Living with psoriasis can feel like an endless cycle of discomfort and frustration. The constant itchiness, inflammation, and scaling can impact your confidence and quality of life. While conventional treatments like steroid creams are common, many people are seeking natural remedies for psoriasis that are gentle, effective, and free of side effects.
In this guide, we’ll explore 30 home remedies for psoriasis that can help you manage your symptoms. These natural approaches draw on herbal treatments, holistic therapies, and insights from people living with psoriasis. Let’s dive into these time-tested methods for soothing your skin.
1. Aloe Vera: Nature’s Soothing Gel
Aloe vera is a go-to solution for calming irritated skin. Known for its anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties, aloe vera helps reduce redness and scaling.
How to use it: Apply fresh aloe vera gel directly to your psoriasis patches 2-3 times a day. The cooling sensation provides instant relief, and its healing properties help repair damaged skin over time.
Tip: Store the gel in the refrigerator for an extra cooling effect.
Additional Insight: For enhanced effectiveness, mix aloe vera with a few drops of tea tree oil. This combination can help with both moisturizing and reducing inflammation.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar for Itch Relief
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) helps restore the skin’s pH balance, reducing itching and flaking. Its antiseptic properties also prevent infections.
How to use it: Mix equal parts ACV and water. Apply to affected areas using a cotton ball. Leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.
Tip: Avoid using ACV on broken or cracked skin, as it may cause stinging. You can also try an ACV rinse for scalp psoriasis to reduce itching and flaking.
Additional Insight: Many people on psoriasis forums recommend ACV as a quick remedy for flare-ups, especially on the scalp.
3. Coal Tar for Scaling
Coal tar is one of the oldest treatments for psoriasis, known for slowing down the rapid growth of skin cells and reducing inflammation and scaling.
How to use it: Use a coal tar shampoo for scalp psoriasis or apply a coal tar ointment to affected areas. Leave it on overnight and rinse in the morning.
Tip: Be patient, as coal tar treatments can take a few weeks to show noticeable results. Avoid sun exposure after using coal tar, as it can make your skin more sensitive to UV rays.
Additional Insight: Coal tar can be messy and may stain fabrics, so wear old clothes or use dark towels when applying it.
4. Turmeric for Inflammation
Turmeric’s active compound, curcumin, has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help reduce psoriasis flares.
How to use it: Mix a teaspoon of turmeric powder with warm milk or water and drink it daily. You can also make a paste with turmeric and water and apply it directly to the patches for 15-20 minutes before rinsing.
Tip: Add black pepper to your turmeric drink to enhance curcumin absorption.
Additional Insight: Many people in the psoriasis community find that incorporating turmeric into their diet helps manage inflammation over time.
5. Coconut Oil for Moisturizing
Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer that penetrates deep into the skin, softening plaques and reducing dryness.
How to use it: Warm coconut oil in your hands and gently massage it into affected areas. Leave it on overnight for maximum hydration.
Tip: Combine coconut oil with a few drops of lavender oil to boost its soothing effects.
Additional Insight: Coconut oil is safe for long-term use and can be applied multiple times a day. It’s particularly effective in cold weather when psoriasis tends to worsen.
6. Dead Sea Salt Baths
Dead Sea salt is packed with minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium that help exfoliate dead skin cells and reduce inflammation.
How to use it: Add 1-2 cups of Dead Sea salt to a warm bath and soak for 15-20 minutes. Gently pat your skin dry and apply a moisturizer immediately.
Tip: Avoid hot water, as it can dry out your skin and exacerbate symptoms.
Additional Insight: Regular Dead Sea salt baths can help reduce scaling and provide significant relief from itching.
7. Oatmeal Baths for Itch Relief
Oatmeal is known for its ability to soothe itchy, inflamed skin by forming a protective barrier that locks in moisture.
How to use it: Grind one cup of oatmeal into a fine powder and add it to a lukewarm bath. Soak for 20 minutes.
