Psoriasis is called an immune-mediated disease; it produces a rash and thickened scaly skin. It may have many causes and may have, for each person suffering from it, a unique solution. Psoriasis isn't a skin disease, it's an immune disorder where only the most obvious symptom appears on your skin. If you have psoriasis, your approach should be to look at your physical, spiritual and mental health, then add some good things and remove some harmful things in each category. This is a general approach to all wellness issues, not just psoriasis.
The Three Dimensions of Boosting The Immune System
Physical
Add a good diet, exercise and adequate rest. Add kindness; people who volunteer have stronger immune systems. Kindness is healing. Subtract negative actions, stress, pollution, sugar, bad fats and excess salt. Find a good diet such as the Mediterranean Diet or the South Beach Diet. Much of the Standard American Diet (SAD) creates inflammation which makes the psoriasis worse.
Spiritual
Add prayer, meditation, joy, forgiveness and gratitude. Subtract anger, fear and resentment. This is a huge subject; there has been whole books written on each of these words.
Mental
Add a positive attitude, and goals. Learn to keep your mind in the present. Subtract worry and endless thinking about the past or future. Read Eckhart Tolle's book, The Power of Now.
As someone with psoriasis, your attention is on the surface of your skin and you'd like something that can be rubbed on to make it all better. In a moment we'll get to some of those possibilities, but remember that skin grows from the inside out. Healthy skin starts with the nutrients in the blood vessels that feed the deepest layers of the skin. All three wellness dimensions will affect the blood chemistry in those deepest skin layers.
Since almost all the above is beyond the scope of a short article. Here's a few thoughts on supplements, keeping in mind that every body is going to be different and you're reaction to anything eaten or drunk will be unique to you. Everything listed below has helped some sufferers and has failed to help others.
A Few Things To Try
- Evening Primrose oil can be used both topically and as a dietary supplement.
- Milk thistle (Silybum marianum or Cardus marianum) is used for treating liver disorders and strengthening the liver is part of strengthening the immune system. The active ingredient of the herb is silymarin.
- Oil of Oregano has anti-microbial and anti-oxidant properties. It is used to treat circulation problems as well as skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, warts and rashes. For psoriasis it can be used both topically and internally.
- Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory herb. It has been used successfully by a number of patients but has failed for others.
- Essential Fatty Acids are important for the health of all the body's systems. Find a supplement that has a broad range of acids. Products containing fish oil, borage oil, flaxseed oil and evening primrose oil are ideal.
- Anti-oxidants - try to get 4000-5000 ORAC units per day.
Please note: The information here is not to be followed as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with your physician or primary health practitioner for information regarding your own personal health and necessary treatments.
