Category: Skin Health

July 3, 2019

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

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.

Ayurvedic Medicines for Psoriasis
(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

  1. Navkarshik Churna
  2. Gleaming Skin, Hair, Nails Formula
  3. Neem Capsules
  4. Manjishtha Capsules
  5. Pitta Balance
  6. Gandhak Rasayan
  7. Radiant Skin, Hair, Nails Lotion
  8. Jatyadi Tailam

Psora Care Pack

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.
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June 13, 2019

Ayurvedic ways to stay healthy during summer months

Classification of seasons according to Ayurveda

According to Ayurveda, the year is governed by the direction of the movement of the sun and is divided into two periods (solstice) that is Uttarayana (northern solstice) and Dakshinayana (southern solstice). Ayurvedic ritucharaya is based on Dosha and Panchmahabhuta theory.

When there is heat outside, the key to balance is to find ways to cool down inside- physically, mentally and emotionally. Summer season brings it with the host of symptoms such as excessive body heat, sweating, dehydration, skin rashes, sunburns, acne, diarrhoea, lethargy etc. Summer is hot, bright and a season of Pitta. Thus, it is recommended to maintain the body cool and not allowing the Pitta dosha to become aggravated.

Summer seasons according to Ayurveda

Summer season is known as “Grishm Ritu” in Ayurveda. In Ayurveda, there is a detailed description regarding different seasons and the regimen to be followed.

Classification of seasons according to Ayurveda:

Reference: Astang Hridyam Sutrasthanam, Chapter No. 3, Shloka No. 26-27)

Meaning: According to this shloka, in summer season, the rays of the sun become powerful and destructive. Kapha dosha decreases day by day and Vata dosha increases consequently. Hence, avoid the use of salt, pungent and sour foods, heavy physical exercises and exposure to sunlight during this season.

  • In Ayurveda, it is mentioned that there is a predominance of katu rasa (pungent taste) during summer season and Mahabhuta which are predominant are Vayu and Agni. Therefore, the strength of the persons becomes less.
  • One of the fundamental principles of Ayurveda is that our dietary habits and daily routines should flow with the seasons. It is a fundamental rule that ‘like increases like’ and cause imbalance and that opposite creates balance.
  • It is mentioned in Ayurveda that foods which are light to digest such as those having madhura (sweet), sheeta (cold), drava (liquid), snigdha (uncutous) should be taken.
  • Drinking plenty of water and other liquids such as buttermilk, fresh fruit juices, churned curd with pepper are advised.
  • Food with Katu (pungent), Amla (sour) taste and Ushna (warm) foods should be avoided.

Ayurvedic ways to stay healthy during summer months

1. Protect yourself from the sun:

According to Ayurveda, summer is considered to be a Pitta dominant season and Pitta dosha is aggravated by solar force.

  • Ayurveda considers this a time of dehydration that occur both inside and outside the body.
  • So, Ayurvedic measures based on Pitta pacification measures should be adopted.
  • To pacify Pitta dosha, it is necessary to protect yourself from the sun.
  • Eat juicy fruits such as melons, pears etc.
  • Drink a glass of lemon water  to keep yourself cool
  • Drink lots of water to keep yourself hydrated.

Protect yourself from the sun

2. Take Cooling Beverages:

It is a well known fact that carbonated beverages or a packed bottled juice don’t give any relief from the scorching heat. Rather, the system becomes dehydrated by the consumption of carbonated drinks.

  • Chilled cold drinks are harmful as they disrupt the ‘jatharagni’ or digestive fire.
  • Instead fresh seasonal fruit juices should be consumed.
  • Include water melon shake, fresh coconut water, bael sharbat (juice prepared from Aegle marmelos), aam panna (prepared from raw mangoes and spices), buttermilk are healthy as well as refreshing drinks.

3.  Take cooling diet:

Ayurveda recommends cooling diet to be consumed during summer season which includes seasonal fruits and vegetables that are sweet, juicy, bitter and astringent in nature. It is recommended to consume more alkaline foods in the diet during summer season.

  • Use rose petals in summer season as in Ayurveda, rose is renowned for its powerful cooling effect on the physiology.
  • Apply organic rose water on the face and if the eyes burn due to heat, then lie down for 10 minutes with organic rose water soaked cotton wads on closed eyes.
  • You can also splash some organic rose water in the bathing water.

cooling diet in summers

4. Eat at right time

Lunch should not be skipped during summer season as the digestive fire is strongest during mid-day.

  • Skipping lunch during summer season means upsetting the Pitta dosha.

5. Eat light foods:

In summer season, our bodies naturally crave for light and small meals because the digestive fire disperses in order to keep us cool.

  • It is a time to include sweet, astringent and bitter tastes in the diet and to enjoy cool, liquid and slightly oily foods.
  • Summer is considered as the best season for the intake of fresh fruits and salads.
  • Fresh and sweet dairy products can also be included in the diet during summer season such as homemade yogurt, buttermilk, cottage cheese etc.

6. Pranayam:

  • Pranayam such as Sheetali Pranayam and Chandrabhedi Pranayam are very effective for cooling down the body temperature

1. Sheetali Pranayam:

Stick your tongue out and curl the sides of the tongue upwards towards the center of the tongue.

  • Now, breathe in through the mouth and hold the breath.
  • Slowly exhale through the nose.
  • Repeat this procedure 5-10 times.

2. Chandrabhedi Pranayam:

This pranayama has a cooling effect on the nervous system and on the subtle channels of energy in the body.

  • Close the right nostril with the right thumb.
  • Now, exhale completely through the left nostril and then breathe in through the left nostril.
  • Close the left nostril with the little ring finger and exhale through the right nostril.
  • Repeat this procedure 5-10 times.
  • After this pranayama, lie down in Shavasan (Corpse pose).

Diet and Lifestyle to be followed during summer season:

  • Stay in cool places.
  • Excessive exercise or physical activity should be avoided.
  • Avoid sun exposure during the day time especially between 11 am to 3 pm.
  • Vegetables like cucumber, asparagus, green leafy vegetables should be consumed.
  • Milk mixed with cow’s ghee should be consumed during night.
  • Applying sandalwood and other aromatic and cooling pastes over the body is helpful.

Foods to be avoided:

  • Avoid foods that produce heat in the body such as sour fruits, garlic, chilies, dark meats as they tend to heat up the system.
  • Avoid taking alcohol in the summer season as it heats up the system.
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