I’ve been getting a lot of questions about Psoriasis and Eczema in the past few weeks so this must really be “up” for people.  These are tough, chronic situations that require a lot of care.  You have to commit to the cure or it will not happen.

I want to give you some standard information about the situation and take you through the Ayurvedic approach to treating and ultimately curing these two conditions.

Background from Psoriasis.org and Nationaleczema.org:

Psoriasis & Eczema are similar.  Both are autoimmune diseases.  Both cause itchy, scaly, and stinging raised red patches on the skin. Here’s the biggest difference:

  • Psoriasis tends to be located on the following places:  outside of elbows, knees, scalp, lower back, face, soles of feet, palms, fingernails, toenails,  and inside the mouth although it can occur in other spots, but these are the hotspots for Psoriasis.  It is believed you are genetically pre-disposed to Psoriasis and it is triggered by stress, injury, or very specific medications.
  • Eczema (which is a general term for “itchy rash” tends to be located on the following places:  front of elbows and behind the knees…places where Psoriasis typically is not found. It can be located all over the body and is an itchy red rash.   Eczema usually presents in childhood and improves with age. It is triggered by stress, irritants like soaps, allergens like dust, microbes like viruses, extremes in temperature,  some foods like dairy, and hormones.

Psoriasis is thicker and more inflamed than Eczema when a biopsy is performed.  Your doctor can typically diagnose by sight alone in 95% of cases.

There are many Western treatments to choose from and if you are suffering, I would recommend you see a physician.  That having been said, the effectiveness and side affects of these treatments have many people looking for alternatives.  I recommend the alternatives with Western treatment if you are choosing Western care.

Ayurvedic perspective:

Ayurveda classifies Psoriasis as curable, but is is a deep-seated, chronic, and complicated disease.  The treatment below will work for both Psoriasis and Eczema.  Eczema is not as deep seated and will reverse more quickly.

QUICK AND EASY

Herbal Therapy:

  • Guggulu taken internally (I recommend Kaishore guggulu)  purchase>>
  • Neem taken internally  purchase>>
  • Turmeric taken internally and added to food  purchase>>
  • The Essential Woman by Barleans, 1 Tbsp daily  purchase>>

Other Herbals added to Modalities for relief:

  • Full Coconut Oil Abyangha (body massage) daily   purchase>>
  • Neem Oil applied topically  purchase>>
  • Tea Tree Oil added to Shampoos and Conditions and used as topical  purchase>>
  • Shampoos and Conditioners for Psoriasis  purchase>>
  • Neem Soap for skin purchase>>

NOT SO QUICK AND EASY

Full Cleanse:

It is highly suggested a full Panchakarma or Cleanse be experienced at an Ayurvedic Institute under the care of physicians.  This is about a $3,000 experience and not very practical for most people.  You would probably spend a week there and then be expected to follow the program they give you for another 3 weeks to cure (yes CURE) these conditions.

Given that is not practical, I offer you participation in The Elemental Cleanse ecourse for just $99 to do on your own at home.  I created the Cleanse BECAUSE most people can’t afford a pancha karma and it is common to self administer pancha karma in India where people are poor.  Pancha Karma in India was a luxury to royalty.  The Cleanse is not purely nutritional, it  will also teach you to manage your stress, meditate, and find the root cause of your suffering. Learn more>>

Post Cleanse or IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO CLEANSE and just want a diet although it won’t be as effective and as quick as the Cleanse:

Basically, vata and kapha are deranged probably due to extreme stress, poor diet, and ultimately accumulated toxicity or ama build up in the system.  You must ground the energy of Vata to initiate healing and that means establishing a meditation practice, a movement practice, a routine, and calming down your life.  You must release the hot fiery angry energy of Pitta (think…manage stress) and ultimately uplift the dense and clogged nature of Kapha.

Sad new…Psoriasis treatment is a LIFESTYLE.  Yes, it is curable, but unless you are ready to commit to a full cleanse, change for the better (ie., cure root cause of your suffering), and eat as follows, it will not go away.  The longer you have it, the harder it is to get rid of.  The real question to ask yourself is how much are you suffering and how much do you want to heal?

  • Introduce a healthy diet of whole, organic, and fresh foods eliminating caffeine, alcohol, processed foods, and sugar.  Limit salt to the small amount used in cooking and avoid salted foods.  Limit hot or pungent spices.
  • Each much less.  The recommendation is no more than 2 cups of food in each meal and no snacking.  Let yourself get hungry.
  • Drink water and do not allow the body to dehydrate.
  • Drink a little fruit juice daily diluted in water.  Tomato juice is best.
  • Eat appropriate protein daily.  Vegetarian is best, but the best animal sources if you are not vegetarian are egg whites, dairy (unless allergic and all should limit yogurt), fresh water fish, and fowl.  Non animal sources include beans, grains, and vegetables.(PROTEIN CALCULATOR)
  • Download my FREE ebook for general routines for living and eating for all doshas and learn more about Ayurveda.  Download>>
  • Establish yourself in meditation.  Here’s a good one to start with Meditation>>
  • Come to Yoga.  Class schedules>>
  • Exposure to the sun offers relief.  Lay out in the sun 15 minutes daily.
  • Baths should be warm or cool and oat baths provide relief.
  • Always apply a good moisturizer.  Ingredients like Aloe, Chamomile, Lavendar, and Sandalwood all provide relief.

I hope this is helpful.  OM, Pamela

 

 

 

*The sole purpose of these articles is to provide information about the tradition of ayurveda, yoga, and meditation. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any disease. If you have any serious acute or chronic health concern, please consult a trained health professional who can fully assess your needs and address them effectively. Check with your doctor before taking herbs or using essential oils when pregnant or nursing.