Psoriasis – Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment
Psoriasis is a common, chronic and recurrent skin condition characterized by patches of itchy, scaly and inflamed skin called plaques. This is an autoimmune disease, where the body’s immune system malfunctions and works against itself. Widespread disease can not only cause physical discomfort, but also severe emotional and psychological disturbance. While currently there is no cure, phototherapy, local applications and oral medications are available which can control the symptoms.
Psoriasis is known as “Eka-Kushtha” in Ayurveda, and the plaques seen in this disease have been likened to the scales seen on the skin of fish. Ayurvedic medicines useful in the treatment of this disease are: Arogya Vardhini, Mahamanjishthadi Qadha, Mahatikta Ghrut, Panchtikta Ghrut Guggulu, Kamdudha, Saarivadyasava, and Khadirarishta.
For local application, Shata Dhout Ghrut, Mahamarichyadi oil and Neem-Karanj oil are used.
Herbal medicines like Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Khadir (Acacia catechu), Vacha (Acorus calamus), Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), and Jatamansi(Nardostachys jatamansi) are used to treat the skin and blood tissue, and to reduce stress.
Other medicines like Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) and Bhrungraj (Eclipta alba) are used to treat the disturbed immune system of the body.
Some patients have psoriasis in combination with some other disease, e.g. arthritis. Both diseases need to be treated separately, and the patient may need some specialized treatment in addition.
For patients not responding satisfactorily to the above mentioned treatment or those having extensive plaques on the body, Panchkarma cleansing procedures like induced emesis, induced purgation, and periodical blood-letting are advised. Most patients benefit with continued, mild purgation using Triphala(Three fruits), Bahava (Cassia fistula), Gulabkali (Rosa centifolia), Sonamakhi (Argemone mexicana) and Aloe vera.
For the majority of patients with moderate to severe symptoms, several courses of Ayurvedic treatment may be needed to give significant relief. It is advisable to avoid excess salt, spices, meat products, fermented and refrigerated products, tobacco, alcohol, extremes of temperature, and stress. Regular counseling, relaxation techniques, and yogic pranayam (special breathing techniques) are also beneficial.
Dr. A. A. Mundewadi is Chief Ayurvedic Physician at Mundewadi Ayurvedic Clinic based at Thane, Maharashtra, India. He is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com
Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, B.A.M.S., has clinical experience of 22 years and clinical research experience of 9 years. He has published his findings of herbal treatment of HIV / AIDS in 55 patients in the Bombay Hospital Journal, Mumbai, India, July 2005 issue.
He has also successfully completed a clinical trial of herbal extract medicines in Schizophrenia compared to modern anti-psychotics, in 200 patients. He has also conducted preliminary studies of Ayurvedic herbal extracts in the treatment of Bipolar Disorder, Vascular Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism, Mental Retardation, Tobacco and Alcohol Addiction, Age Related Macular Degeneration and different types of Cancer.
