Alternative medicines for psoriasis aim to help the patients in two ways; 1) minimize the lesions and pain, and 2) avoid the failure of the skin cells to function properly. The most widely accepted alternative medicine for psoriasis includes the following:
A. Light Therapy
Of all the alternative psoriasis treatments available, this therapy has gained acceptance even from conventional doctors. In this kind of treatment, the ultraviolet light of the sun and artificial ultraviolet rays are used as healing therapies. This is further combined with some medications for better effectiveness.
B. Nutritional Therapy
There is a firm belief that the rapid production of the skin cells may be due to nutritional deficiencies. Food allergies are likewise not discounted as possible causes for the occurrence of psoriasis.
Certain food groups with particular nutrients such as selenium, vitamin E, zinc, vitamin A, and cold-water fish oils have known to relieve psoriasis patients. In the absence of whole foods containing the aforementioned nutrients, supplements can be used as substitute.
In England, researchers noted that fish oils given to psoriasis as a form of psoriasis medication, resulted to the reduction of scaling, redness, and itching. Similarly, placebo capsules with olive oil that were given to another set of participants did not elicit improvement of the symptoms.
In the absence of capsule supplements, there are plenty of fish oils that can be derived from cold-water fish like herring, sardines, salmon, or mackerel. Further, flax oil can be used by vegetarians in lieu of fish oil. It is also best to know that in the treatment of psoriasis, certain foods should be avoided, namely; alcohol, wheat, excessive animal foods, and acidic foods so as not to aggravate the situation.
Acidic foods include soda, pineapple, coffee, tomatoes, and citrus. In a study made in Sweden, psoriasis sufferers that were given vegetarian diet from three to four weeks resulted to lesser symptoms. Take note that the vegetarian diet here does not include eggs, milk, fish, or meat in particular.
C. Hydrotherapy
To supply the skin with certain minerals, moisture, and heat; water therapy is used as alternative psoriasis medicine. Often, the following hydrotherapy can offer relief to the sufferers:
- The use of warm water in bathing to improve blood circulation;
- Elimination of dry air with the use of a room humidifier. This way, lesions will not be aggravated;
- Bathing in water rich in sulfur and other minerals so that it will directly seep directly to the skin as an aid in the healing process.
As a proof that hydrotherapy works in the treatment of psoriasis, the Dead Sea was used by sufferers to bathe because the sea water is rich in salt and minerals. Back then, the location was ideal for sunbathing because of the unique ultraviolet light that radiated. As additional information, the Dead Sea is situated between Jordan and Israel which can be found at the lowest portion of the earth.
D. Detoxification, Fasting, and Colon Therapy
In order for the skin to regain proper function, one has to remove the body’s toxins and other waste products by means of detoxification therapy. This is based on the detoxification theory that psoriasis is only the body’s way of releasing toxins through the skin. This can be linked to the high level of endotoxins (certain bacteria in the cell walls) found in the intestines of psoriasis sufferers.
One detoxification method is called enema. The procedure involves the introduction of liquid into the rectum and colon through the anus. The rapid increase of liquid causes bloating that can induce bowel movements and irrigation of the colon. The process is expected to release the excess gas and other residues of the large intestine. Enema is also used as an aid in the process of fasting. However, as an alternative psoriasis medicine, this should be properly supervised by a naturopathic physician for safety reasons.
E. Ayurvedic Medicine (Ayurveda)
Herbal ayurvedic psoriasis treatment originated in India and is considered as one of the oldest medical practice. Its use evolved for over thousands of years based on the principle of Ayurveda. It puts together the balance of the spirit, mind, and body. Hence, others see this as a holistic approach by treating the whole body and not the specific symptoms of the sickness.
Basically, Ayurvedic medicine helps in the promotion of wellness and prevention of illness. Various techniques and products are used in restoring balance and cleansing of the body, making it essential that the methods should only be done by a trained Ayurvedic practitioner. This is important in order to avoid untoward side effects especially when used as psoriasis medicine.
F. Other Psoriasis Medicines
1. Herbal medicines- used in treating psoriasis include Psoralen coryliforia, Coleus forskoli, sarsaparilla (to attach with the endotoxins), and a lot more.
2. Aromatherapy- Carrier oils are mixed with oils from lavender, calendula, and bergamot then massaged into the affected skin.
3. Hypnotherapy- The sufferer is subjected to hypnotic trances to offer stress reduction, skin healing, and pain control in the subconscious mind.
4. Traditional Chinese medicines- Chinese medicines involve the use of topical and oral herbs, and acupuncture.
5. Topical herbs which are effective are tea tree oil, oats, evening primrose oil, emu oil, cayenne peppers due to its capsaicin content, apple cider vinegar, and aloe. In acupuncture, the needle is directed towards the organ or system causing the imbalance of life that triggers lesions of the skin.
In all cases, the use of alternative psoriasis medicine should be used with caution due to possible unknown side effects. For one, the skin a be sensitive to ultraviolet light rays and or certain intakes even if natural or organic may cause unwarranted interaction with some prescription drugs.