There are so many natural psoriasis creams on the market that it can often be difficult to decide which cream is the best one to use and which ingredients to watch out for. Here are my top five natural psoriasis cream ingredients: Oregon grape, aloe vera, Dead Sea salts, tea tree oil and vitamin E. My choice is based upon both scientific and empirical evidence.

1. Oregon Grape
Oregon grape is an evergreen shrub with purple berries that look almost like grapes. It is native to the American northwest and has been found to have medicinal properties. Studies have shown that the Oregon grape contains a high concentration of berberine which has strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Recent clinical trials found that using the Oregon grape in a topical cream is significantly more effective than other treatments and they concluded that it is a safe and effective treatment for mild to moderate psoriasis. Oregon grape can be used in tincture, ointment and cream form. Many people have found that taking a combination of oral tincture and topical cream does the trick.

2. Aloe Vera
The aloe vera plant has long been used in a variety of ailments. When taken internally it helps treat irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive problems and when used topically it can treat burns, wounds and skin diseases. Aloe vera contains many vitamins, minerals, enzymes, sugars and amino acids which has been found to have anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-bacterial and analgesic properties.

There have been very few clinical trials to assess the effectiveness of aloe vera for psoriasis, but the ones that have been undertaken have shown aloe vera in cream or gel form to be extremely beneficial. From my own experience, taking aloe vera gel internally helps boost the immune system and improves energy levels, whilst used on the skin it soothes burns and bites and clears spots. I have recommended an aloe vera and propolis cream to a friend with psoriasis who found that it really helped.

3. Dead Sea Salts
Many people have found that using Dead Sea Salts improved their psoriasis. In fact, studies in Israel have shown that bathing daily in the Dead Sea completely cleared the psoriasis in over 80% of sufferers. Dead Sea Salts contain a high concentration of minerals and salt which scientists found reduced inflammation, itching and skin roughness. There are two effective ways to treat psoriasis with Dead Sea Salts. The first is to put the salts in your bath water and soak for at least 20 minutes and the second is to use a Dead Sea Salt cream to soothe the skin.

4. Tea Tree Oil
Tea Tree oil is distilled from the leaves of the melaleuca alternifolia plant which is native to Australia. In recent years it has become extremely popular for treating many conditions because of its proven anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. For this reason, tea tree has become an ingredient of many products used to treat psoriasis and other skin diseases. Unfortunately, very little research has been done specifically on the use of tea tree oil for psoriasis. However, some studies have reported that tea tree oil is beneficial for treating scalp psoriasis and dandruff. In fact, there are many shampoos containing tea tree oil which claim to treat dry, itchy scalps and to keep the scalp free of bacteria.

5. Vitamin E Oil
Vitamin E oil is an ingredient of many skin care products because of its antioxidant properties which are vital in protecting the skin cells from damaging free radicals. Even though there is very little evidence to suggest that Vitamin E is effective in treating skin diseases, many people have found benefit using creams containing Vitamin E because it helps to soften the skin and relieve itching and irritation.

Of course, there are many ingredients that can help treat the symptoms of psoriasis, and I have only talked about my top five natural psoriasis cream ingredients. For more information about the best psoriasis creams take a look at my Clear Skin Guide website where you can also check out the other natural psoriasis treatments.

Vicky Massey has a wide experience of alternative health and healing. She has a degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine and qualifications in massage, nutrition, healing and yoga.