With inputs from Dr. Nibin, Sri Sri Ayurveda consultant
Psoriasis is an auto immune skin condition where the skin cells grow faster than it ordinarily should, which is about 27 days. This results into scaling and peeling of the outer layers of the skin, causing excessive dryness and whiteness in the skin. The itching could cause redness and wounds in the skin. Psoriasis is often caused due to emotional trauma and stress, among other reasons. According to the ancient herbal science of wellness, Ayurveda, Psoriasis is the result of imbalance in Vata (air element) and Kapha (earth element). Here are a few tips and remedies that can go a long way to manage Psoriasis.
1) Stay Moist
A general recommendation for all Psoriasis patients is to keep their skin moisturized at all times. Here is a wide range of herbal and sensitive skin friendly moisturizing creams, bathing oils and night creams that you can use to make sure your skin never gets dry even for a brief moment. Dryness of skin would invariably increase the itching and the act of itching could make the Psoriasis patches worse. Sundarya Oil from the house of Shankara is excellent moisturizing oil which is as nurturing as it is moisturizing. The floral essential oils have been carefully selected to keep your skin supple and hydrated, revitalized and uplifted. Using this oil also makes the whiteness of the skin disappear for those with Psoriasis.
2) Ayurvedic treatment with formulated buttermilk
Ayurveda recommends Thakradara, a treatment that uses medicated and purified buttermilk for healthier and rejuvenated skin and hair.
3) Virechana or purgation therapy
Ayurvedic experts suggest, Virechana or purgation therapies can immensely benefit by detoxifying the body thoroughly and balancing the two doshas that lead to Psoriasis.
4) Avoid Virudhahara or opposing foods
Virudhahara in Ayurveda is understood as mixing up wrong combination of foods that become toxic for the body like fruit milk shakes or milk shakes and curd among others.
5) Avoid cool and hot
Ayurveda prescribes against following an activity or food with qualities of coolness or enhancing coolness or cold temperature right after an activity that produces heat. For example, starting the air conditioner immediately after coming back from the hot sun outside or cold water shower after work out.
6) Apply Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is also known as Ghrit Kumari in Sanskrit. A renowned scholar and practitioner of Ayurveda (an ancient healing modality that relies on herbal sciences for treatment of illnesses and wellness) Acharya Shodal introduced this herb in texts called Nighantus, way back in the 14th century.
Aloe Vera is a gift of nature for those with frequent acne outbreaks, or perennially dry skin. For new mothers or those who have lost weight, stretch marks are a common occurrence. Aloe Vera repairs skin tissues quickly and reduces stretch marks too.
7) The magic of Triphala
Before hitting the hay, you can have a spoon of honey mixed with 10 grams of Triphala powder. Triphala (three fruit combo) is a popular Ayurvedic formulation that consists of extracts of three power fruits – Indian gooseberry (Amalaki), Beleric ( Bibhitaki) and Black Myrobalan whole (Haritaki), which are rich in antioxidants. The formulation is good for the respiratory, cardiovascular, urinary, reproductive and nervous systems.
Indian gooseberries are good coolants that reduce Pitta dosha and work on the liver and immune system, while Beleric manages kapha and improves respiration. Haritaki is an effective detox agent and balances all the three doshas.
8) Do not avoid natural urges
It is a bad idea for Psoriasis patients to control or not attend to natural urges in time like vomiting or nature calls.
9) Super food- flax seeds
Flax seeds are rich in anti-inflammatory Omega 3 fatty acids, which is an excellent Dosha balancer along with being a rich anti-oxidant and balancer of hormones. Regular intake of raw flax seeds or roasted flax seeds also gives you a brighter and cleaner skin.
Disclaimer: The conditions and illnesses could also be due to a mix of Dosha imbalances. Please do not try to self-diagnose. This article is purely for informational purpose. We strongly recommend you consult a Sri Sri Ayurveda physician for a thorough examination of your constitution and its balances/imbalances.