Psoriasis: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition characterized by the rapid growth of skin cells, leading to red, scaly patches and inflammation.

Its causes include genetic predisposition, immune system dysregulation, and environmental triggers such as stress, smoking, and certain medications. If left untreated, psoriasis can lead to emotional distress, compromised skin integrity, and increased risk of infections and cardiovascular disease. Herbal remedies, such as aloe vera, turmeric, and tea tree oil, have been found to soothe and calm the skin, while preparations like oatmeal baths and calendula creams can help manage symptoms.

However, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, as some may interact with medications or exacerbate underlying conditions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of psoriasis, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of psoriasis?

The main causes of psoriasis are multifactorial, involving a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune system factors.

Research suggests that 40-50% of individuals with psoriasis have a family history of the disease, indicating a strong genetic component. Additionally, individuals with a history of infections, particularly strep throat, can trigger psoriasis onset or exacerbation. Imbalances in the immune system, including overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, also contribute to the development of psoriasis.

Other risk factors include smoking, obesity, and stress, which can all exacerbate the disease.

• Genetics: Genetics are a primary cause of psoriasis as individuals with a family history of psoriasis are more likely to develop the condition due to inherited genetic mutations that affect the immune system and skin cell growth.
• Imbalanced Gut Bacteria: Imbalanced gut bacteria, particularly an overgrowth of certain bacteria such as Klebsiella and an undergrowth of beneficial bacteria, can trigger an immune response and lead to the development of psoriasis.
• Stress: Stress can trigger psoriasis by releasing inflammatory chemicals that stimulate the immune system and lead to the production of skin cells, which can cause skin cell buildup and plaque formation.
• Weakened Immune System: A weakened immune system, often caused by a lack of vitamin D, can lead to an overactive immune response and the development of psoriasis.
• Infections: Certain infections, such as strep throat and skin infections, can trigger psoriasis by stimulating the immune system and leading to inflammation and skin cell buildup.
• Medications: Medications such as beta-blockers, lithium, and certain antimalarial drugs can trigger psoriasis by disrupting the normal functioning of the skin and immune system.
• Smoking: Smoking can trigger psoriasis by reducing blood flow to the skin, leading to inflammation and skin cell buildup.
• Obesity: Obesity can trigger psoriasis by causing inflammation and releasing inflammatory chemicals that stimulate the immune system and lead to the development of psoriasis.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes, such as those experienced during pregnancy, menopause, or thyroid disorders, can trigger psoriasis by disrupting the normal functioning of the skin and immune system.
• Vitamin D Deficiency: A vitamin D deficiency can lead to an overactive immune response and the development of psoriasis by disrupting the normal functioning of the skin and immune system.
• Environmental Factors: Environmental factors, such as cold weather, dry air, and exposure to chemicals and pollutants, can trigger psoriasis by disrupting the normal functioning of the skin and immune system.
• Diet: A diet high in processed foods, sugar, and dairy products can trigger psoriasis by causing inflammation and releasing inflammatory chemicals that stimulate the immune system and lead to the development of psoriasis.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for psoriasis?

The main medicinal herbs used for psoriasis are Urtica dioica, Aloe vera, Taraxacum officinale, Silybum marianum, Avena sativa, Calendula officinalis, Aloe barbadensis, Curcuma longa, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Ginkgo biloba.

Urtica dioica, rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, has been shown to reduce inflammation and suppress the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, thereby alleviating psoriatic symptoms. Aloe vera's anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties, combined with its ability to promote wound healing, make it an effective treatment for psoriasis. Taraxacum officinale and Silybum marianum are rich in saponins and flavonoids, respectively, which have been found to reduce oxidative stress and modulate the immune response in individuals with psoriasis.

Additionally, Avena sativa, Calendula officinalis, Aloe barbadensis, Curcuma longa, Glycyrrhiza glabra, and Ginkgo biloba have been found to possess anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, and antioxidant properties, which can help to manage psoriasis symptoms and promote skin health.

