Psoriasis is a non-infectious, inflammatory disease of the skin. It is characterized by well-defined erythematous (reddish) plaques with large adherent silvery scales. The main abnormality in psoriasis is an increased proliferation of the skin layers due to excessive division of the cell in the basal layers of the skin. Severe itching may associate with the plaques. Dryness of the skin and silvery scaling are characteristics of this condition.
1% to 3% of the most population has
Psoriasis. It is very common among Europeans and North Americans. It is often
seen between 15 to 40 yrs of age.
The exact reason behind Psoriasis is unknown.
There is frequently a genetic predisposition. A child with one affected parent
has a 15% chance of developing the disease and this rises to 50% if both the
parents are affected. Streptococcal infection of the upper respiratory tract
may exacerbate the condition. Deprivation of sunlight influences this condition
and mental stress plays an important role in aggravating the condition. Certain
drugs like chloroquine, chlorpropamide, lithium and practaol may aggravate this
condition.
The peculiar lesions will be raised and
red with dry, silvery-white scaling. Size may vary from a few millimetres to
several centimetres in diameter. Common sites are scalp elbows knees and lower
back. Pitting of the nails is very common. Involvements of palm is not
uncommon. Many may develop sero-negative inflammatory arthritis, which is characterized
by multiple involvements of joints and pitting on nails.
Psoriasis Causes: Many basic Ayurveda texts have explained skin diseases,
which resembles Psoriasis. According to these references, Psoriasis can be
considered as the vitiation of Vata and Kapha. (Two of the basic
energies/humors, which maintains our body equilibrium)
Accumulation of low potency poisons (Dooshi vishas), are the basic pathological changes taking place in the system. Irregular food habits, consumption of foodstuffs that cannot be eaten together (Eg: diary products with fish), excessive intake of yogurt, black gram, seafood, sour and salted items etc can activate the pathogenesis. Alcohol and tobacco consumption will act as a catalyst here. Ayurveda do emphasize on the effect of stress in the pathogenesis of Psoriasis.
Psoriasis Treatment: Coming to the treatment aspects of Psoriasis according to
Ayurveda, it aims at the detoxification of the body or elimination of toxins
from the body fluids. It is achieved by "Panchakarma"
treatments.
Current schedule, comprising various
treatment aspects of Ayurveda is aiming at a better control of Psoriasis. This
includes internal and external medications purely of plant origin. Rough out
line of this schedule is as follows.
(i)
Consumption
of medicated ghee, considering the Dosha type of the Psoriasis and the person,
for 5 to 7 days.
(ii)
Detoxifying,
by inducing vomiting (Vamana) and purgation (Virechana).
This is followed by
medicated buttermilk dripping overhead (Dahara) and pasting the entire body
with a paste of medicines and mud.
(iii)
Basti
(medicated enemas) are being done for 8 days and internal medicines like herbal
concoctions; medicated ghee has to be consumed for at least 90 days.
Psoriasis Diet: A strict diet regime has to be followed during the entire
treatment period and it is better to continue as vegetarian. Yogurt, black
gram, chilies and salted thing have to be restricted. It is better to avoid
refrigerated/chilled foods. Psoriasis patient must keep a state of mental calmness
Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Psoriasis :
Black Nightshade (Solanum nigrum)- Kakmachi - The juice of the leaves of the black nightshade can be applied locally on the affected regions. It helps in reducing the inflammation of the skin, and also has beneficial properties in allaying the pain and the itch.
Ø Garlic
(Allium sativum) - Garlic is a
blood purifier. Eating a few cloves of garlic every morning on an empty stomach
filters the toxins out of the blood and provides protection against psoriasis.
Ø Jasmine
(Jasminum polyanthum) - The flowers
of the jasmine have good effects in the treatment of psoriasis. The flowers are
crushed, made into a paste and are directly applied on the inflamed parts. This
application reduces the pain and the itchiness of psoriatic inflammations.
Ø Guggul
is an Ayurveda herb from
a resin of a small tree, which grows in north-western India, its useful in
treating psoriasis. It has anti-inflammatory and lipid-lowering actions, helps
remove fat, excess fluids from the body and penetrates deep into the tissues.
It is a effective Kapha- and Vata-pacifying supplement.
Ø Neem is one among the best blood purifier and detoxifier
known to Ayurveda. It enhances immune system and neem oil is an antiseptic in
itself. Leaf extracts are used in antiseptics and can be effectively used in
treating psoriasis. It destroys fungus and bacteria and is best for almost all
kinds of skin diseases including redness of skin and itching.
Ø Turmeric
– The spice has a long
history in Ayurveda, and is a primary component for cooking. The powdered form
can be used with food, or is available as capsules as a dietary supplement. Due
to the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric, it relieves
the pain, swelling and inflammation associated with psoriasis, arthritis etc.
Vaidya Aravind T.V
Ayurveda Physician
Swastya Ayurveda Health Care
9008115952
