Natural remedies don't treat psoriasis — but many of them genuinely help manage what psoriasis does to your skin: dryness, scale buildup, itch, and barrier disruption. This guide covers 30 options organized by what they actually do, with honest notes on evidence and safe use. For deeper coverage of individual remedies, links to dedicated articles are included throughout.
- How natural remedies fit into psoriasis management
- Barrier support and moisturizing oils (#1–8)
- Itch soothing and anti-inflammatory topicals (#9–16)
- Bath soaks and rinses (#17–20)
- Internal support: diet, supplements, and gut health (#21–26)
- Other remedies: less evidence, some use (#27–30)
- When natural remedies are not enough
How natural remedies fit into psoriasis management
Psoriasis is driven by an immune system malfunction that causes skin cells to cycle in 3–5 days instead of the normal 28–30. No natural remedy corrects that cycle — that requires medicated treatment. What natural remedies do well is manage the consequences: barrier failure, dryness, scale buildup, itch, and inflammation at the surface level.
The NPF recognizes that many natural remedies can complement conventional treatment, and includes aloe vera, Dead Sea salt, oatmeal, and omega-3s among options with some research support.[1] The key principle throughout this guide: each remedy is listed for what it actually does, not for what it might theoretically do.
Barrier support and moisturizing oils (#1–8)
These remedies work primarily as occlusives and emollients — they seal in moisture, soften scale, and support the compromised skin barrier that psoriasis disrupts. Most are most valuable as pre-treatment softeners applied before medicated washing.
Thick occlusive with mild anti-inflammatory properties. Best use: applied 30–60 min before medicated shampoo or wash to soften adherent scale.
Rich in antioxidants and fatty acids. Works similarly to coconut oil as a pre-treatment scale softener and post-wash occlusive.
Thickest of the carrier oils — highest viscosity means it stays in contact with plaques longest. Best for stubborn, thick patches on elbows, knees, scalp, feet.
Lightweight, non-comedogenic — closely resembles skin's natural sebum. Absorbs quickly without greasy residue. Good for face and areas where heavier oils feel uncomfortable.
Rich in vitamins A, D, and E. Penetrates well and supports skin repair. Anti-inflammatory properties from oleic acid content.
Rich in fatty acids and vitamins. Excellent occlusive for very dry, cracked areas — elbows, knees, feet. Slower to absorb than lighter oils.
Contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) with anti-inflammatory effects. Moderate evidence for skin hydration and barrier support. Available as topical and oral supplement.
Antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory properties from azadirachtin content. Also a key ingredient in Pepepsor Cream. Strong smell — most practical diluted in coconut oil.
Itch soothing and anti-inflammatory topicals (#9–16)
These remedies reduce surface itch and irritation without acting on the underlying psoriasis biology. They work best as between-treatment comfort measures.
Best-evidenced natural topical for psoriasis. Two controlled trials show significant plaque reduction. NPF-recommended. Soothes itch, reduces redness, mild anti-inflammatory.
Most effective OTC ingredient on this list. Slows abnormal skin cell production directly — not just a comfort remedy. AAD-recommended for long-term use.
German chamomile contains azulene — documented anti-inflammatory and antipruritic properties. Gentler than tea tree oil. Good for sensitive areas including face.
Natural astringent with tannins that reduce surface inflammation and itch. Particularly useful for scalp psoriasis and sensitive areas. Short-term itch relief.
Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial — also a key ingredient in Pepepsor Cream. Reduces itch and helps prevent secondary infections in cracked skin. Well tolerated.
Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory — useful particularly for scalp psoriasis. High sensitization risk — most common essential oil allergen. Always dilute.
Antibacterial and humectant. Creates a protective barrier and draws moisture into the skin. Some clinical evidence for wound healing. Useful on minor cracked patches.
Glycyrrhizin in licorice root has anti-inflammatory properties. Available in topical creams. Some evidence for reducing redness and itch. Milder effect than corticosteroids.
Bath soaks and rinses (#17–20)
Bath soaks soften scale, reduce itch, and improve the effectiveness of treatments applied after bathing. Key rules for all soaks: lukewarm water only, 15–20 minutes maximum, moisturize immediately after patting dry.