Tip: After your bath, pat your skin dry gently and apply a thick moisturizer.
Additional Insight: Oatmeal baths are especially helpful during flare-ups, providing immediate relief from intense itching.
8. Neem Oil for Healing
Neem oil has antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a powerful natural remedy for psoriasis.
How to use it: Apply neem oil directly to psoriasis patches or mix it with a carrier oil like coconut oil. Leave it on overnight for best results.
Tip: Perform a patch test first to ensure you don’t have a sensitivity to neem oil.
Additional Insight: Many people with psoriasis use neem oil regularly to keep flare-ups under control.
9. Tea Tree Oil for Scalp Relief
Tea tree oil reduces scalp flaking and itching by offering antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties.
How to use it: Add a few drops to your shampoo and wash your scalp regularly.
Tip: Dilute it with a carrier oil before applying directly to avoid irritation.
Additional Insight: Many people with scalp psoriasis find that tea tree oil helps keep their scalp clear and reduces itching significantly.
10. Witch Hazel for Inflammation Relief
Witch hazel’s natural astringent properties help reduce inflammation, itching, and irritation.
How to use it: Apply witch hazel with a cotton ball to affected areas 2-3 times a day.
Tip: Choose alcohol-free witch hazel to prevent drying out your skin.
Additional Insight: Witch hazel is especially useful for scalp psoriasis or sensitive areas.
11. Baking Soda for Quick Itch Relief
Baking soda is a simple yet effective remedy for relieving the itching associated with psoriasis. It helps to balance the skin's pH and reduce irritation.
How to use it: Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with enough water to create a thick paste. Apply the paste to affected areas and leave it on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water.
Tip: For scalp psoriasis, add 1 tablespoon of baking soda to your shampoo to reduce flaking and itching.
Additional Insight: Baking soda is gentle and suitable for frequent use. Many people use it for quick relief during intense flare-ups.
12. Olive Oil for Deep Hydration
Olive oil is rich in antioxidants and healthy fats, making it an excellent moisturizer for psoriasis-affected skin. It softens plaques and reduces scaling.
How to use it: Warm a few tablespoons of olive oil and massage it gently into psoriasis patches. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes, then rinse off with lukewarm water.
Tip: Combine olive oil with a few drops of lavender or rosemary essential oil for added anti-inflammatory benefits.
Additional Insight: Regular application of olive oil helps maintain skin elasticity and reduces the discomfort of dry, cracked skin.
13. Chamomile for Soothing Inflammation
Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and calming properties, making it a great remedy for soothing irritated skin.
How to use it: Brew a strong cup of chamomile tea, let it cool, and apply it to psoriasis patches using a clean cloth or cotton ball. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing.
Tip: Chamomile essential oil can be diluted in a carrier oil and applied directly to the skin for added relief.
Additional Insight: Chamomile compresses are particularly helpful for sensitive areas, such as the face and neck.
14. Calendula for Healing and Moisturizing
Calendula, or marigold, has natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help heal and moisturize psoriasis-affected skin.
How to use it: Apply calendula cream or ointment to affected areas 2-3 times a day. You can also make a calendula-infused oil by steeping dried calendula flowers in olive or coconut oil.
Tip: Look for calendula products that are free from added fragrances and chemicals to avoid irritation.
Additional Insight: Calendula helps reduce itching and can prevent secondary infections due to cracked skin.
15. Fish Oil for Inflammation Control
Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Regular use can help reduce the severity of psoriasis symptoms.
How to use it: Take 1,000-2,000 mg of fish oil supplements daily or add more fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines to your diet.
Tip: Consult your healthcare provider before starting fish oil supplements, especially if you are on blood thinners.
Additional Insight: Omega-3s not only help with psoriasis but also support overall heart and brain health.
16. Lavender Oil for Stress Relief
Lavender oil is known for its calming and anti-inflammatory effects, making it a great remedy for stress-related psoriasis flares.