• Urtica dioica: Urtica dioica, also known as stinging nettle, helps with psoriasis due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may reduce inflammation and oxidative stress associated with the condition.
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera helps with psoriasis due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which may reduce redness and itching, and promote wound healing in affected skin.
• Taraxacum officinale: Taraxacum officinale, also known as dandelion, helps with psoriasis due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may reduce oxidative stress and inflammation associated with the condition.
• Silybum marianum: Silybum marianum, also known as milk thistle, helps with psoriasis due to its antioxidant properties, which may reduce oxidative stress and inflammation associated with the condition, and its potential to improve liver function.
• Avena sativa: Avena sativa, also known as oat straw, helps with psoriasis due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which may reduce redness and itching, and promote relaxation and reduce stress, a common trigger for the condition.
• Calendula officinalis: Calendula officinalis, also known as marigold, helps with psoriasis due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which may reduce redness and itching, and promote wound healing in affected skin.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis, also known as aloe vera, helps with psoriasis due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which may reduce redness and itching, and promote wound healing in affected skin.
• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa, also known as turmeric, helps with psoriasis due to its potent anti-inflammatory properties, which may reduce inflammation and oxidative stress associated with the condition.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice root, helps with psoriasis due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which may reduce redness and itching, and promote wound healing in affected skin.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba has not been shown to have a direct effect on psoriasis, but may help with the condition due to its antioxidant properties, which may reduce oxidative stress associated with the condition.

What are the main herbal preparations used for psoriasis?

The main herbal preparations used for psoriasis are Cream, Decoction, Salve, Tincture, Ointment, Capsule, Gel, Poultice, Suppository, Tea.

Cream, typically containing aloe vera or capsaicin, helps soothe and reduce inflammation. Decoction of herbs such as turmeric and ginger has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help reduce psoriasis symptoms. Salve, ointment, and gel preparations, often containing omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, or aloe vera, provide moisturizing and anti-inflammatory effects.

Tincture, capsule, poultice, suppository, and tea preparations of herbs like tea tree oil, licorice root, and stinging nettle may also offer anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory benefits for psoriasis management.

• Cream: A cream preparation of the herb Calendula officinalis helps with psoriasis by its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which soothe and protect the skin, reducing redness and inflammation associated with the condition.
• Decoction: A decoction of the roots of the herb Echinacea purpurea helps with psoriasis by its immunomodulatory properties, which stimulate the immune system to fight off infections and reduce inflammation, thereby alleviating symptoms of the condition.
• Salve: A salve preparation of the herb Plantago major helps with psoriasis by its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which soothe and protect the skin, reducing redness and inflammation associated with the condition and preventing infection.
• Tincture: A tincture of the herb Aloe barbadensis helps with psoriasis by its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which soothe and protect the skin, reducing redness and inflammation associated with the condition, and promoting wound healing.
• Ointment: An ointment preparation of the herb Cetraria islandica helps with psoriasis by its anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties, which soothe and protect the skin, reducing redness and inflammation associated with the condition, and promoting skin hydration.
• Capsule: A capsule preparation of the herb Turmeric (Curcuma longa) helps with psoriasis by its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which reduce inflammation and oxidative stress associated with the condition, and alleviate symptoms such as redness and itching.
• Gel: A gel preparation of the herb Aloe barbadensis helps with psoriasis by its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which soothe and protect the skin, reducing redness and inflammation associated with the condition, and promoting wound healing.
• Poultice: A poultice of the herb Plantago major helps with psoriasis by its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which soothe and protect the skin, reducing redness and inflammation associated with the condition, and preventing infection.
• Suppository: A suppository preparation of the herb Calendula officinalis helps with psoriasis by its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which soothe and protect the affected area, reducing redness and inflammation associated with the condition, and preventing infection.
• Tea: A tea preparation of the herb Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) helps with psoriasis by its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which soothe and calm the mind and body, reducing stress and anxiety associated with the condition, and promoting relaxation.