Health Conditions from A to Z

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is realy common, chronic skirern condition in which patches of skin become thickened and reddened and covered with silvery scales. It usually does not itch, but does cause discomfort and cosmetic embarrassment. The areas of the body most commonly affected by psoriasis are the arms, elbows, behind the ears, scalp, back, legs, and knees.

What To Consider

Psoriasis is metabolic in nature and can be triggered by environmental or stressful conditions, poor diet, flu-like conditions, the administration of penicillin, and nutritional deficiencies. Patients with psoriasis are also a higher risk of rheumatoid diseases.

Psoriasis can also be caused by food allergies, essential fatty acid deficiencies, low digestive enzyme and hydrochloric acid levels, vitamin B complex deficiencies, emotional stress, illness, drugs (such as beta-blockers, lithium, and chloroquine), poison ivy or oak, skin damage, and several infections, bacterial or viral in origin.

Self-Care Tips

Lifestyle
Mild cases of psoriasis may be helped by daily exposure to sunlight. Frequent exercise is also recommended.

Diet
Screen for and eliminate all foods to which you are allergic or sensitive. Eat a varied diet of organic, whole foods, rotating foods as much as possible. Also eliminate wheat and wheat products for 1-3 months. Also consume seafood high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as wild salmon, sardines, mackerel, herring, and each day, on a rotating basis, take one tablespoon of olive or flaxseed oil, and be sure to drink plenty of pure, filtered water. Organic beef, venison, poultry, garlic, onions, parsley, organic plain yogurt, and Sauerkraut is also recommended.

Nutritional Supplementation
The following nutrients can be helpful evening primrose oil, omega-3 essential fatty acids, vitamin A, vitamin B Complex, vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, vitamin C with bioflavonoids, folic acid, lecithin, zinc, and a multi-mineral supplement. Taking hydrochloric acid (HCl) with each meal can also be of use.

In Europe fumaric acid treatment in the form of fumaric acid tablets, ointment, lotion, and scalp lotions is widely used to reverse symptoms of psoriasis

Aromatherapy
The following essential oils are recommended bergamot (to help heal skin plaques), lavender (to reduce excessive itching), melissa (for irritated skin), jasmine (for dry sensitive skin), geranium (for dry irritating skin), and sandalwood mysore (for dehydrated, inflamed, and sensitive skin).

Flower Essences
Rescue Remedy Cream applied topically can soothe symptoms.

Herbs
Combine equal parts of burdock, sarsaparilla, and cleavers tinctures and take one teaspoon three times a day. Silymarin (milk thistle) is also helpful for psoriasis due to its positive effects on liver function.

Homeopathy
Useful homeopathic remedies include Psorinum, Sulfur, Graphites, Cuprum met., and Arsen alb.

Hydrotherapy
Apply a hot compress affected area each day. Taking a bath heated to body temperature to which sea salt has been dissolved can also help speed healing.

Juice Therapy
The following juice combinations can be helpful
apple and carrot; beet, cucumber, and grape; and beet, carrot, burdock, yellowdock and garlic.

Topical Treatment
Apply seawater to the affected skin several times daily. Linseed or avocado oil, aloe vera gel, and/or capsaicin cream applied topically can reduce the scaling, thickness, redness, and itching.

Caution

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