Ayurvedic herbs for Psoriasis Management

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease which mainly affects skin as compared to other organs of the body. From the last few decades, Psoriasis's incidence has increased in India. According to a survey about 2 to 3 crore people are suffering from this disease. Male are more prone to this disease as compared to females.

ETIOPATHOGENESIS

The main cause behind Psoriasis is explained as below:

1. Genetic abnormalities
2. Sedentary lifestyle
3. Wrong dietary habits
4. Environment factors

The chances of psoriasis are more increased in people with genetic abnormalities when they follow below lifestyle and habits:

• Vata, Pitta and Kapha are the three main energies of the body. When vata and kapha is increased in the body it affects normal functioning of neuroendocrine system and immune system.
• When a person's immune system is deficient or not functioning properly, it can lead to various health issues.
• Vitiated kapha dosha hampers digestive fire, due to which the body is unable to digest food properly that leads to accumulation of endotoxin, i.e ama in the body.
• This ama can block various channels of our body and further destroy skin cells.
• After that vitiated vata and kapha dosha along with ama dosha travels through our whole body and deposits in the outer layer of skin (Epidermis).
• The vitiated dosha and toxic particles further damages the local defence system and nervous system.
• In the absence of a defence system skin cells begin to multiply in number. This multiplication of skin cells takes place within 4 to 5 days.
• Skin cells multiply to 10 times faster than normal. Abnormal keratinization of cells leads to multiple layer on the skin surface in the form of scales.
• Along with this process, pitta dosha is also increased which causes local inflammation.
• Skin cells start forming scales which are red in color and itchy in nature.
• Often heat increases itching and the problem is more increased.

In brief etiopathogenesis is explained below:

• Dosha - Kaph and vata dosha is involved mainly.
• Increased kapha dosha symptoms - Low energy, sense of heaviness, poor appetite, indigestion
• Increased vata symptoms - Dry rough skin, Fatigue, bodyache, feeling confused.
• Digestive fire - Digestive fire is weakened due to increased kapha dosha that leads to indigestion. Improper digestion of food causes formation of undigested food particles. These food particles further cause blockage of channels.
• Channels - The channels of the body through which the material needed for tissue building and for nutrition flows from one corner of the body to another. Increased kapha dosha is the main culprit behind blockage of channels. It mainly affects Rasvah Srotas (The channel which helps in circulation of lymph, plasma). As disease progresses it also involves other channels too.
• The target (Dushya) - Mainly skin and lymphatic tissue is involved, but with further progression it also causes damage to other organs and tissues.
• Immune system (Ojas) - The main reason behind this disease is a weak immune system. It is the main cause which leads to various problems.

CLINICAL FEATURES

The main symptom of Psoriasis is the presence of reddish patches which are dry and itchy. They are present in the form of scales. The patches can range from small spots to major eruptions that can cover large areas. On the basis of scaling, psoriasis is divided into 5 subtypes:

1. Plaque - It is the most common type, rash is raised and covered with silvery scales. These patches often appear on the scalps, knees, elbows and lower back.
2. Guttate - Pink red spots on trunk upper arms, thighs and scalp.
3. Inverse - Patches that are bright red and shiny but don't have scales mainly on armpits, groin.
4. Pustular - It is an uncommon type and there's pus filled pustules. Mainly on hands and feet area.
5. Erythrodermic - Severe itching and burning sensation. It affects mostly all parts of our body.

90% of people are found with plaque psoriasis and the rest are affected with other types of psoriasis.

Other Symptoms:

1. Joint pain
2. Swollen or stiff joints
3. Depression

MANAGEMENT OF PSORIASIS

Herbs should be chosen on the basis of above pathogenesis of psoriasis. Things to keep in mind while choosing herbs by physician:

• Herbs which are effective for dissolution of etiopathogenic factors.
• They should be less in quantity.
• Herbs which are easy available and easy to consume.
• Herbs whose extract are based on Ayurvedic principles.
• Herbs which are scientifically proven for treating psoriasis
• Herbs with no side effect when used in proper dose as advised by physician
• Total cost of treatment should be affordable.

HERBS BENEFICIAL IN PSORIASIS

1. Antipsoriatic Herbs

The main reason behind psoriasis is a weak immune system that can lead to antibody formation in the body.

