Psoriasis and medicinal plants

Like most so-called autoimmune diseases, psoriasis has no definitive cure, at least until now. A healthy diet, high in fiber with lots of fruits and vegetables. Besides oil supplementation with Omega 3 and Omega 6.

I am giving some general guidelines on medicinal plants that have proved beneficial to control the onset of common psoriasis with plaques in different parts of the body.

One of the triggers of psoriasis is the nervous system, so the use of plants that moderate its functionning as, chamomile flowers (Matricaria chamomilla, recutita), valerian root (Valeriana officinalis) and passionflower leaves (Passiflora incarnata), infusion, are recommended.

Internal use, as immunomodulatory and cleansing are used:

Kalawalla, Calaguala, Samambaia (Polypodium decumanum) the use of aerial parts aqueous extracts this fern with immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties is due to the presence of several active substances that interfere with the processes that lead to psoriasis.

Sarsaparrilla (Smilax officinalis), the roots aqueous extract of this plant, high in saponins and steroids, has proved an excellent general depurative with several important activities in the body among which a benefit on most of chronic skin disorders.

Boldo (Peumus boldus), an infusion of its leaves, used traditionally as a regulator of the hepatic and biliary function, has been used successfully in common psoriasis. The alkaloid boldine seems to be the most important chemical but not the only one. Its regulatory activities of digestion, its anti-inflammatory activity and a mild calming effect seems to explain the benefits obtained in cases of psoriasis.

Horsetail (Equisetum arvense), a decoction of this plant, with high mineral content and with diuretic properties, is a beneficial complement

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), leaves and roots infusions is a well-known, traditional depurative agent, so a regular treatment with this product is almost essential in most chronic problems.

Other plants with immunomodulatory activity such as echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) and cat's claw (Uncaria tormentosa) or with antioxidant activity such as thyme (Thymus vulgaris), with anti-inflammatory activity such as turmeric (Curcuma longa) and gastrointestinal and liver regulators as artichoke (Cynara
scolymus) and linseed (Linum usitatissimum) are recommended and are important.

External use:

Aloe (Aloe barbadensis) gel of this plant, extracted directly or processed to stabilize the product, it is very important as a moisturizer and emollient.

Rosemary hydroalcoholic tincture (Rosmarinus officinalis), increases local circulation and promotes cleansing of altered skin altered.

Sage (Salvia officinalis) and nettles (Urtica dioica) decoctions, borage oil (Borago officinalis) and onagre oil (Oenothera biennis) have also proven useful.

Exposure to the sun for curative purposes should be considered but is outside the scope of this site.