Exploring Natural Remedies for Psoriasis Relief

Looking for Gentle, Natural Solutions to Soothe Your Psoriasis?

Living with psoriasis can feel like an ongoing struggle. You try numerous treatments, hoping for relief, only to face side effects, high costs, or inconsistent results. Perhaps you've even wondered, "Is there a simpler, gentler way?"

Thankfully, natural remedies offer exactly that—a gentle, affordable approach to managing psoriasis symptoms effectively, without harsh chemicals or severe side effects. While natural remedies might not replace your dermatologist-recommended treatments entirely, they can complement your existing routine, offering valuable support and additional comfort.

In this guide, we'll explore popular natural remedies and practical tips to help you manage your psoriasis naturally and gently.

Why Natural Remedies Appeal to Many Psoriasis Patients

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease-causing rapid skin cell turnover, resulting in red, itchy, and scaly patches. While medical treatments can be effective, some individuals prefer natural solutions for several reasons:

• Fewer side effects: Natural treatments typically have fewer side effects compared to steroids or systemic medications.
• Cost-effectiveness: Natural remedies often come at a lower annual cost, crucial given psoriasis requires long-term management.
• Easy integration into daily life: Simple to incorporate into existing routines, enhancing consistency and effectiveness.

1. Aloe Vera: The Ultimate Skin Soother

Why It Helps:

Aloe vera gel offers strong anti-inflammatory properties, deeply hydrates, and cools irritated skin, reducing redness, itching, and discomfort.

How to Use Aloe Vera:

• Extract fresh gel directly from aloe plant leaves or use pure aloe vera gel products.
• Apply generously several times daily to affected areas for relief.

Important Notes:

Choose aloe products free of added alcohol or fragrance, as these can irritate psoriasis-prone skin.

2. Coconut Oil: Nature’s Gentle Moisturizer

Why It Helps:

Rich in healthy fatty acids and antioxidants, coconut oil deeply nourishes dry, flaky skin, while its natural anti-inflammatory properties help soothe plaques and reduce itching.

How to Use Coconut Oil Effectively:

• Apply extra-virgin coconut oil generously after showering to seal moisture.
• Use it as a daily moisturizer on affected areas.

Pro Tip:

Perform a patch test to ensure your skin doesn't react negatively.

3. Coal Tar: Traditional Remedy with Modern Effectiveness

Coal tar is one of the oldest known psoriasis remedies, dating back over a century, and dermatologists still recommend it frequently today. Its continued popularity is due to its proven effectiveness in managing psoriasis symptoms.

Why It Works:

• Slows cell turnover: Psoriasis occurs when your skin cells regenerate too quickly. Coal tar reduces this rapid turnover, easing itching, redness, and scaling.
• Anti-inflammatory: It also decreases inflammation, calming the redness and discomfort.

How to Incorporate Coal Tar into Your Routine:

• Shampoos: Coal tar shampoos like Nopsor Shampoo are excellent for scalp psoriasis, providing gentle exfoliation and relieving symptoms. Use it regularly, ideally at night, for maximum benefit.
• Topical Creams or Ointments: Apply carefully to affected areas daily, allowing sufficient absorption time.

Example Daily Routine with Coal Tar:

• Evening shower using coal tar shampoo, gently rinsing and patting dry.
• Follow immediately with a moisturizer or coal tar-based ointment for extra soothing effects.

Pro Tip:
Always use sunscreen, as coal tar products can make your skin sensitive to sunlight.

4. Colloidal Oatmeal Baths: Gentle, Calming Relief

Colloidal oatmeal baths have been used for generations to soothe itchy, irritated skin.

Why Oatmeal Baths Help:

• Oatmeal contains powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that soothe skin irritation and reduce itching.
• Creates a protective barrier that locks in moisture and promotes skin healing.

How to Prepare an Oatmeal Bath:

• Add about a cup of finely ground colloidal oatmeal to a lukewarm bath.
• Soak for 15–20 minutes, letting the oatmeal work its magic.
• Gently pat dry and apply a fragrance-free moisturizer immediately afterward.