1. Shawet kutaj (Wrightia tinctoria)
2. Avalguja (Psoralea corylifolia)
3. Arushkara
4. Katuki (Picrorhiza kurroa)
5. Ankot (Alangium salvifolium)

These herbs are anti-inflammatory and antipruritic in nature. They are very beneficial in all types of skin disorders as they possess anti-toxic action. Due to all these actions and properties these are highly beneficial in treatment of Psoriasis.

2. Immunomodulatory Drugs

Immunomodulatory herbs play an important role in treatment of psoriasis. All these herbs enhance immunity power and provide strength to fight against diseases. The main herbs under this category are:

1. Ashwagandha
2. Guduchi
3. Bhumyamalaki (Phyllanthus niruri)
4. Chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica)
5. Shunthi (Zingiber officinale)
6. Suvarn
7. Shilajit
8. Yashad
9. Tulsi
10. Pippali
11. Tamra
12. Mal
13. Harital
14. Parad
15. Gandhak

3. Locally Acting Herbs

Locally acting herbs play a vital role in treatment of psoriasis such as they help to reduce swelling and help in removal of dead skin cells. The main herbs are Shwet kutaj, Aargvadh, Durva, Madhuyashti, Bakuchi, Karanj oil, Nimba oil and narikel oil.

4. Anti Allergic Herbs

Psoriasis causes red scales which are itchy and sometimes cause discharge. We can use herbs like Shati, Jaharmohra, Madhuyashti, Yashad, Kantkari, Dugdhika, Haridra, Shirish and guduchi etc.

5. Anti Inflammatory Herbs

The main complaint in psoriasis is inflammation. Following herbs can be used to reduce inflammation:

1. Shallaki
2. Eranda Moola
3. Jatiphala
4. Guggul
5. Rasna
6. Dashmoola
7. Ashwagandha
8. Haridra

6. Nootropic Herbs

People who are suffering from psoriasis are also found to be depressed and stressed. These herbs can be used to soothe their nervous system and to reduce stress. Brahmi, Tagar, Shankhpushpi, Jatamansi can be used to improve their mood and current situation.

7. Antioxidant Herbs

Antioxidant herbs help in delaying the oxidation of free radicals and are highly beneficial in treating psoriasis.

1. Shilajit
2. Amalaki
3. Abhrak
4. Yashad
5. Ashwagandha
6. Kapikachhu

Ayurvedic Treatment of Psoriasis

PSORIASIS TREATMENT IN AYURVEDA

Psoriasis is a disorder of skin called "Ek-Kushtha and by some authors as Sidhma Kushtha" in Ayurveda. It is described in ancient ayurvedic text of Ayurveda called Charak Samhita in the chapter of Kushtha Roga ( Skin Ailments ) and their Ayurvedic treatments.

According to Ayurveda, Psoriasis is Vata-Kapha disorder of Skin with involvement of Pitta and other 4 tissues called Rasa, Lymph, Blood and Skin. There are 18 types of chornic skin ailments described in Ayurveda and out of those 17 are said to be curable including Psoriasis. The combination of Skin diseases however can be thousands, but mainly 18 types are serious skin disorders as per Ayurvedic texts.

Charak Samhita is an ancient Ayurvedic text which is authored by Agnivesh ( A bright student of ancient sage - Atreya). Agnivesh is also known as Charaka by many. His time is around 1500 BC. So it's about 3500 BC old literature of Ayurveda explaining various complicated disorders including Psoriasis, herbs for psoriasis and various herbal compounds to get rid of Psoriasis permanently.

The main focus of the treatment is to normalize Vata- Pitta dosha, clean the blood and lymph and get rid of scales as fast as possible."

The treatment gives results within first month of usage and long term use of herbal remedies described in Ayurveda can completely heal the skin. Usually it can take up to 9 months to 1 year but the results are visible within few weeks of treatment.

Out of 18 types of skin ailments described in Charaka Samhita ( 1500 BC text on Ayurveda ) 7 are called Major and 11 are called minor skin ailments.

