Dr. Vikram Chauhan, Author at Dr. Vikram Chauhan's Blog

Natural Treatment for Psoriasis

Abstract

Skin plays a major role in the physical and mental well being of an individual because the unbroken skin is the nature’s dressing over the body and it also acts as a protective barrier against the entry of disease causing pathogens.

Psoriasis is considered as a non-contagious skin condition that causes rapid skin cells production because of this, skin cells don’t have time to fall off which results in piling up of dry, thickened and red patches of the skin. This disorder mainly affects the skin of the elbows, scalp and knees.

Psoriasis can be a very persistent complaint which is responsible for the great deal of unhappiness and depression among the patients. Thus those living with Psoriasis have a higher risk of being diagnosed with depression. Hence, psychological aspect of psoriasis is also important in the etio-pathogenesis and the management of psoriasis.

What are the symptoms of Psoriasis?

The signs and symptoms of psoriasis are different for every patient but the common signs and symptoms include

Red patches on the skin which are covered by thick and silvery scales.
Itching and burning sensation on the skin.
Nails appear as thickened, pitted or ridged.
Swollen or stiff joints

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of psoriasis can be done by taking the medical history of the patient, by analyzing the skin, hair and nails.

Treatment

Natural treatment of psoriasis includes the application of topical corticosteroids, Vitamin D analogues, topical retinoids, phototherapy, oral or injected medications etc.

Psoriasis according to Ayurveda

In Ayurvedic classical texts, the word ‘Kushtha’ is a broad term which is mentioned for all types of skin disorders. Ekakushtha is classified under Kshudra Kushtha which has a close resemblance with psoriasis due to its maximum similarity with the symptoms.

Comparison between Psoriasis and Kshudrakushtha

Ekakushtha Lakshana	Psoriasis signs and symptoms
Aswedanam	The lesions are dry and rough.
Matsya Shakalopamam	There are well defined raised papules and erythematic plaques which are covered with silvery scales.
Twaka Parushya	Dryness in the skin
Mahavastu	Bigger lesions are deep rooted and found all over the body
Krishna Aruna Varna	Erythematous thick lesions become black in colour.

(Reference: Charak Samhita, Chikitsa Sthan, Chapter 7, Shlok No. 21)

Meaning : According to this shloka, ekkushta is defined as the disease in which there is no perspiration, extensive which means it affects the large area and looks like fishy scales. This condition is known as ekkushta.

What is the natural treatment of Psoriasis?

Planet Ayurveda offers ‘Psora Care Pack’ which helps in the purification of blood and tissues which is the primary aim in the ayurvedic treatment of psoriasis. These remedies help in the cleansing of the toxins and restoration of digestion to prevent their further accumulation. This pack consists of the nourishing herbs that strengthen and tone the tissues for the complete healing of the skin.

Psora Care Pack of Planet Ayurveda includes

Navkarshik Churna
Gleaming Skin, Hair, Nails Formula
Neem Capsules
Manjishtha Capsules
Pitta Balance
Gandhak Rasayan
Radiant Skin, Hair, Nails Lotion
Jatyadi Tailam

Psora Care Pack

Product Description

1. Navkarshik Churna

Navkarshik Churna by Planet Ayurveda is a polyherbal powder formulation made by Planet Ayurveda. This Powder is mainly effective in eliminating toxins from the body due to its detoxifying nature. It includes herbs such as Vacha (Acorus calamus), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), etc. In Psoriasis as per Ayurveda there is the accumulation of Ama (Endotoxins), so this herbal powder blend by eliminating Ama (Endotoxins) from the body helps in managing various symptoms of Psoriasis.

Dosage : ½ to 1 teaspoonful twice daily with plain water after meals.

2. Gleaming Skin, Hair, Nails Formula

Gleaming Skin, Hair, Nails Formula is one of the polyherbal capsule formulations of Planet Ayurveda. These capsules consist of herbs such as Ghrit Kumari (Aloe barbadensis), Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), etc. The herbs present in these capsules make them effective for various skin problems and also promote skin health. This remedy consists of anti-oxidant properties which help in reducing the accumulation of free radicals, removes endotoxins from the body and aids in management of Psoriasis.

Dosage : 1-2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

3. Neem Capsules (Azadirachta indica)

When it comes to skin disease, there is no herb equivalent to neem. Neem Capsules by Planet Ayurveda contain the standardized extract of this herb. The neem tree is known by the name community pharmacy in Indian villages because of its immense medicinal benefits. Neem is quite useful in the treatment of acute and chronic disorders such as acne, eczema, ringworm, psoriasis etc.

