10 Best Herbal Baths For Psoriasis

Herbal baths can be a beneficial complementary therapy for individuals with psoriasis, offering a natural way to soothe inflamed skin and reduce symptoms.

Certain herbs, such as chamomile, lavender, and eucalyptus, possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that may help alleviate itching and redness. These baths can also promote relaxation and reduce stress, which is a known trigger for psoriasis flare-ups. To use herbal baths effectively, it is important to select safe, skin-friendly herbs and avoid those that may cause allergic reactions.

While herbal baths are not a cure for psoriasis, they can be a soothing addition to a comprehensive treatment plan under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

1. Field horsetail (Equisetum arvense)

Equisetum arvense, commonly known as horsetail, has been traditionally used in herbal baths for psoriasis due to its high silica content, which is believed to support skin health and reduce inflammation.

These baths involve soaking in water infused with dried horsetail leaves, often combined with other anti-inflammatory herbs like chamomile or oatstraw. The warm water helps to open pores and promote circulation, enhancing the absorption of the herbal compounds into the skin. Regular use of horsetail baths may help alleviate symptoms such as dryness, redness, and itching associated with psoriasis.

However, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new herbal treatment, especially for individuals with sensitive skin or existing medical conditions.

2. Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica)

Urtica dioica, commonly known as stinging nettle, has been traditionally used in herbal baths for its potential therapeutic benefits in managing psoriasis.

The plant contains anti-inflammatory and antihistaminic compounds that may help reduce skin inflammation and itching associated with psoriasis. When prepared as a bath, stinging nettle can soothe the skin and potentially alleviate some symptoms of the condition. However, it is important to note that while some individuals may find relief, scientific evidence supporting its efficacy for psoriasis is limited.

As with any herbal remedy, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating stinging nettle baths into a psoriasis treatment plan.

3. St. john's wort (Hypericum perforatum)

Hypericum perforatum, commonly known as St. John's wort, has been traditionally used in herbal baths for its potential anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties.

When infused into bath water, it may help reduce the redness, itching, and scaling associated with psoriasis by promoting skin healing and calming irritation. The active compounds in St. John's wort, such as hypericin and hyperforin, are believed to have antioxidant and antimicrobial effects that support skin health. However, it is important to consult a healthcare provider before using St. John's wort baths, as it can interact with certain medications and may cause photosensitivity.

Despite its traditional use, scientific evidence supporting its efficacy for psoriasis remains limited, and it should be used as a complementary therapy rather than a replacement for medical treatment.

4. Salvia (Salvia officinalis)

Salvia officinalis, commonly known as sage, has been traditionally used in herbal baths for its potential therapeutic benefits for psoriasis.

The essential oils and phytochemicals in sage, such as rosmarinic acid and flavonoids, possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that may help reduce skin irritation and infection risk in psoriasis patients. When used in a warm bath, sage can soothe the skin, alleviate itching, and promote a calming effect, offering a natural alternative to conventional treatments. However, it is important to dilute sage properly to avoid skin irritation, and consulting a healthcare provider is recommended before incorporating it into a psoriasis management routine.

While anecdotal evidence suggests positive effects, more scientific research is needed to fully understand its efficacy and safety for psoriasis treatment.

5. German chamomile (Chamomilla recutita)

Chamomilla recutita, commonly known as German chamomile, has been traditionally used in herbal baths for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, which may offer relief for individuals suffering from psoriasis.

When infused into warm water, chamomile can help reduce skin irritation and redness associated with psoriasis by calming the immune response and promoting skin healing. The essential oils in chamomile, such as bisabolol and chamazulene, have demonstrated antimicrobial and antioxidant effects that may further support skin health. Regular use of chamomile baths can complement conventional treatments by providing a natural, gentle approach to managing psoriasis symptoms.

However, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before incorporating chamomile baths into a psoriasis care regimen, especially for those with known allergies or sensitivities.

6. English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Lavandula angustifolia, commonly known as English lavender, has been traditionally used for its calming and therapeutic properties, and it is increasingly being explored for its potential benefits in managing psoriasis symptoms.

When incorporated into herbal baths, lavender can help soothe irritated skin and reduce inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial compounds. The essential oils from lavender are often diluted in water and used in warm baths, which can promote relaxation and alleviate the stress that may exacerbate psoriasis flare-ups. Studies suggest that the aromatic compounds in lavender may also help improve skin hydration and reduce itchiness, offering a natural alternative to conventional treatments.

However, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before using lavender baths, especially for those with sensitive skin or existing medical conditions.

7. Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis)

Aloe barbadensis, commonly known as aloe vera, has been widely used in herbal baths for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, which can be beneficial for individuals suffering from psoriasis.

When added to bath water, aloe vera helps to moisturize the skin, reduce redness, and alleviate the itching and scaling associated with psoriasis. Its natural enzymes and polysaccharides promote skin healing and may help in reducing the thickness of psoriatic plaques. Additionally, aloe vera contains compounds that can modulate the immune system, potentially reducing the inflammatory response that contributes to psoriasis flare-ups.

While herbal baths can be a complementary therapy, they should be used in conjunction with prescribed treatments and under the guidance of a healthcare professional for optimal results.

8. Dog rose (Rosa canina)

Rosa canina, commonly known as rosehip, is a traditional herbal remedy that has gained attention for its potential benefits in managing psoriasis symptoms.

The oil extracted from the seeds of Rosa canina is rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants, which may help reduce inflammation and support skin healing. When used in herbal baths, rosehip oil can soothe irritated skin and improve overall skin texture, offering a natural alternative to conventional treatments. These baths are often recommended for their mild, non-irritating properties, making them suitable for sensitive skin.

Incorporating rosa canina into a psoriasis care routine may provide relief from dryness, itching, and redness, though it should complement, not replace, medical advice.

9. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Thymus vulgaris, commonly known as thyme, has been traditionally used in herbal baths for its potential anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which may benefit individuals with psoriasis.

When infused into warm water, thyme can help soothe irritated skin and reduce the redness and scaling associated with psoriasis lesions. The essential oils in thyme, such as thymol, have demonstrated efficacy in inhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungi that may contribute to skin flare-ups. However, it is important to dilute thyme properly to avoid skin irritation, as concentrated forms can be too harsh for sensitive psoriatic skin.

While thyme baths may offer some relief, they should be used as a complementary therapy alongside prescribed treatments and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

10. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Rosmarinus officinalis, commonly known as rosemary, has been traditionally used in herbal baths for its potential therapeutic benefits for psoriasis.

The essential oils derived from rosemary leaves contain compounds like cineole and camphor, which may help reduce inflammation and soothe irritated skin. Incorporating rosemary into a warm bath can promote relaxation and improve circulation, potentially alleviating some symptoms associated with psoriasis. While it is not a cure, rosemary baths may offer a natural, complementary approach to managing psoriasis flare-ups.

However, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before using rosemary baths, especially for those with sensitive skin or existing skin conditions.