THESE ARE MENTION BELOW ALONG WITH THEIR NEAREST MODERN EQUIVALENTS

Major Kushthas (Skin Ailments):-

1. Kapala Kushtha ( Tuberculoid Eczema or Tubercular Leprosy)
2. Audumber Kushtha ( Allergic vasculatis)
3. Mandala Kushtha ( Tinea with secondary infection )
4. Rishya Jivha ( Melanoma - Skin Cancers )
5. Pundrika Kushtha ( Discoid lupus Erythematosus )
6. Sidhma Kushtha ( Tinea versicolor by some and Psoriasis by some authors )
7. Kakana Kushtha ( Toxic Epidermal Necrylysis )

Minor Kushthas (Skin Ailments):-

1. Ekakushtha - Psoriasis by some authors and Ichythyosis by some.
2. Charmdal - Lichen Planus
3. Kitibha Kushtha - Atopic dermatitis with keratinization
4. Vipadika Kushtha - Palmoplantar Psoriasis or Traumatic dermatitis
5. Alsak Kushtha - Allergic dermatitis
6. Dadru Kushtha - Tinea ( Ringworm )
7. Charamdala Kushtha - Chronic Lichen Simplex
8. Pama - Scabies
9. Visphota Kushtha ( Folliculitis )
10. Sataru Kushtha ( Pyoderma Gangrinosum )
11. Vicharchika Kushtha ( Weeping eczema )

In my opinion, Sidhma Kushtha should be considered as Psoriasis as in symptoms of Sidhma Kushtha mentioned in Charaka, it is said that the skin becomes whitish, silvery with fishy scales. Sometimes the scales are like copper and they are thin scales. If you rub them, some dust like powder drifts out of them. The scales are like flowers of a gourd family plant. This type of "Kushtha ( Skin Ailment) " usually occurs on upper part of the body.

Prognosis of Psoriasis in Ayurveda- In Ayurveda, Psoriasis is mainly considered as Vata-Kapha imbalance disease affecting many other cells / tissues of the body ( mainly skin). It is possible to get very good results and cure it using blood purifying herbs and herbs which work at cellular level to improve skin health and texture. Fortunately, there are many herbs which are working really well in Psoriasis.

DIET IN PSORIASIS

Ayurveda recommends very good diet to be followed in Psoriasis. Following the diet alone can give good results in the patients.

AVOID

Avoid citrus fruits, Long travel, Avoid spicy, fried food, Avoid soft drinks, All sour fruits like lemons, oranges, kiwi, pineapples should be avoided under all circumstances. Avoid Alcohol, Non-vegetarian diet. Butter, Milk and milk products should be avoided immediately. Avoid packaged food and avoid high protein diet. Salt intake should also be restricted.

ADVICE

Bitter vegetables like Long Gourd, Pumpkin, round gourd, Bitter gourd, apples, salads, fruits and vegetables ( green leafy).

AYURVEDIC TREATMENT FOR PSORIASIS

THE BEST COMBINATION WHICH REALLY WORKS IN PSORIASIS IS AS MENTIONED BELOW

Prescription which I usually give to Psoriasis patients in my clinic is-

#1. MIXTURE OF FOLLOWING

1. Praval panchamrit- 5 gm
2. Kalmegh Navayas Loh - 5 gm
3. Swarn Makshik Bhasma - 10 gm
4. Mukta Pishti - 2 gm
5. Kamdudha Ras - 5 gm
6. Yashad Bhasma - 5 gm
7. Akik Pishti - 5 gm
8. Jahar Mohra Pishti - 5 gm
9. Giloy Satv - 10 gm 

Make 60 packs of equal dosages of all these mineral preparations, consume 1 dosage twice daily, with honey or with milk ( 10-20 ml).

#2. BLOOD PURIFYING HERBS FOR PSORIASIS

1. Cap. Radiant Skin Hair Nail - 1 twice daily
2. Cap. Neem - 1 twice daily
3. Derma support tab (2 bottles) - 2 morning, 2 evening
4. T-sora cap (240 caps) - 2 morning, 2 evening
5. Immunoj (240 caps) - 2 morning, 2 evening
6. Vasaka cap (2 bottles) - 1 morning, 1 evening
7. Jeevantyadhi ghrit (2 bottles) - 1/2 spoon with milk
8. Kushtkutar tab (240 tabs) - 2 morning, 2 evening
9. Livopill (240 tabs) - 2 morning, 2 evening
10. Kaishore guggul (2 bottles) - 2 morning, 2 evening

APPLY

1. Vetpalai oil (4 bottles)
2. Somraji ghrit (3 bottles)
3. Epiderm oil (6 bottles)
4. Wash with Aloe vera gel wash (2 bottles)

ALL this for 3 to 6 months.

Please take all the pills with coconut water. Results will be evident within 1st month of usage.

Avoid citrus and sour fruits.

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