Aloe vera is a natural remedy that has been used to help with a variety of skin conditions, from sunburns to psoriasis. In this article, we'll explore the potential benefits of using aloe vera for psoriasis and explain how you can use it in your own skincare routine.
Is Aloe Vera a Natural Remedy for Psoriasis?
Many people believe that aloe vera can be beneficial in treating psoriasis. This is because of its anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce skin inflammation and may provide relief from the related itch and discomfort. While there is still limited research on the efficacy of using aloe vera for psoriasis, many people have reported a positive improvement in their condition after using aloe vera-based products.
Aloe vera for Psoriasis – Multitude of benefits
Aloe vera aka Kumari is having a prestigious name in the history of Ayurveda. The succulent gel in itself shows how much it has water content in it and can be nourishing to the body. When you say aloe vera, its rich green colour comes to mind. Not only this, the healing gel in it contains plenty of vitamins, Calcium, amino acids and numerous enzymes which contribute to its amazing medicinal properties. Aloe vera is known for its healing property, especially in cases of burns, wounds and skin diseases.
It is also used in cases of insect bites, eczema etc owing to its antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Aloe vera also forms a major part of cosmetic creams, gels and shampoos. In Ayurveda, purification of Kumari swarasa is mentioned and in general, aloe vera helps to reduce increased blood sugar, boosts immunity, improves digestion and also regulates the excretory system.
By this statement, you have come to know why aloe vera juice is recommended for detoxification routine. Aloe vera helps to decrease the excess heat energy in the body, the Pitta. Its cooling soothing nature makes it a heat energy-reducing elixir.
Chemical constituents in aloe vera are alonin, beta glycoproteins and glycosides which are bitter in nature.
Ayurvedic view of Psoriasis
Ayurveda includes Psoriasis among Kushta (a group of skin diseases) and essentially every skin disease is having relation to the mind, diet and lifestyle of the person.
For example, when you purposefully begin to indulge in incompatible diets, lifestyles and habits like smoking, alcohol etc your mind and body get out of balance. The treatment starts when you want a change in yourself and begin to modify your diet and lifestyle along with Ayurvedic medicines.
Ayurvedic medicines and treatment for Psoriasis
Available options are medicated emesis Vamana, medicated purgation Virechana, and procedures like dhara to alleviate the flare-up of doshas in the body. There are also medicated paste applications like lepana in Ayurveda for conditions like this. It is not only about the medicinal application but also about internal blood purification using bitter drugs like Manjistha which increases the glow of the skin by correcting the circulatory system.
Various herbal decoctions (Kashayam) and Pills (gulika) are used to achieve satisfactory levels of disease management when you are having a skin disease. Your Ayurvedic physician will help you to choose the most suitable medicine for your condition by analysing the doshas, your Prakriti and the symptoms exhibited by your body.
Aloe vera for Psoriasis
The term Psoriasis explains an autoimmune skin disease in which the skin gets inflamed and flaky often with silvery patches which can even affect joints. When it progresses gradually, these scaly patches can also turn into psoriatic arthritis where your joints are affected and you begin to experience pain and swelling.
Research studies using Aloe vera for Psoriasis
in 1996 a study published says that use of Aloe vera extract is beneficial in management of psoriasis with out any sideeffcects.2
A study published in 2010 says that use of alovera gel is slightly more beneficail than use of 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide (steroid cream) in patients with mild to moderate plaque psoriasis.1
In 2018 a test was conducted in which patients with a manageable level of psoriasis were given 50% of propolis and three per cent of aloe vera for about 3 months and the symptoms like itching scaling of skin etc. were reduced. 4
According to National Psoriasis Foundation external application of aloe vera gel is helpful in reducing redness and scaling in psoriasis.3
What causes the healing ability of Aloe vera?
The compound called Glucomannin is that which gives it the power to heal burns and it also nurtures the healthy growth of skin cells.
What about skin hydrating properties?
Another important property of Aloe vera is that regulates the water levels in the skin that is, it hydrates the skin which makes it an all-time skin protective skin refreshing gel.
Check this out first!
Aloe vera can trigger allergies in some people. It causes skin sensitivity in some. It is better that you apply the aloe vera gel to a specific area in your skin and if it appears to be normal and good for your skin, then you can continue to apply. If it doesn’t make you feel good, you should discontinue the use of aloe vera gel. Anyways, first, give it a try at least.
Important tips for Psoriasis
Psoriasis is caused due to psychosomatic reasons like continuous stress and lifestyle disorders which deteriorate mental health and in due course affects your skin.
Practising Pranayama and meditation, physical exercises and Yoga helps you to manage Psoriasis. Also make yourself detached from negative emotions like anger , sorrow and incompatible food combinations like milk and sour fruits, curd and fish etc.
Simple remedies are more beneficial
Conventional medicinal systems suggest various topical creams and steroid medications which are often prescribed for psoriasis-like conditions but, these are not useful for prolonged usage. Maintaining a healthy state of the skin without inducing side effects should be the priority while we are taking any treatment.
Ayurveda has given legendary contribution in this arena and has simple home remedies which are safe and effective for prolonged usage. Here, Aloe vera also is a classical example. It can be used internally and externally for the effective management of Psoriasis. Simple remedies can change your life. Just trust Ayurveda and go on with positivity ahead.
Other known remedies for treating Psoriasis
- Pure coconut oil can be applied on the affected skin and you can also use medicated Ayurvedic oils like Eladi keram and Nalpamaradi keram after discussing with your physician.
- Turmeric contains Curcumin which also helps to reduce inflammation and restores the original skin color when used daily.
- Turmeric milk also helps to purify the blood when taken as part of a daily routine.
- As per astrology, skin-related issues occur due to the influence of celestial bodies like Saturn and Rahu. Pacifying these planets with suitable remedies helps to control skin diseases and resorting to nature-friendly diet and lifestyle remedies speeds up the healing.
When nature is nurtured and sought for remedies, solutions come up faster. Hail the power of nature, hail Ayurveda.
Final thoughts
Adding aloe vera to your psoriasis treatment plan could be a beneficial alternative remedy. Studies have shown its potential to help, but further research is necessary to determine how effective it is and if there are any potential side effects that might arise in the long-term. Be sure to inform your doctor of any new treatments you want to try and update your treatment plan accordingly.
Refrences
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1468-3083.2009.03377.x
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1046/j.1365-3156.1996.d01-91.x
- https://www.psoriasis.org/integrative-approaches-to-care/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6026437/
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