Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic and recurring skin disorder. It usually occurs between the ages of 14 and 24 and persists for life. However if proper Ayurvedic treatment is initiated in the early stages itself one can restrict the severity and frequency of attacks.

Components of Psoriasis

1. Hereditary
2. Extreme stress
3. Triggering factors like viral infections/ immunisation.

Causes

The exact cause still remains a mystery, some cases may be triggered by viral infections, immunisation or a period of extreme stress.

Psoriasis has a hereditary component, some people can be carriers, i.e., they pass on the disease, even if they do not actually show the symptoms themselves.

In women, the condition may clear up in pregnancy but unfortunately it often reappears after the birth of the baby.

Sings & Symptoms

Although the condition may occur on any part of the body, the characteristic sites are knees and elbows.

There are several different types of psoriatic rashes, the most common one being deep red or purple. The skin is thick and is covered with a silvery scale, which is a diagnostic index.

It can affect any part of the body although it rarely attacks the face.

In Ayurvedic system of medicine, it is known as Kitibha. Blood impurities associated with some emotional factors are listed as the causative factors for psoriasis.

Since there is severe irritation of the patches the patient is unable to resist scratching. On scratching scales sometimes watery exudation and blood come out of the patches, which produce a burning sensation.

Herbal Medicines

1. Make fine powder of dried neem leaves and store in a clean bottle. Take 1 teaspoonful (5gm) with a glass of water twice a day. This preparation is also available as Neem capsule in the Ayurvedic store.
2. Half a teaspoonful of pure Haldi powder (i.e., turmeric) is added to the 1 teaspoon ful of neem powder, and taken twice a day with lukewarm water.
3. External application of Karanja Tailam (Pongamia pinnata) is very effective.
4. Make a paste of tender neem leaves and little bit of pure turmeric powder. This should be applied over the affected areas before taking bath. The person afflicted with psoriasis should take bath with water boiled in neem leaves after the above stated application.

Ayurvedic Remedies

1. Pancha Tikta Ghrita Guggul 5gm to 10gm with oral liquid drug of Maha Manjisthadi. Quath (30ml) should be taken every morning and evening for 40 days.
2. Maha Tikta Ghritam also can be taken on the similar lines, if there is no response to the above stated remedy.
3. Oil 777 is meant for application over the patches. After application the affected parts should be exposed to the early morning sunlight for 10 minutes daily.
4. Raktoplex tablet (Bharat Ayurvedic Pharmacy) in the dose of 1 to 2 tablets twice or thrice daily is very useful for psoriasis.
5. Vikosarsa tablet 1 to 2 tablets 2 to 3 times daily with water or milk after meals is a good treatment for psoriasis.

Do's & Don'ts

1. Blood purification with drugs/diets.
2. Emotional calm with Yoga & Dhyana (prayer).
3. Avoid hot spicy things, curd.
4. Take rocksalt instead of common salt.
5. Bitter things are better things.