Millions of Americans suffer from the symptoms of psoriasis. Psoriasis is a disease of the skin, but also of the immune system. Your skin regenerates itself once every 28 days. If you have psoriasis, however, your skin can regenerate as quickly as every three days. This causes inflammation often characterized by red, dry, and thickened patches of skin. It tends to strike the elbows, knees, lower back, and scalp, but can be found just about anywhere on the body.
Researchers have found that the disease may be genetic, but environmental factors seem to trigger it as well. Stress is often a large trigger for a number of people. By controlling their stress levels, these individuals can control their psoriasis. Other factors, such as a faulty immune system (producing too many T cells), acidic or citrus foods, prescription medications, sunburn, infections — strep throat is a big player when it comes to triggering psoriasis — obesity, alcohol, and even hormonal changes can all cause an attack of the skin condition.
If you find yourself suffering from a bout of psoriasis, try taking Oregon grape root. This plant is found in abundance in North American forests and is known also as “Mahonia.” It is available everywhere as a supplement and offers possibilities on battling internal causes that trigger psoriasis.
In Germany, more than 440 patients with acute and chronic psoriasis were treated with ointment made from this plant. The results: 81% had improved symptoms or were completely healed. The promising plant dropped the number of people who had severe psoriasis from 30% to less than six percent in just three months of treatment. A year later, another study found that, in four weeks of treatment, Oregon grape root significantly reduced symptoms in patients taking it. The treatment was labeled a success.
You should also make sure you’re getting some omega-3s every day. The Inuit, whose diet is high in omega-3s, have never suffered from psoriasis. Eat fatty fish, walnuts, and flaxseed. Omega-3s promote wound healing. For psoriasis, some research has shown that people taking supplements had greater reduced symptoms of psoriasis than if they only used traditional medications. Omega-3 is widely known to have anti-inflammatory properties.
And, finally, aloe vera may bring some relief. This herb is used in many conditions that affect the skin (most notably, burns), and might also be effective in relieving psoriasis symptoms. A review of the herb in clinical trials determined that it may be useful for patients with the skin disorder, when used topically on the skin.