What is Psoriasis? How can you get rid of Psoriasis with the help of Ayurveda?

Psoriasis is an inflammatory and a non-contagious skin condition, which affects the skin and nails. Due to the rapid cell reproduction, patches of red and thick skin with silvery scales start to appear. It usually occurs on the elbows, knees, lower back, and the scalp.

The word psoriasis comes from two Greek words, ‘Psora’ which means itch and ‘Iasis’ which means condition. This disorder is caused when the immune system of the body mistakes skin cells as pathogens. This causes it to send the wrong signals, causing rapid cell growth of the skin cells.

Causes of Psoriasis

According to Ayurveda, there are a few factors that can cause Psoriasis, and they are;

• An unhealthy diet.

• Excess consumption of yogurt, seafood, salty food, black gram, sour food, spicy food, fermented food, flour, bakery products, junk food, fast food, and food that is too cold.

• An unhealthy lifestyle.

• Stress.

• A family history of Psoriasis.

• Viral and Bacterial infection. Also, it is said that people with HIV are more likely to develop this skin condition rather than people with a healthy immune system.

• Obesity.

• Smoking.

What are the most common triggers of Psoriasis?

• Infections

• Stress

• Few drugs, such as lithium, beta blockers, etc.

• Severe Sunburn

• Calcium deficiency

• Hormones

How can you get rid of Psoriasis with the help of Ayurveda?

Although not contagious, Psoriasis can cause several complications in the patient’s life. When one contracts this condition, there may be a fluid and electrolyte imbalance. Since it itches severely, when the patient scratches the thickened skin, it might cause bacterial infections. Other complications of Psoriasis include;

• Low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety.

• High blood pressure

• High Insulin levels

• Inflammatory bowel disease

• Cardiovascular disease

• Cancer

Ayurveda is an ancient holistic Indian medical practice, which came into existence almost 5000 years ago. In this branch of medicine, it is believed that to be healthy, your mind, body, and soul must be in harmony.

According to Ayurveda, Psoriasis occurs due to the imbalance in Vata and Kapha. For this, it is important to purify the blood and tissues to prevent the accumulation of the toxins. If not prevented, the toxins get accumulated in the tissues, blood, muscles, lymph, leading to psoriasis.

Ayurveda can help get rid of Psoriasis with the help of counseling, a healthy lifestyle, a proper diet, and the Panchakarma treatment. For the scalp Psoriasis treatment, Shirodhara is the preferred treatment. Along with this, oral medications and topical treatments are also provided according to the needs of the patient.

Yoga and Pranayama are an important part of the treatment.

Food to avoid

• Acidic foods, such as citrus fruits, pickles, curd, etc.

• Fermented food

• Food made of all-purpose flour or maida.

• Aerated drinks, ice creams, fast food.

• Sauces and Ketchup.

• Dry fruits.

• Alcohol and tobacco.

• Too much consumption of table salt.

• Spicy food.

• Onions and garlic.

Ayurvedic Home Remedies for Psoriasis

• Take a clean and fresh banana leaf and cover the affected area with the same.

• Soak 1 teaspoon of sesame seeds in filtered water and let it sit overnight. In the morning, consumed the sesame decoction on an empty stomach.

• Drink a glass of bitter gourd juice (freshly made) on an empty stomach every day.