Pro Tip:
Do not use hot water, as heat can increase inflammation and itching.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar: Balancing Your Skin Naturally

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has gained popularity due to its balancing effects on the skin’s pH and its ability to reduce itching.

Why It Helps:

• Apple cider vinegar restores the skin’s natural pH balance, which can reduce irritation and scaling.
• It helps relieve itching due to its mild antibacterial properties.

How to Use ACV Safely:

• Dilute apple cider vinegar with water (1:1 ratio).
• Apply gently to psoriasis plaques using a cotton ball.
• Leave it for 5–10 minutes, then rinse off thoroughly and apply moisturizer.

Caution:
Never apply apple cider vinegar on open sores or severely cracked skin.

6. Dietary Changes: Eating Your Way to Calmer Skin

Diet significantly impacts psoriasis. Eating anti-inflammatory foods can greatly benefit your skin’s health, potentially reducing flare-ups.

Foods to Include:

• Fatty fish: Salmon, sardines, tuna (rich in Omega-3 fatty acids).
• Fruits and vegetables: Leafy greens, berries, cherries, and avocado provide antioxidants.
• Whole grains and healthy fats: Brown rice, quinoa, olive oil, nuts, and seeds.

Foods to Limit:

• Processed foods and sugars: These promote inflammation.
• Alcohol and caffeine: Both can trigger inflammation and worsen psoriasis symptoms.

Simple Diet Adjustments:

• Start your day with antioxidant-rich smoothies.
• Replace unhealthy snacks with fresh fruits, nuts, or vegetables to maintain consistency.

Pro Tip:
Keep a food journal to identify which foods trigger or help reduce your psoriasis flare-ups.

7. Essential Oils: Aromatherapy and Relief

Essential oils provide soothing aromatherapy benefits and topical relief when diluted correctly.

Effective Oils for Psoriasis:

• Lavender oil: Calms inflammation and reduces redness.
• Tea tree oil: Antimicrobial, can relieve itching and scaling.
• Peppermint oil: Cooling and soothing, reduces itching and discomfort.

How to Use Essential Oils Safely:

• Always dilute with a carrier oil (coconut oil or jojoba oil).
• Apply gently to affected areas or add a few drops to your bath.
• Perform a patch test before using extensively.

Pro Tip:
Consider a relaxing lavender oil diffuser in your bedroom to promote restful sleep and stress reduction.

8. Turmeric: The Powerful Anti-Inflammatory Spice

Turmeric, commonly known as a culinary spice, offers remarkable medicinal properties beneficial for psoriasis patients.

Why Turmeric Helps:

• Curcumin: The active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, is renowned for potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, helping reduce psoriasis-related inflammation and redness.

How to Include Turmeric:

• Dietary use: Add turmeric powder to meals like soups, smoothies, or stir-fry dishes.
• Golden Milk Recipe: Mix turmeric powder with warm almond milk, cinnamon, and honey for a soothing, anti-inflammatory bedtime drink.
• Supplements: Turmeric or curcumin capsules can provide concentrated doses (consult your doctor first).

Important tip:
Combine turmeric with black pepper to improve curcumin absorption significantly.

9. Herbal Supplements: Supporting Your Immune System

Herbal supplements can offer valuable support by addressing inflammation and immune function, central factors in psoriasis management.

Popular Herbal Supplements for Psoriasis:

• Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium): Proven in several studies to reduce psoriasis symptoms when used topically.
• Milk Thistle: Supports liver function and detoxification, indirectly benefiting skin health.
• Evening Primrose Oil: Contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), potentially reducing inflammation and skin dryness.

How to Safely Use Herbal Supplements:

• Always discuss with your healthcare provider before starting new supplements, especially if taking other medications.
• Choose high-quality supplements from reputable brands to ensure purity and effectiveness.

Important note:
Supplements may take several weeks or months to show noticeable results; patience is key.

