-IBIS-1.7.6-
tx
cutaneous system
Psoriasis
Integrative Therapies
Home Care
Psoriasis is a long-term, recurrent disease of the skin. Most often the rash has sharp borders and is covered with silvery scales. It is usually found on the outside surfaces of the knees, elbows, and on the scalp.
Therapies for psoriasis, which only treat the surface of the skin, are seldom effective over long periods of time. To be effective, a therapy must address the underlying cause, which usually is poor elimination of body waste, poor diet, and emotional stress.
THE FOLLOWING SUPPLEMENTS CAN BE TAKEN UNTIL SYMPTOMS IMPROVE:
1. Zinc 50 milligrams 2 times a day.
2. Vitamin A 25,000 milligrams, 2 times a day. Pregnant women or women who may become pregnant should not take more than 10,000 Units of vitamin A per day.
3. Folic acid 500 micrograms a day.
4. Flaxseed oil 2 tablespoons or 4 capsules a day.
5. Digestive Enzymes 2 capsules with each meal.
6. Lecithin 1 tablespoon (or 2 capsules) 2 times a day with meals.
REGARDING THE PROPER DIET FOR PSORIASIS:
1. You can start your program with a 3-day fast of water, fruit, and vegetable juices, except orange and citrus juices. Carrot and beet juices are especially helpful. Children, pregnant women, and people with diabetes should not fast. Always seek a doctor's supervision when fasting.
2. Eat fruits, vegetables, and whole grains on an daily basis.
3. Limit or eliminate the following foods: sugar containing foods such as candies and pastries, meat and animal fats, including dairy products. The breakdown products of animal fats can worsen psoriasis.
4. Restrict alcohol. This also tends to worsen the condition.
HERBS USED FOR PSORIASIS:
1. The following herbal tea has cleansing properties and can be drunk for a few months: Mix equal parts of Sarsparilla, Oregon Grape, and Burdock. As a tea, use 1 tablespoon of the herbal mixture per cup of boiling water. Simmer 5 minutes. Steep 15 minutes. Drink 1 cup 4 to 6 times a day. Or use as a tincture, which is a liquid herbal extract. Take 1 teaspoon of the tincture 4 times a day.
2. Bitter Melon This can be taken in tablets or as a tincture. Take 4 tablets 3 times a day or 1 teaspoon of the tincture 3 times a day. You can also buy fresh Bitter Melon in oriental grocery stores, juice it, and drink 2 to 4 ounces per day.
HOMEOPATHY:
From the following homeopathic medicines, choose the one that best matches your symptoms. Dissolve 3 pellets under the tongue.
Sulphur 6C: For psoriasis with itching and burning that is worse with heat or bathing. Use 3 times a day for 2 weeks. If there is improvement, use Sulphur 30c once a week for 1 month.
Arsenicum album 6C: Used when the psoriasis looks like a fine white powder and feels better with warmth. Use 3 times a day.
Graphites 6C: For thickening of the skin with a thick, honey-like oozing. Use 3 times a day.
Note: A wide range of homeopathic medicines can be helpful for individuals with psoriasis. Consultation with a health care professional trained in homeopathic prescribing will usually be the best way to select the correct medicine.
Clinic
Footnotes
BarShalom R, Soileau J. (eds.) Natural Health Hotline. Beaverton, OR: Integrative Medical Arts, 1991-1999.