Despite its relatively common occurrence, psoriasis is a skin disorder that appears to be a medical mystery. It is most commonly seen as a patch of well-defined skin lesions of white to silver scaling with a reddened base. The condition commonly involves the scalp, back, buttocks, knees and elbows. However, the itch only seems unbearable around body creases and very rarely leaves scars. In severe cases, there may be scales (caused by profuse shedding of the skin), cracks and blisters all over the body. A family history of psoriasis is common, strongly reflecting a genetic disposition. Typically, the rash appears in teenagers or young adults and may continue throughout a person’s life. What causes psoriasis? Unfortunately, very little is understood about this skin disorder. However, specialists know that it results when skin cells reproduce too rapidly – about a 1000 times greater than normal skin.

A number of factors appear to contribute to psoriasis including:
Poor digestive function - Incomplete digestion of food components can result in the production of toxic substances in the bowels. Toxins produced in the gut may be implicated in the development of psoriasis, as can an imbalance in gut friendly bacteria. A course of digestive bitters comprising herbs like Gentian, Meadowsweet and Angelica can help improve overall digestive function. A diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables is absolutely essential in the management of psoriasis. Fiber can bind toxins promoting their excretion whilst also maintaining proper bowel function. Dietary fiber also helps maintain balance of friendly bacteria in the gut.

Alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking – These habits are known to significantly worsen psoriasis. Alcohol causes the increase in the absorption of toxins from the bowels and also impairs the liver's ability to detoxify these wastes.

Emotional and mental stress – Because psoriasis can flare up under prolonged stress, adoption of relaxation techniques is important for the holistic management of this skin disorder. Many people tell me their psoriasis improves when they go on holiday. Yoga is another helpful method to manage stress. Bach Flower Remedies can also be very useful to bring balance and well being where emotions are concerned.

Autoimmunity – Some evidence points to psoriasis being an autoimmune disorder. Echinacea, Albizzia, Baical Skullcap and Andrographis have the potential to stabilize and regulate the immune system such that inflammation is minimized.

More Help From Herbs
Despite the complexity of this disease, the natural approach is fairly straight forward and results highly encouraging. There are a number of herbs that prove beneficial in the treatment of psoriasis. Sarsaparilla is effective in psoriasis, particularly for chronic complaints. Sarsaparilla in combination with other herbs like Nettle, Barberry, Burdock and Milk Thistle is recommended for synergistic actions.
Several studies have demonstrated that supplementing with flaxseed oil, evening primrose oil and fish oil can result in improvements in psoriasis. The improvement from these oils is largely due with their ability to reduce the levels of inflammation in the body.
For external application, pure Aloe Vera gel can be used. Topical creams containing herbs such as Calendula, Chamomile and Liquorice have been known to significantly clear psoriatic plagues, calm the skin and relieve itchiness. Occasionally, I suggest a cream that contains very low concentration of hot chilli pepper. This cream is surprisingly effective for some who do not respond to the standard herbal cream mentioned earlier. The hot pepper cream will cause a degree of burning, stinging and itching (thus, do not use on broken skin). If you ultimately experience further skin irritation rather than relief, of course you should not use it again.


Home Tip : Healthy Skin Juice

This juice is especially helpful for people
suffering from problem skin eg. rash, eczema,
psoriasis ect. Makes 2 servings.

1 lemon
1 long celery stick
1 carrot
50 – 100grams bitter gourd
1 teaspoon chlorella or spirulina powder

Put the above though an electrical fruit juicer.
Add a teaspoon of chlorella or spirulina powder.
Do not add sugar to this juice.
It is meant to taste sour, bitter and slightly salty.





Home Tip : Soothing Herbal Bath

2 cups cooking oat
2 tablespoon Epsom salt
4 drops of Bach Flower Rescue Remedy (optional)

Put the oat on a piece of cloth and tie-up the ends.
Run hot water (not boiling) over the cloth.
Add 2 tablespoon of Epsom salt to bath water
and wash skin with oat-Epsom salt solution.
If you have a large enough tub to soak in, this
makes a soothing bath.

Patricia Loh is an educator and writer on natural therapies. She is a qualified clinical herbalist and operates a herbal centre in Subang Jaya. Comments and inquiries: herbz@tm.net.my or 03-5631 7751.

THE SUN, INSERTION DATE: 3rd JUNE 2003