10 Best Herbal Essential Oils For Psoriasis

Herbal essential oils have gained attention as complementary treatments for psoriasis due to their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

Oils such as lavender, tea tree, and chamomile are commonly used for their soothing and skin-soothing effects. These oils can help reduce redness, itching, and scaling when diluted properly and applied topically. However, they should not replace conventional treatments but can be used alongside them under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

It is important to perform a patch test to avoid allergic reactions and ensure safe usage.

1. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Curcuma longa, commonly known as turmeric, contains a bioactive compound called curcumin, which has been widely studied for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Essential oils derived from Curcuma longa may offer a natural alternative for managing psoriasis symptoms due to their potential to reduce skin inflammation and oxidative stress. However, while some preliminary research suggests that these essential oils may provide relief, more clinical studies are needed to confirm their efficacy and safety for psoriasis treatment. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before using any essential oils, as they can interact with medications or cause skin irritation.

Incorporating Curcuma longa essential oils into a holistic approach may complement conventional treatments, but should not replace them without professional guidance.

2. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Rosmarinus officinalis, commonly known as rosemary, is a herb whose essential oil has been studied for its potential therapeutic effects on psoriasis.

The essential oil contains compounds such as camphor, cineole, and rosmarinic acid, which exhibit anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. These properties may help reduce skin inflammation and redness associated with psoriasis. Some preliminary research suggests that topical application of rosemary essential oil might alleviate symptoms by promoting skin regeneration and improving circulation.

However, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before using rosemary oil, as it may cause skin irritation or interact with other treatments.

3. Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Zingiber officinale, commonly known as ginger, contains essential oils that have shown potential in the management of psoriasis due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

The essential oils derived from ginger root contain bioactive compounds such as gingerol and shogaol, which may help reduce skin inflammation and oxidative stress associated with psoriasis. Topical application of these oils may offer a natural alternative for alleviating symptoms like redness, scaling, and itching. However, more clinical studies are needed to confirm their efficacy and safety for long-term use in psoriasis treatment.

Despite promising preliminary evidence, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating ginger essential oils into a psoriasis care regimen.

4. Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica)

Urtica dioica, commonly known as stinging nettle, has been traditionally used for its potential therapeutic properties, including the production of herbal essential oils that may offer relief for psoriasis sufferers.

The essential oils derived from Urtica dioica are rich in bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolic acids, which are believed to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. These properties may help reduce the redness, itching, and scaling associated with psoriasis by modulating the immune response and inhibiting inflammatory pathways. However, while some preliminary studies suggest a possible benefit, more clinical research is needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of Urtica dioica essential oils for psoriasis treatment.

As with any complementary therapy, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating these oils into a treatment regimen.

5. Melaleuca (Melaleuca alternifolia)

Melaleuca alternifolia, commonly known as tea tree oil, is a popular essential oil derived from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia plant, native to Australia.

It is widely used in aromatherapy and topical applications for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties. While not a cure for psoriasis, some studies suggest that tea tree oil may help reduce inflammation and skin irritation associated with the condition. Its ability to penetrate the skin and target infected or inflamed areas makes it a potential complementary therapy for managing psoriasis symptoms.

However, it should be used with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as it may cause skin irritation in some individuals.

6. Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)

Echinacea purpurea, commonly known as purple coneflower, is a traditional herbal plant that has been explored for its potential therapeutic effects on various skin conditions, including psoriasis.

While echinacea is well-known for its immune-boosting properties, its essential oils are being studied for their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits, which may help alleviate psoriasis symptoms. The essential oils derived from echinacea contain compounds such as alkamides, caffeic acid derivatives, and flavonoids, which have shown promise in reducing skin inflammation and oxidative stress. However, research on the specific efficacy of echinacea essential oils for psoriasis is still limited, and more clinical studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness.

Despite this, some individuals with psoriasis may consider using echinacea-based topical treatments as a complementary therapy under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

7. Salvia (Salvia officinalis)

Salvia officinalis, commonly known as sage, produces essential oils that have been explored for their potential benefits in managing psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune skin condition characterized by red, scaly patches.

These essential oils, rich in compounds like thujone, camphor, and cineole, possess antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties that may help reduce skin inflammation and irritation associated with psoriasis. While some preliminary studies suggest that topical application of sage essential oils could provide relief, more clinical research is needed to confirm its efficacy and safety for long-term use. Due to the potency of essential oils, they should be used with caution and diluted properly to avoid skin irritation.

Overall, sage essential oils may offer a complementary approach to traditional treatments, but they should not replace medical advice or prescribed therapies for psoriasis.

8. English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Lavandula angustifolia, commonly known as English lavender, is widely recognized for its calming and therapeutic properties, making it a popular choice in aromatherapy and natural medicine.

The essential oil derived from this plant contains compounds such as linalool and linalyl acetate, which have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that may benefit individuals with psoriasis. Studies suggest that lavender essential oil can help reduce skin inflammation and itching, common symptoms of psoriasis, when used in topical applications. However, it is important to dilute the oil properly before use to avoid skin irritation, as undiluted essential oils can be too potent.

While lavender oil may offer some relief, it should not replace conventional medical treatments for psoriasis but can be used as a complementary therapy under professional guidance.

9. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Thymus vulgaris, commonly known as thyme, is a medicinal herb whose essential oil has been traditionally used for its potent antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.

The essential oil of thyme contains compounds such as thymol and carvacrol, which are known to have strong antimicrobial and immunomodulatory effects. These properties make thyme essential oil a potential complementary therapy for psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune condition characterized by inflammation and skin lesions. Some studies suggest that the oil may help reduce skin inflammation and inhibit the proliferation of keratinocytes, which are often overactive in psoriasis.

However, while preliminary research is promising, more clinical trials are needed to fully establish its efficacy and safety for psoriasis treatment.

10. Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)

Cinnamomum zeylanicum, also known as cinnamon bark, is a popular source of essential oils that has been traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

These oils contain compounds like cinnamaldehyde and eugenol, which may help reduce the inflammation and itching associated with psoriasis. When used in aromatherapy or topical applications, cinnamon essential oil may support skin health by promoting circulation and soothing irritated skin. However, it is important to dilute the oil properly before applying it to the skin to avoid irritation.

While some anecdotal evidence suggests potential benefits, more scientific research is needed to fully understand its efficacy in treating psoriasis.