Dosage : 1 – 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

4. Manjishtha Capsules (Rubia cordifolia)

The standardized extract of the herb is used for the preparation of Planet Ayurveda’s Manjishtha Capsules. This herb acts as a natural blood cleanser which helps in the detoxification of blood, removes excess heat, promotes circulation, removes ama (endotoxins), balances Pitta and Kapha doshas. These capsules provide relief in psoriasis in a natural way.

Dosage : 1 – 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

5. Pitta Balance

Pitta Balance Capsules is a wonderful product of Planet Ayurveda that contains natural calcium compounds which are cooling in nature. These compounds remove the excess heat or correct the vitiated Pitta within the system. In psoriasis, the compromised digestive system leads to an increase in pitta dosha in the rasa dhatu. So, these capsules alleviate excess Pitta and help in the management of psoriasis.

Dosage : 1 capsule twice daily with plain water after meals.

6. Gandhak Rasayan

Gandhak (purified sulfur) is the primary ingredient in Planet Ayurveda’s Gandhak Rasayan. Under the supervision of Ayurvedic practitioners, this composition, which comes in tablet form, can be administered to individuals of all ages. It purifies blood and keeps toxins from building up in the body. Psoriasis can be caused by vitiated blood and toxic accumulation, among other things. Thus, these tablets aid in alleviating psoriasis symptoms by cleansing the blood and detoxifying the channels.

Dosage : 1 – 2 tablets twice daily with plain water after meals.

7. Radiant Skin, Hair, Nails Lotion

Radiant Skin, Hair, Nails Lotion from Planet Ayurveda is an amazing product that contains a range of herbs and has no unfavorable side effects. This lotion contains a variety of herbs, including curcumin (Curcuma longa), neem (Azadirachta indica), and coconut (Cocos nucifera). This lotion helps reduce inflammation in case of Psoriasis due to its anti-inflammatory, healing, calming, antioxidant, and regeneration qualities.

Method of Application : Mix with Jatyadi Oil and apply this for 2-3 times a day.

8. Jatyadi Tailam

Jatyadi tailam by Planet Ayurveda is a classical Ayurvedic formulation in Oil form. This Oil consists of ingredients such as Neem (Azadirachta indica), Mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra), etc. This Oil is used since ancient times for its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, soothing and healing properties. Local application of this oil in case of psoriasis helps in soothing the skin and reducing inflammation and scaling.

Method of Application : Mix with Jatyadi Oil and apply this for 2 – 3 times a day.

Diet and Lifestyle

Avoid taking wrong food combinations such as fish with milk, milk with fruits, milk with sour foods etc.
Fruits should not be combined with the dairy products like milk, yogurt etc.
Fruits should not be taken immediately after taking meals because fruits digest easily whereas grains and cereals take time to digest so there can be fermentation and formation of ama takes place.Adding fruits to ice-cream is really worse.
Taking non-vegetarian food such as meat with milk is a bad combination because meat is hot whereas milk is cool in nature therefore they contradict one another and produce toxins.

Top 4 Ayurvedic Medicines for Ulcerative colitis Treatment

When inflammation happens in the colon, it is called colitis. This disease is the result of prolonged illness and inflammation which is caused by the fragile membrane that lies on the walls of the large intestine, mostly in the rectum area.

Generally, colitis is divided into 2 types:

1. Specific

This happens due to protoplasm and/or tubercular infiltrations.

2. Idiopathic:

This type occurs rarely but the specific cause can’t be pinned down and is generally called ‘Ulcerative Colitis.’ Amoebic colitis further develops from this type.

Chronic Ulcerative Colitis is an acute, severe, prolonged inflammation of the colon or large bowel in which ulcers getcreated on the walls of the colon. Currently, no remedy has been found that can control the symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis that develop gradually and not out break all of a sudden. If you ignore these initial symptoms like loose motions, abdominal pain, bleeding per rectum, indigestion, etc. it can further manifest into TB or cancer.

Initially corticosteroids were introduced that were thought to prevent and heal Colitis and they revolutionized the medical world. But these had to face the hardships as they had more side effects than the cures. They came with a thump and left with a lump. Then came some other medicines with minimal side effects, but this created dependency and as their availability was poor these also faded away.

The only alternative that was visible was surgery – a complete colectomy (removal of the colon) or proctocolectomy with ileostomy (removal of the anus along with a colon, and creating a separate opening in the abdominal wall). These procedures have a permanent effect on the lifestyle of the patient due to many restrictions imposed upon them, barricading their physical movements.