FDA-recognized skin protectant. Avenanthramides reduce itch and surface inflammation. Gentlest soak option — suitable for inflamed, sensitive skin.
Clinical evidence for improving skin barrier function and reducing scale in psoriasis. High mineral concentration distinguishes it from ordinary or Himalayan salt.
Magnesium sulfate — reduces inflammation and itch. Also provides joint pain relief for those with psoriatic arthritis. More available and affordable than Dead Sea salt.
Anti-inflammatory chamomile compounds in bathwater reduce surface irritation and provide mild itch relief. Also reduces stress — a documented psoriasis trigger.
Internal support: diet, supplements, and gut health (#21–26)
These remedies work systemically — through diet, supplementation, and gut health — rather than topically. The evidence varies but several have genuine research support for reducing psoriasis severity over time.
Curcumin inhibits NF-κB, an inflammatory pathway directly implicated in psoriasis. Stronger evidence for oral use than topical. Add black pepper to increase absorption significantly.
NPF-recognized natural treatment. Omega-3s reduce inflammatory cytokine production. Consistent dietary omega-3 intake associated with reduced psoriasis severity in multiple studies.
Gut microbiome imbalance is increasingly linked to psoriasis severity. Probiotic supplementation shows some evidence for reducing inflammatory markers. Effects are gradual.
No single diet treats psoriasis, but consistently eating anti-inflammatory foods and reducing triggers (alcohol, processed food, excess sugar) reduces flare frequency for many people.
Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in green tea has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties with some evidence for reducing psoriasis-related inflammation.
Silymarin in milk thistle supports liver function and has anti-inflammatory properties. Some people find regular use reduces flare frequency. Limited direct psoriasis research.
Other remedies: less evidence, some use (#27–30)
These remedies appear frequently in natural remedy guides. Evidence is more limited, but some people find them useful for specific situations.
May provide temporary scalp itch relief. NPF notes it can be used for scalp itch. Must be diluted — undiluted ACV burns. Never apply to open or cracked skin.
Mild pH-balancing and temporary itch relief. Limited evidence for psoriasis specifically. Abrasive — overuse can worsen dryness. Use sparingly.
Mild anti-inflammatory and stress-reducing. Lower sensitization risk than tea tree oil. Primary value may be stress reduction — a genuine psoriasis trigger — rather than direct skin effect.
Draws surface impurities and provides mild exfoliation. Limited direct psoriasis evidence. Most useful for reducing surface buildup on stable, non-inflamed patches. Can be drying.
When natural remedies are not enough
Natural remedies manage the surface consequences of psoriasis — dryness, scale, itch, barrier disruption. They don't address the underlying immune dysfunction that causes it. For mild psoriasis, consistent natural care may be sufficient for maintenance. For moderate to severe psoriasis, or when symptoms are worsening despite consistent natural treatment, medicated treatment is the appropriate next step.
Signs to move from natural-only to OTC medicated treatment:
- Thick plaques not softening despite consistent oil pre-treatment
- Itch disrupting sleep regularly
- Psoriasis spreading to new areas
- No meaningful improvement after 4–6 weeks of consistent natural care
The most effective approach for most people combines both: natural remedies for barrier support, scale preparation, and itch management, alongside medicated treatment that addresses the biology driving the condition. Each does a specific job — neither replaces the other.
Nopsor nightly + Pepepsor daytime — the complete routine
Natural remedies soften scale, soothe itch, and support the barrier. Nopsor Shampoo and Pomade deliver coal tar and salicylic acid treatment overnight. Pepepsor Cream — with oat oil, calendula, and neem oil — handles daytime hydration. All steroid-free, from the same family.
See the Nopsor Treatment Set →Also available: Pepepsor Cream — daytime hydration and barrier support
40-day money-back guarantee · No prescription needed
References
- National Psoriasis Foundation — Natural treatment options for psoriasis. psoriasis.org/integrative-approaches-to-care
- Elmets CA, et al. — Joint AAD–NPF Guidelines of care for the management and treatment of psoriasis with topical therapy and alternative medicine modalities. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2021. aad.org/member/clinical-quality/guidelines/psoriasis
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