tincture for its many benefits.

It's no wonder rosemary is known as the mother of herbs! It truly is a versatile and valued herb.

Statistics

For those with high cholesterol, garlic supplementation appears to reduce total and/or LDL cholesterol by about 10-15% (72Trusted Source73Trusted (healthline.com)
The herbs market is highly competitive, with over 1,000 herb suppliers and over 15,000 herbs products available in the United States alone.

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How To

How To Upcycle Herbs After Making Infusions, Oils, Tinctures, And More?

There are more ways to use herbs than you might realize. This is why it's essential to keep an open mind when learning how to make herbal infusions, oils, tinctures, and more.

You'll find that there are many methods for making these products, and even though they may seem similar, each method has its benefits.

For example, some methods include creating decoctions, boiling water or alcohol with the herb(s), and letting them simmer for a while. These infusions are solid and potent because they contain higher concentrations of active compounds.

Another type of infusion includes macerating the herb(s), which means soaking them in liquid for a few hours or even overnight. Macerations tend to produce milder results because the plant material isn't boiled.

Some cold-infused forms involve steeping herbs in cool liquids such as ice cubes or cold water. Cold infusions are gentler than hot ones, often used to treat minor ailments.

Herbal oil extraction involves heating the herb(s) to release the essential oils. You can either do this yourself or have someone help you out with it.

Finally, there are tinctures made by mixing herbs with alcohol. They're usually taken orally and are very effective for treating coughs, colds, and flu symptoms.

The best way to learn how to create infused products is to experiment with various techniques. Each technique offers a different potency and effectiveness, depending on the herb(s) you choose.

Once you've tried a few different methods, you'll begin to develop your preferences. In time, you'll be able to determine which techniques work well for you and which aren't worth pursuing.