Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a non-contagious common skin condition that causes rapid skin cell reproduction resulting in red, dry patches of thickened skin. The dry flakes and skin scales are thought to result from the rapid buildup of skin cells. Psoriasis commonly affects the skin of the elbows, knees, and scalp.
Causes
Psoriasis can be caused by a variety of reasons. Heredity can be crucial. If one parent is affected, then there is 15% of chances for the child to suffer from psoriasis. If both the parents are affected then the possibility of child getting the psoriasis is 60%. Consumption of opposite foods (such as fish and milk together), trauma on skin like cuts, bruises or burns, some medicines or skin irritants, excessive smoking, alcohol consumption and mental stress or psychological trauma can also be responsible for causing it.
Symptoms
• Loose silvery scales
• Itching or burning skin
• Raised pus-filled skin bumps
• Skin redness around pustules
• Restricted joint motion
• Emotional distress
• Skin pain and inflammation
• Skin blisters
• Dry skin patches
• Bleeding skin patches
Ayurvedic Psoriasis Treatment
According to Ayurveda, Psoriasis appears due to imbalance of two doshas - Vata and Kapha . Vata and Kapha doshas manifest in the skin and cause accumulation of toxins. These toxins accumulate in deep tissues like rasa (nutrient plasma), rakta (blood), mansa (muscles), and lasika (lymphatic). These toxins cause contamination of deeper tissues, leading to Psoriasis.
Purification of blood and tissues is the primary aim of Ayurvedic treatment in cases of Psoriasis. Toxins are cleansed from the body and the digestion restored to prevent further accumulation. Nourishing herbs are then administered to strengthen and tone the tissues to promote complete healing of the skin.
Diet & Lifestyle Advice
• Avoid consuming opposite foods.
• Do not control natural urges like vomiting, urination, bowels, etc.
• Do not take cold water bath immediately after a heavy workout, traveling, a long walk, etc.
• Take care not to consume foods which cause indigestion.
• Absolutely do not eat too much of salty, sour or acidic foods.
• Avoid sleeping in afternoons.
• Say no to radish, sesame, jaggery (gur), curds, fish and other sour foods.
Home Remedies
• Cover the affected part with a fresh thin banana leaf.
• Take 15-20 sesame seeds and soak in a glass of water. Keep it overnight and drink on an empty stomach early in the morning.
• Take 1-2 cup of bitter gourd juice on empty stomach in the morning. Continue this for 5-6 months. Patient may add a tablespoon of lime juice, if they find it difficult to digest the bitter taste.