Healing Psoriasis with Ayurveda: Holistic Treatment Solutions
Abstract
It is a skin disease that commonly affects the elbows, knees, scalp, and trunk of the body with various symptoms such as scaly patches, pain, and itching. If it is going for the long term there is no cure for this and affects the sleeping pattern and causes difficulty in concentration. There are six types of psoriasis which are according to the severity and which part of the body is affected they are Plaque psoriasis, Guttate psoriasis, Inverse psoriasis, Nail psoriasis, Pustular psoriasis, and Erythrodermic psoriasis. Let’s have a look!
Introduction
It is a skin disease with an unclear cause where inflammation occurs in the body due to the dysfunction of the immune system of the body. As the life cycle of cells is disturbed it leads to psoriasis where normal cells grow and shed off in a month whereas in psoriasis the cells shed off in three to four days. It leads to inflammation, pain, Raised patches, and is covered with scales. Plaques are formed anywhere in the body but according to site and severity, it mostly affects the knee, scalp, and elbow of the body. It affects men, women, children, and all skin colours and most commonly occurs in the age of 15 to 25 years of life.
Causes
The psoriasis includes the following causes:
- Genetics
- Infection
- Burns or cuts
- Medications
- Emotional stress
- Strep infections
Risk Factors
There are several risk factors that trigger psoriasis:
- Smoking
- Family history
- Exposure to secondhand smoking
- Injury to skin
- Medications
- Cuts or burns on the skin
- Dry and cold weather exposure
- Rapid withdrawal of corticosteroid
- Alcohol consumption
Types According To Severity
There are six types of psoriasis.
- Plaque psoriasis – most common type of psoriasis. It is diagnosed with dry, raised red skin patches which are covered with scales.
- Guttate psoriasis – is more common in children and young adults spots are covered with fine scales and appear as small water-drop-shaped spots that are present on the arm, trunk, and legs.
- Inverse psoriasis – this is present under the skin folds such as under the breast and around the groin and buttocks which appears as a smooth patch with inflamed skin.
- Nail psoriasis – as the name suggests it affects the nails of the body that is toenails and fingernails which leads to discoloration of nails and abnormal nail growth.
- Pustular psoriasis – is in the form of pus-filled blisters and develops quickly as the skin becomes inflamed and tender and usually affects the palms and soles of the body.
- Erythrodermic psoriasis – it is a rare type that affects the whole body with peeling and itching.
Symptoms
Psoriasis has the following symptoms
- Dandruff-like scaling to a major eruption in the skin
- Skin discoloration
- Small scaling spots
- Rashes color-purple, grey, brown, and black
- Dry skin
- Cracked skin
- Itching in skin
- Burning sensation
Diagnosis
- Physical examination of the body
- Skin biopsy
- Blood test
- Radiographics test
Treatment
- Moisturize the dry skin
- Vitamin D-based ointment
- Steroid creams
- Calcineurin inhibitors
- Cyclosporins
- An aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonist
- Biologics treatments
- Enzyme inhibitors
- Non biologics treatments
Complications
If psoriasis is left untreated it leads to various complications in the body.
- Skin discoloration
- Psoriasis arthritis
- Cardiovascular disease
- Obesity
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Eye diseases
- Depression
- Low self-esteem
Ayurveda Aspect For Psoriasis
In Ayurveda psoriasis is correlated with the Ekakustha which is a type of Kustha rog. It is also explained under the Kshudra rog. As the vta and kapha dosha of the body is vitiated it infects the twak, mamsa, rakta, and ambu which leads to skin lesions and various symptoms in the body.
Causes
- Intake of mithya aahar and vihar
- Consumption of amla, lavana, and katu substance
- Alcohol consumption
- Unhealthy food habits
- Tobacco addiction
- Intake of radish with garlic
Pooravroop Of Ekakustha
- Discoloration of skin
- Roughness in the skin
- Fatigue
- Itching
- Numbness
- Pricking sensation
- Increase or reduce sweating
Symptoms Of Ekakustha
- Extending skin lesions
- Decrease in sweating
- Scales are similar to scales of fish
- Skin will be Krishna varna (Blackish)
- Skin will be Aruna varna (Pink discoloration)
Ayurvedic Management
- Panchkarma therapy
- A healthy diet
- Meditation and yoga
- Shirodhara with buttermilk
- Lepa with medicated paste
- Mud therapy
- Single herbs – Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Patola (Trichosanthes dioica), Nimba (Azadirachta indica), Yasthimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Khadira (Acacia catechu), Kutaja (Holarrhena antidysenterica), Daruharidra (Berberis aristata), Haridra (Curcuma longa)
- Formulations – Panchtikta grit, Mahatiktaka ghrit, Guggulu tiktaka ghrit, Guggulu tiktaka kshaya,Kaishore guggulu, Gandhak rasayan
Herbal Remedies For Psoriasis By Planet Ayurveda
Planet Ayurveda provides herbal remedies which are pure and natural without any side effects to the body. Planet Ayurveda is GMP certified and all formulations are made under the guidance of an M.D. Ayurveda experts and products are free from any type of adulterant, chemicals, yeast, binders, and preservatives. Planet Ayurveda provides an herbal remedy to cure Psoriasis in an effective way. The herbal remedies are –
Product list –
- Navkarshik Churna
- Gleaming Skin, Hair, Nails Formula
- Neem Capsules
- Manjishtha Capsules
- Pitta Balance
- Gandhak Rasayan
- Recumin Gel
- Jatyadi Tailam
Product Description For Psoriasis
1. Navkarshik Churna
It consists of a mixture of different herbs such as Manjistha (Indian Madder), Katuki (Picrorhiza kurroa), Daruhaldi (Berberis aristata), and other herbs. Triphala consists of three herbs that are rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps skin to make it hydrated, smooth, and soft in touch and it helps with skin detoxification, improves skin colour, and rejuvenates the skin by reducing the bacteria. Neem helps to reduce itching and inflammation of the skin. Majistha improves the skin complexion. Katuki contains blood purifying properties which help to remove the toxins from the body.