10. Gentle Sunlight Exposure: Nature’s Healing Rays

Sunlight exposure (UV rays) has been shown to help many psoriasis patients by slowing down rapid skin cell turnover.

Why Sunlight Helps:

• Vitamin D production: Essential for skin health and reducing inflammation.
• Reduces skin scaling and inflammation: Controlled exposure can significantly soothe psoriasis plaques.

How to Practice Safe Sun Exposure:

• Limit exposure to about 10–15 minutes per day initially.
• Gradually increase exposure time if your skin responds well, but always avoid sunburn.
• Protect healthy skin areas with sunscreen (SPF 30+).

Important tip:
Always monitor your skin closely and avoid prolonged sun exposure without protection.

11. Mindfulness and Stress-Reduction Practices: Calming Your Mind and Skin

Stress is a major trigger for psoriasis flare-ups. Incorporating regular stress management practices can significantly improve your symptoms.

Effective Techniques to Lower Stress:

• Mindfulness meditation: Set aside 10–15 minutes daily for mindful breathing or meditation practices.
• Yoga and gentle stretching: Excellent ways to relieve stress and tension physically and mentally.
• Guided imagery and visualization: Apps like Calm or Headspace provide valuable tools.

How to Stay Consistent:

• Schedule mindfulness sessions at consistent times daily.
• Use mindfulness apps to track your practice, building a regular habit.

12. Practical Lifestyle Adjustments for Psoriasis Relief

Managing psoriasis isn't limited to topical treatments—simple lifestyle changes can substantially improve your skin health and overall quality of life.

Easy Lifestyle Tips:

• Maintain Hydration: Drink at least 8–10 glasses of water daily to support skin hydration and overall health.
• Choose gentle, skin-friendly clothing: Soft fabrics like cotton or bamboo can reduce skin irritation significantly.
• Avoid triggers: Pay attention to potential triggers like alcohol, smoking, or certain foods, and minimize exposure where possible.

13. Tracking Your Progress and Communicating with Your Dermatologist

Documenting your journey is essential to identify the most effective treatments.

How to Effectively Track Progress:

• Take regular photos of affected areas to compare visually.
• Keep a simple symptom journal to document flare-ups, triggers, dietary changes, and treatment responses.
• Regularly share your journal and photos with your dermatologist for personalized guidance.

Why Documentation Helps:

Clear records allow your dermatologist to better tailor treatments to your specific needs, enhancing treatment effectiveness over time.

Integrating Natural Remedies into Your Routine: Example Daily Schedule

Here’s a simplified daily schedule to help incorporate natural remedies consistently:

• Morning:

  • Brief meditation or yoga session (10 mins).
  • Gentle shower with Nopsor Shampoo (coal tar shampoo).
  • Moisturize with aloe vera gel or coconut oil.

• Afternoon:

  • Eat an anti-inflammatory lunch (e.g., leafy greens salad with grilled salmon).
  • Take a short stress-relief break (deep breathing, stretching).

• Evening:

  • Soothing colloidal oatmeal bath.
  • Apply coconut oil or Nopsor Pomade to affected areas afterward.
  • Turmeric-infused warm almond milk drink before bedtime.

Final Thoughts: Holistic Care for Lasting Relief

Natural remedies provide gentle yet powerful tools for managing psoriasis symptoms. They offer fewer side effects, lower costs, and easy incorporation into daily routines, making them excellent complementary options alongside professional medical treatments.

Always discuss new treatments with your dermatologist, maintain consistency, and document your progress. With patience and care, these natural approaches can greatly enhance your comfort, reduce flare-ups, and improve your overall skin health.

References

• National Psoriasis Foundation – Integrative Approaches to Care
  

• American Academy of Dermatology – Diet and Psoriasis:
  

• Mayo Clinic – Psoriasis: Diagnosis and Treatment:
  

• Healthline – Psoriasis Self-Care: Home Remedies for Psoriasis Relief
  

• Medical News Today – Home Remedies for Psoriasis: