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Turmeric, scientifically known as Curcuma Longa, is a plant that has been used for centuries in cooking and healing applications. It has recently become more popular because of its anti-inflammatory properties. For this reason, turmeric supplements are becoming increasingly popular among psoriasis patients.
Turmeric is an ancient Indian spice made from grinding down Curcuma longa (turmeric) plants. This staining yellow powder has long been renowned throughout India to treat many medical conditions ranging from cancer to liver disease. More recently, researchers have discovered powerful anti-inflammatory properties in turmeric that can benefit people with inflammatory conditions like psoriasis.
Turmeric is available in dry root form, as an extract or capsule, or as a liquid tincture that you can take by mouth. It’s also common to find turmeric combined with other spices such as coriander, known scientifically as Cilantro Longa, and ginger, called Zingiber Officinale. Curcuma longa belongs to the Zingiberaceae family of plants.
Why is turmeric good for psoriasis?
Curcuma longa is popularly known as turmeric. Turmeric contains natural anti-inflammatory properties, which may help people who have psoriasis. The active ingredients in turmeric are called curcuminoids, the most potent of which is curcumin. Curcumin is believed to be responsible for many of the health benefits associated with eating curry regularly.
What do studies say about curcumin?
A 2008 study published in the Australian Journal of Medical Herbalism examined the effects of turmeric extract on patients with psoriasis. The study found that turmeric extract could reduce symptoms associated with psoriasis, including plaque, pustule and guttate types.
Another study published in 2009 in Drugs in Dermatology examined curcumin’s ability to treat psoriasis. This study looked at two groups of patients suffering from plaque psoriasis. The first group was treated with curcumin twice daily for one month, while the second group was given placebo capsules containing no active ingredients for the same period. At the end of the study, both groups were evaluated, and it was found that the group treated with curcumin showed statistically significant improvement over placebo.
How does turmeric help to treat psoriasis?
It is believed that the curcuminoids in turmeric work with enzymes in the body to reduce inflammation resulting from psoriasis. This anti-inflammatory property also helps people living with psoriasis alleviate pain and discomfort associated with their condition. Turmeric supplements come in several different forms, including capsules, fluid extracts and dry root powder. Generally, turmeric is safe to use, but you should check with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.
Turmeric has been used for cooking and medicinal purposes throughout history. The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric help reduce the symptoms associated with psoriasis.
Here are some ways on how to use turmeric for psoriasis:
- Take turmeric with milk daily
Turmeric is commonly used in recipes to add flavour, colour and anti-inflammatory properties. This herb may also help reduce psoriasis symptoms. If you don’t like the taste of turmeric, try mixing it with warm milk before you consume it orally. Milk contains casein protein that can bind with curcumin present in turmeric, which results in higher bioavailability of curcumin when compared to taking them separately.
2 Add fresh or dried root powder to your diet plan
You can mix powdered dry root either with food or beverages for therapeutic benefits. You can make tea by boiling pieces of the heart in water for about an hour or so, strain out the details and drink the tea while it is warm. You can also add root powder to your soups and stews for flavour, colour and anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric supplements are available in capsule form that you can take by mouth once or twice daily.
- Use curcumin cream for psoriasis
Curcumin may help get rid of skin disorders like psoriasis. Curcumin-based creams are typically applied to the affected areas after mixed with carrier oils such as coconut oil, olive oil, almond oil, etc. These help in the penetration of curcumin deep into the dermal layer, where inflammation occurs someone has psoriasis. However, before using any products containing Curcuma longa, it is advisable to seek your doctor’s advice.
- Turmeric paste for psoriasis
Turmeric paste can be made at home using turmeric powder, water and a natural thickening agent like xanthan gum. This recipe provides the therapeutic effect of curcumin without any side effects. Apply this paste to affected areas and leave it there for about 20 minutes before washing it off with lukewarm water. You may also leave the paste overnight before removing it in the morning by washing your skin with plain water or mild soap. One of the best things about turmeric paste is that you can prepare them yourself at home very quickly!
5 . Capsules/tablets of turmeric for psoriasis:
Yes, there are Turmeric pills out there on the market that can easily be ordered online. These are also quick and convenient choices if you’re on the go. However, keep in mind that these supplements often come with extra ingredients, including fillers or additives that might not always benefit your health. As such, some users prefer to use turmeric supplements made without added substances.
6 . Drinking turmeric tea
Turmeric Tea is an excellent way to add some spice to your life! It’s quick, easy and affordable. You can add honey, lemon or any other tasty ingredients to enhance the flavour.
5 . Make a delicious meal at home with turmeric powder!
This option might take more time, but you’ll have complete control over what you put in your meals, and it will be an excellent chance for you to bond with family members while preparing a healthy meal together!
So there are many ways to use turmeric for psoriasis. You can choose that which one is most appropriate for you.
How to choose the best turmeric powder for psoriasis?
Turmeric is available in different grades and prices. You can choose which one you want to use for your psoriasis. If you don’t know how to make a choice, follow these tips:
1 . Choose raw turmeric powder over the processed one
2 . Purchase organic turmeric if possible
3 . Make sure that the turmeric you purchase is fresh and not stale or old
4 . Make sure that the colour of the turmeric herb matches what’s mentioned on the package label.
5 . Buy in bulk for more savings
- Purchase the whole root and grind it yourself at home rather than buy readymade capsules/pills made from ground roots as this way, it will be 100% pure without any additives and fillers.
So these are some tips to choose a high-quality turmeric powder. You can follow them and order the best quality product from the market.
Turmeric is considered one of the safest remedies for psoriasis, which can be used topically and orally.
How to know if turmeric is working for psoriasis?
Well, you’ll have to be patient enough to let it work. You are likely to see some improvement in about 3-4 weeks if the turmeric works well for your skin condition.
If you find no change after using turmeric regularly, it might be that it’s not working correctly for psoriasis, or this herb is not suitable for your skin condition. You must consult an experienced doctor or dermatologist regarding this problem.
Are there are any side effects of using turmeric?
Though turmeric is considered safe for topical use, still it may lead to the following side effects:
1 . Skin irritation if applied in excess amounts or using too strong of a paste.
2 . If you apply the paste to your eyes by mistake, then this herb can cause mild pain and redness.
3 . Sometimes, it may also lead to your skin becoming excessively dry, so make sure that you moisturize your skin very well with any good-quality lotion or cream after applying it on psoriasis. You can also try using coconut oil for better results.
4 . It’s not suitable, especially for infants under age two years, because there have been rare cases where babies experienced severe adverse reactions after using turmeric.
In how much amount one should take turmeric?
Usually, turmeric is taken orally in powder form or tea. The usual daily intake of turmeric is about 400-600 mg per day, divided into two doses.
However, it’s always safe to ask your doctor for the correct dosage as they will know exactly how much amount is appropriate for your condition.
Here are some tips on using turmeric for psoriasis:
1 . If you want to use turmeric powder on its own, you need to make a paste out of it by adding just enough water to make it thick and easy to apply on the affected area. This paste must then be applied undiluted directly onto the skin of your scalp or other areas where there are patches.
2 . This herb is equally suitable for psoriasis when used as a supplement. There are many natural supplements available in the market which contains turmeric, so you can look for them and use them according to your skin condition.
3 . Turmeric gel is also available, which you can try if the previous methods don’t suit your skin type or condition. But make sure that you consult your doctor before buying it because some gels might not be applied to open wounds or sores.
4 . You can also ingest this herb with food instead of just eating it directly without mixing it with anything else. For instance, you can add turmeric powder to your chicken soup, curries, salad dressings etc.
So these are some tips on using turmeric for psoriasis. You can follow them and try this herb at home as it’s considered safe and free of side effects. In case if you are willing to try natural treatment, you can also try these herbs along with turmeric for fast action:
1 . Curcumin supplements: This herb is similar to turmeric because it’s also good for psoriasis. You can take 500-2000 mg of this supplement two times a day.
2 . Ginger supplements: This herb has strong anti-inflammatory properties, so you may try it out by adding at least 1″ piece of ginger, either grated or cut into small pieces with your food daily.
3 . Basil leaves: These contain potent antioxidants that are good for treating psoriasis and other skin problems, along with turmeric supplements or powder.
4 . Omega-3 fatty acids: It’s good for cell membrane health, which directly affects your skin’s barrier function. So include plenty of fish (salmon, tuna etc.), flax seeds, walnuts etc., in your daily diets to get enough omega-3 fatty acids for improving your psoriasis condition.
- Aloe Vera gel: This gel is beneficial in treating psoriasis and other skin problems. So you may add aloe vera juice to your daily diet for better results.
Homeopathic treatment for psoriasis:Â
There are many homeopathic remedies available for psoriasis treatment, and they can be used either alone or in combination with the above herbal remedies.
Homeopathic medicines are safe to use in all age groups.
Homeopathic remedies are preferred by people who cannot tolerate side effects of chemical drugs or have problems with chronic psoriasis that has not responded to other medications.
Many homeopathic remedies used in the treatment of psoriasis have an individualized approach, but here are some commonly used remedies in the treatment of psoriasis that can be expected to give some relief within few days.
If you are willing to take homeopathic treatment for psoriasis, you can book an appointment through OHO Homeopathy.