Dosage – 1 teaspoonful twice a day, with plain water, after meals.
2. Gleaming Skin, Hair, Nails Formula
The capsules are made up of mixing of four herbs Ghrit kumari (Aloe barbadensis), Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus), and Pit Papda (Fumaria officinalis). Manjistha inhibits growth as it contains anti-oxidant properties. Pit Papda contains analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Sariva contains anti-viral, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties which help to maintain the dosha of the body. Grit kumari soothes the skin, and helps in wound healing.
Dosage – 1 capsule twice daily, with plain water, after meals.
3. Neem Capsules
The neem capsules are made from the extraction of Azadirachta indica (Neem). Neem is antibacterial in nature which prevents infection and also contains anti-aging properties. It is bitter and astringent in taste and helps in balancing the pitta and kapha dosha of the body. It also acts as a blood purifier and helps to remove toxins from the bloodstream. It helps to treat various disorders of pitta dosha like psoriasis.
Dosage – 1 capsule twice daily, with plain water, after meals.
4. Manjishtha Capsules
The capsules consist of extraction of Rubia cordifolia (Manjistha). It contains antioxidant properties that inhibit the growth of bacteria. It contains tikta, madhura, and kshaya rasa which help in balancing the pitta dosha of the body. It helps to increase the white blood cells and improve the immunity of the body in psoriasis. The immune system is affected so it helps to treat psoriasis.
Dosage – 1 capsule twice daily, with plain water, after meals.
5. Pitta Balance
The capsules are made up of different herbs such as Akik Pisthi (Natural calcium compound), Mukta Pisthi (Natural calcium compounds from pearls), and other herbs. As the name suggests it helps to balance the pitta dosha of the body and helps to manage psoriasis. It helps to relieve itching, inflammation, and swelling of the body. Giloy contains anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce inflammation, improve skin complexion, and treat serious skin diseases like psoriasis.
Dosage – 1 capsule twice daily, with plain water, after meals
6. Gandhak Rasayan
It is made up of purified Sulphur (Shuddh Gandhak). Gandhak helps to reduce the infection in the body and helps in healing the skin lesion. It contains anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties. It balances three doshas of the body. It provides relief from itching and burning sensation, helps to fight against infections, improves the immunity of the body, and provides healthy functioning of the body.
Dosage – 2 tablets twice daily
7. Recumin Gel
It is made up of a mixing of various herbs like Commiphora mukul, Jasminum officinale, Celastrus paniculatus, Sasamum indicum, and other herbs. Curcumin helps to reduce inflammation, improve the skin complexion, and calm skin conditions like psoriasis. Neem moisturizes the skin, soothes the dry skin, and helps in the healing of the wound. Commiphora mukul contains the anti-inflammatory property which helps to reduce inflammation of the skin.
Dosage – for external use only
8. Jatyadi Tailam
It consists of Azadirachta indica (Neem), Saussurea lappa (Kustha), Mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra), turmeric (Curcuma longa), and other herbs. Neem contains the anti-inflammatory property which helps to fight against bacteria and reduce the itching, swelling, and inflammation of the skin. Majistha acts as a blood purifier and removes toxins from the body. It contains penetrating properties, helps in healing wounds, and improves the skin complexion of the affected part of the body.
Dosage – for external use apply on the affected part twice a day.
Conclusion
As we studied in this article psoriasis is a skin condition that mostly affects the elbows, knees, scalp, and trunk of the body with various symptoms such as scaly patches, pain, and itching. In Ayurveda, the Ekakustha is correlated with psoriasis as the symptoms are similar to the Ekakustha. Planet Ayurveda provides herbal remedies to cure psoriasis in an effective way without any side effects on the body. Planet Ayurveda offers a Psora care pack which includes Navkarshik churna, Gleaming skin hair nails formula, Neem capsules, Manjistha capsules, Pitta balance, Gandhak rasayan, Recumin gel, and Jatyadi tailam.