How to use it: Add a few drops of lavender oil to a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil and apply it to affected areas. You can also add a few drops to a warm bath.
Tip: Practice deep breathing or meditation while applying lavender oil to enhance relaxation.
Additional Insight: Managing stress is essential for reducing psoriasis flare-ups, and lavender oil can be an effective tool in your stress-management routine.
17. Jojoba Oil for Deep Moisturization
Jojoba oil closely resembles the skin's natural sebum, making it a highly effective moisturizer for psoriasis.
How to use it: Massage a few drops of jojoba oil into psoriasis patches twice daily. It absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue.
Tip: Combine jojoba oil with essential oils like tea tree or lavender for added benefits.
Additional Insight: Jojoba oil helps reduce scaling and keeps the skin soft and hydrated, making it ideal for daily use.
18. Green Tea for Antioxidant Support
Green tea is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which can help reduce the severity of psoriasis symptoms.
How to use it: Drink 2-3 cups of green tea daily. You can also apply cooled green tea bags directly to psoriasis patches for 15-20 minutes.
Tip: Use decaffeinated green tea if you're sensitive to caffeine.
Additional Insight: Green tea supports overall skin health and boosts the immune system, making it a beneficial addition to your daily routine.
19. Honey for Healing and Moisturizing
Honey has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help heal psoriasis patches and lock in moisture.
How to use it: Apply a thin layer of raw honey to affected areas and leave it on for 20-30 minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water.
Tip: Combine honey with aloe vera gel for a soothing and moisturizing treatment.
Additional Insight: Honey creates a protective barrier on the skin, preventing infections and promoting faster healing.
20. Baking Soda and Coconut Oil Scrub
This scrub combines the itch-relief properties of baking soda with the deep moisturizing effects of coconut oil.
How to use it: Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil to form a paste. Gently massage the paste onto psoriasis patches and leave it on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off.
Tip: Use this scrub once or twice a week to exfoliate dead skin cells and keep your skin soft.
Additional Insight: Regular exfoliation can help prevent the buildup of plaques and improve the effectiveness of moisturizers.
21. Shea Butter for Intense Hydration
Shea butter is a natural emollient that deeply moisturizes and softens psoriasis plaques, helping reduce dryness and scaling.
How to use it: Warm a small amount of shea butter in your hands and massage it into affected areas. Apply twice daily for best results.
Tip: Use raw, unrefined shea butter for maximum benefits.
Additional Insight: Shea butter helps create a protective barrier on the skin, locking in moisture and promoting healing, making it particularly useful during colder months.
22. Avocado Oil for Skin Repair
Avocado oil is packed with vitamins A, D, and E, which nourish and repair psoriasis-affected skin.
How to use it: Apply a few drops of avocado oil to patches and massage gently. Leave it on overnight for deep hydration.
Tip: Combine avocado oil with aloe vera gel for a soothing and healing treatment.
Additional Insight: Avocado oil penetrates deeply and helps reduce inflammation and dryness, making it ideal for daily use.
23. Rosemary Oil for Circulation and Healing
Rosemary oil improves circulation, which helps deliver nutrients to the skin and promote healing.
How to use it: Mix a few drops of rosemary oil with a carrier oil like olive oil and massage into psoriasis patches.
Tip: Add rosemary oil to a warm bath for a refreshing soak that soothes inflamed skin.
Additional Insight: Improved circulation can help reduce the appearance of plaques and speed up skin recovery.
24. Evening Primrose Oil for Itch Relief
Evening primrose oil contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which helps reduce inflammation and itching.
How to use it: Apply evening primrose oil directly to psoriasis patches or take it as a supplement (consult your doctor first).
Tip: Use evening primrose oil before bed to allow it to work overnight.
Additional Insight: Regular use of evening primrose oil can improve skin hydration and elasticity.
25. Milk Thistle for Detoxification
Milk thistle supports liver health, which can help reduce psoriasis flares by eliminating toxins from the body.
