As a long term sufferer of psoriasis, I know what it can be like living with the disease. It effects each person differently and can make life hell for those who suffer with the worst symptoms. Common symptoms include flaky skin, red patches, itchiness and pain. Symptoms can come and go or they can be constant. Unfortunately there is no cure for psoriasis and it can take years to find a treatment that works to reduce your individual symptoms.
Prescription treatments have been scientifically researched and been through vigorous clinical trials to prove that they are safe and can have benefits. However, even the strongest medical treatments do not work for every victim of psoriasis. It is worthwhile looking for natural remedies that you can carry out at home using natural products. Although some people do have adverse reactions to natural products, these are rare and the benefits can be extraordinary.
Below are some of the natural remedies that psoriasis sufferers have tried and found to help them.
Food: Spices are known to have a healing effect and Chinese medicine makes use of a variety of natural products we would associate with food. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory qualities that have been proven to reduce the redness and inflammation associated with psoriasis and can be taken with food or as a supplement. Unusual but effective, cabbage leaves which have had the large veins removed and been washed in purified water can be useful as a compress, reducing swelling and itchiness.
Oil: Natural oils that are derivatives of food and plants can have moisturising effects and help to reduce the flaky skin that most psoriasis victims suffer from. Olive oil, cashew nut oil, garlic oil and Aloe Vera can all ease symptoms when used regularly.
Natural Products: Substances that grow naturally but are not linked to food or plants can also have an effect. Sea salt can help to remove flaky skin cells and sterilise the affected areas. Salt is particularly effective when followed with the application of oil. Mud is also a natural remedy that has been known to draw toxins away from the affected area, cool itching and relieve swelling.
It is not guaranteed that any of these remedies will work for you, especially if you have extremely severe attacks of psoriasis. However, you may find that using oils and bathing in salt water will ease your symptoms at the least. There are other natural remedies being discovered all the time and many companies use them as the main ingredient in some of their products. Reading testaments from fellow sufferers will help to discover if any of these products could help you, just remember to keep seeking advice from your doctor and stop using any substance that has an adverse reaction. Your health and safety is the most important thing.
Author Mark Woodcock is a Webmaster of a wide variety of online specialty shops including a very popular site on Eczema and Psoriasis. Visit http://www.saponaqua.com today.
