Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a disorder of the outer layer of the skin. Psoriasis typically looks like thickened red blotches with a scale surface, mostly affecting the scalp, back and arms. The cells of the skin reproduce up to 100 times faster than normal skin cells; new cells are being formed before old cells can be shed. The skin builds up in dry, flaky patches and causes irritation, itching and embarrassment. These growths on the epidermis never mature – a normal skin cell matures and passes from the bottom layer of the skin to the epidermis in about 28 days; psoriatic cells form in about 8 days, causing scaly patches that spread to cover larger and larger areas.
The underlying cause is unknown, but may result from a faulty utilization of dietary fat – psoriasis is rare in countries where the diet is low in fat. Current research points to an immune system role in psoriasis. People with HIV or AIDS often have severe psoriasis. The build-up of toxins in an unhealthy colon also has been linked to the development of psoriasis. Another interesting observation is that outbreaks of psoriasis seem to lessen during the summer months.
Essential Oils
Essential Oils:
When mixing a blend, add 5% Evening primrose oil to the carrier oil
Top Note: bergamot, cajeput, niaouli
Middle Note: lavender, geranium, chamomile
Base Note: benzoin, cedarwood, immortelle
Cradle Cap
Essential oil remedy for cradle cap in babies:
1 drop of lemon eucalyptus, 1 drop geranium. Dilute in 2 tablespoons of almond oil and mix well. Massage blend gently into scalp once a day until cradle cap disappears. Do not substitute lavender oil in this recipe as this will cause the skin to grow too quickly.
Note: there is no known cure for psoriasis. Treatment is aimed at reducing the symptoms and includes the use of ointments and creams to soften the scales, combined with gentle scrubbing to remove them.
Self Help
Self Help:
- Spend time in the sun and consider moving to a desert climate. Sunlight is of great benefit in psoriasis.
- Increase intake of omega-3 fatty acids; take fish-oil supplements if you cannot get enough omega-3-rich foods.
- Topical application of lotions or salves based on chaparral Larrea divaricata or aloe vera may be helpful.
- Practice stress reduction techniques; mindfulness-based stress reduction, a meditation technique, has been shown to be effective for psoriasis.
- Try traditional Chinese medicine, including acupuncture, herbal treatment, and dietary adjustment, which can be very effective for managing psoriasis.
Herbs
Herbs:
- Add 2 teaspoons of ginger to the bath water.
- To reduce redness and swelling, lightly brush off the scales with a loofah and apply alcohol-free goldenseal extract to the skin.
- Try seeds of milk thistle Silybum marianum. They are non-toxic, have a beneficial effect on the liver, and may help some people with psoriasis. Take two capsules twice a day for at least three months
- Take black currant oil or evening primrose oil, 500 milligrams twice a day.
- To relieve eczema or psoriasis, take 3 or 4 size 00 capsules filled with powdered red clover flowers Trifolium pratense three times daily, for as long as necessary.
Gemstones
Gemstones for Healing:
(From an emotional cause)
Place on the affected area 30 minutes each day
Elixir bath
Reflexology
Reflexology areas to emphasize:
- Liver/kidneys – along with the skin, they are the chief eliminators of the body’s wastes
- Endocrine system – esp. thyroid/adrenal/pituitary – their hormones contribute to the process of skin development.