How to use it: Take milk thistle supplements daily, following the recommended dosage on the label.
Tip: Combine milk thistle with a balanced diet for best results.
Additional Insight: A healthy liver helps remove toxins that may contribute to inflammation and psoriasis symptoms.
26. Probiotics for Gut Health
Probiotics help balance gut bacteria, which can positively impact psoriasis symptoms.
How to use it: Consume probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, or take a daily probiotic supplement.
Tip: Choose a probiotic with multiple strains for better effectiveness.
Additional Insight: Many people with psoriasis find that improving gut health helps reduce inflammation and flare-ups.
27. Licorice Root for Soothing Irritation
Licorice root has natural anti-inflammatory properties that help calm irritated and inflamed skin.
How to use it: Apply licorice root cream or ointment to affected areas 2-3 times a day. You can also make a licorice root tea compress.
Tip: Look for products containing glycyrrhizin, the active compound in licorice root.
Additional Insight: Licorice root helps reduce redness and itching, making it effective for managing flare-ups.
28. Colloidal Silver for Antimicrobial Benefits
Colloidal silver has natural antimicrobial properties that can help prevent infections in cracked or damaged skin.
How to use it: Spray colloidal silver solution on psoriasis patches or apply with a cotton ball. Let it air dry.
Tip: Use high-quality colloidal silver products and follow the recommended usage.
Additional Insight: Colloidal silver helps keep the skin clean and reduces the risk of secondary infections.
29. Chamomile Baths for Calming Effects
Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and calming properties that soothe irritated skin and reduce itching.
How to use it: Add a handful of dried chamomile flowers or a few chamomile tea bags to a warm bath. Soak for 20 minutes.
Tip: After your bath, pat your skin dry gently and apply a moisturizer.
Additional Insight: Chamomile baths can help reduce stress, which is a common trigger for psoriasis flares.
30. Green Clay for Detoxifying and Exfoliating
Green clay helps draw out toxins, reduce inflammation, and exfoliate dead skin cells.
How to use it: Mix green clay powder with water to form a paste. Apply the paste to psoriasis patches and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off.
Tip: Follow up with a moisturizer to prevent dryness.
Additional Insight: Green clay masks are particularly effective for detoxifying the skin and reducing plaque buildup.
Final Thoughts
Managing psoriasis is a journey, and finding the right combination of natural remedies can make a significant difference. From herbal remedies for psoriasis to natural moisturizers like coconut oil and shea butter, there are plenty of options to explore. Listen to your body, be patient, and consult a healthcare professional when needed.
For more information and effective psoriasis treatments, visit www.nopsor-usa.com.
References:
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National Psoriasis Foundation
- Website: www.psoriasis.org
- Description: The National Psoriasis Foundation provides comprehensive information on psoriasis treatments, research updates, and patient resources.
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Mayo Clinic
- Website: www.mayoclinic.org
- Description: Mayo Clinic offers expert-reviewed information on psoriasis symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment, including natural and home remedies.
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WebMD
- Website: www.webmd.com
- Description: WebMD covers psoriasis causes, treatments, and natural remedies, providing reliable medical insights.
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Healthline
- Website: www.healthline.com
- Description: Healthline discusses various home remedies and natural treatments for psoriasis, supported by medical reviews.
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Medical News Today
- Website: www.medicalnewstoday.com
- Description: Offers evidence-based articles on natural and alternative treatments for psoriasis.
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American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)
- Website: Psoriasis clinical guideline
- Description: Joint AAD–NPF Guidelines of care for the management and treatment of psoriasis with topical therapy and alternative medicine modalities for psoriasis severity measures
Elmets, Craig A. et al.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Volume 84, Issue 2, 432 - 470
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Reddit: Psoriasis Community
- Subreddit: www.reddit.com/r/psoriasis
- Description: Insights, tips, and experiences shared by individuals managing psoriasis with home remedies.
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