It is triggered by psychological factors; stress and strain. So when dealing with the patients of Colitis, you need to strengthen them psychologically and then do focus on the cure.

According to classical Ayurvedic literature, colitis has been named as ‘grahani.’ Whereas it’s clinical definition remains exactly the same as chronic colitis. The main diagnostic symptoms of grahani are frequent loose motions along with mucus or bleeding discharge and has a filthy smell.

Grahani is such a syndrome in which the digestive fire or Agni gets vitiated. This happens with the aggravation of Pitta dosha, with some degrees of Vata dosha which also creates imbalance.

When Agni is disturbed, toxic waste material or undigested food begins to accumulate, creating Ama, which is then passed through stools. When Pitta-aggravating foods are consumed in an excessive manner or the current lifestyle can cause damage to the rakta dhatu (blood tissue) and mamsa dhatu (muscle tissue). It further advances to the accumulation of Ama that starts to create deposits from the villi in the intestines, also compromises with the functioning of the intestines. Initially Vata dosha may also get aggravated, which leads to inflammation, the formation of mucus and edema.

Ayurvedic Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis

The Ayurvedic treatment of colitis begins with rekindling the digestive Agni, thus it reduces the formation of Ama. While Ayurvedic medicines have shown their worth by proving to be extremely effective in regularizing Agni. In fact when it functions optimally even when the medicines are withdrawn, then it is only considered as cured. The Agni should remain stable without any need for external medicines.
If you need an authentic treatment by Ayurveda, come to Planet Ayurveda and receive Ulcerative Colitis Care Pack. It is an Ayurvedic clinic, which is flourishing by leaps & bounds. Use your wisdom of hindsight and give it a try. It has no side effects and is made from authentic extraction of herbs, plants, or trees. Basically it consists of 4 medicines- Arjuna capsules, Pitta Balance, Kutazghan Vati and Vatsakadi churna. All 4 have their own properties.

1. Arjuna capsules:

They are made from the bark of Arjuna tree, which is famous for wound healing. It heals the pores created on the intestines by various toxins. It also stops the bleeding, heals the ulcer, controls diarrhea and prevents inflammation. It also regulates the hemoglobin level and gives strength to the whole body.

Dosage: – 2 capsules twice a day with plain water, taken after meals.

2. Pitta Balance:

Calcium compounds have a vital role to play when controlling the Colitis and this remedy is a mixture of various Ayurvedic calcium compounds that halt the bleeding after a few doses and has a cool effect on the whole body that reduces the inflammation. Natural calcium compounds like pearls and corals are used in this preparation.
One of the ingredients of Pitta Balance Capsules is Mukta pishti which is made by taking the authentic powder of pearls and this powder gets pestle along with rose water under the moonlight and lets it rest for 30 days at a stretch.
It becomes so strong that it has the ability to restore the Pitta balance in an amicable way. It is able to wither away the inflammation, therefore the effectiveness of the treatment is inevitable.

Dosage: – 1 capsule, twice a day with plain water, after meals.

3. Vatsakadi Churna:

This churna (powder) is a quite effective remedy that heals Ulcerative Colitis. Vatsakadi churna actually is a mixture of numerous ulcer healing herbs like Kutaz (Holarrhena antidysenterica), Saunf (Foeniculum vulgare), Bilva (Aegle marmelos), Dhania (Coriander sativum), Anar (Punica granatum), Choti Elaichi (Elettaria cardamomum) and Jaiphal (Myristica fragrans).
All these herbs begin working after forming harmony with each other to restore the imbalance of many body’s metabolic reactions. It is also able to heal the ulcers and makes it wither away, never to recur.

Dosage: -1 full teaspoon with plain water after meals, twice a day.

How to Take

Add 1 teaspoon and dip it in 400ml of water and then boil. Keep it on the flames until the water is reduced in quantity to 50ml. Take it off the flames and drink it after straining. Leave the residue and drink this water twice a day. Make a fresh drink each time.

4. Kutazghan Vati:

Kutaz (Holarrhena antidysenterica) as the name suggests, it is a wonderful herbal tablet that has the power to end diarrhea. The diarrhea can happen due to inflammatory bowel diseases. It also helps to burn Ama or toxins, stops inflammation, halts fermentation that is happening in the intestines and heals the ulcers. This tablet is made from the standardized extract of the bark of this tree and is often used to heal ulcers.

Dosage: 2 tabs twice daily with plain water 30 mins after meal.

All these herbal medicines will make your body feel like a bronco, strong and swift.