We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are the Different Types of Herbs for Psoriasis?

By Meshell Powell
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 7,362
Share

The use of herbs for psoriasis is a common practice, although some health professionals disagree concerning the safety or efficacy of this practice. Some of the most commonly used herbs for psoriasis include aloe vera, witch hazel, and comfrey root. Additional herbal remedies that may be used to treat this skin condition include milk thistle, licorice, and tea tree oil. Many doctors and other members of the medical community have expressed concerns over the lack of a regulatory committee that would standardize doses and ensure the quality of the herbs used for these supplements. Herbal supplements may cause unwanted side effects or interact negatively with certain medications, so a doctor should always be consulted before using herbs for psoriasis treatment.

Aloe vera and witch hazel are commonly used herbs for psoriasis. Witch hazel is often used to help dissolve the flaky skin particles that develop on psoriasis lesions. Serious side effects of using witch hazel are rare, although a temporary burning or stinging sensation may occur upon application. Many people have reported positive effects after using aloe vera gel to treat psoriasis patches, and this herb has a reputation of speeding up the healing of many types of skin disorders. Mild skin irritation or allergic reactions may occur when using aloe vera gel.

Comfrey root and milk thistle are among the possible herbs for psoriasis treatment. Believed to have mild analgesic effects, comfrey root may help to ease the pain or discomfort caused by psoriasis. Potential side effects of this herb include liver damage, digestive disturbances, and possible connections to the development of some forms of cancer. Milk thistle is thought to remove toxins from the blood and promote healthy immune system functioning. Nausea, insomnia, and joint pain are potential side effects of milk thistle usage.

Tea tree oil and licorice are sometimes used as herbs for psoriasis management. Reported for centuries to have antibacterial properties, tea tree oil can be diluted with water or olive oil and applied directly to the lesion to help prevent infection from developing. Mild to moderate skin irritation may occur when using undiluted tea tree oil. Licorice is typically used in a tea and is thought to reduce inflammation from the inside, although this tea may be applied topically to the skin lesions as well. Possible side effects of licorice include high blood pressure, menstrual irregularities, and an increased risk of cancer affecting the female reproductive system.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By discographer — On Jul 19, 2014

@bluedolphin-- I have never heard of hempseed oil for psoriasis before either. Let me know if it works for you. I'd like to give it a try as well if it works.

Actually, I shouldn't be surprised because natural oils are mentioned a lot for psoriasis. Some psoriasis creams are just a combination of beneficial herbs and natural oils like shea butter, cocoa butter and coconut oil.

I guess part of the trick is keeping skin moisturized. And only natural products without additives and chemicals should be preferred.

By bluedolphin — On Jul 19, 2014

My neighbor claims that hempseed oil works for psoriasis. I have never tried it. I've been using prescription treatments for years. But I put in an order today for cold pressed hempseed oil to see if it really works.

By donasmrs — On Jul 18, 2014

There are actually so many herbs that could be used for psoriasis. Most people are not aware of them though and pay money for useless or harmful psoriasis products. Treatment is in nature, we just have to look for it.

I actually think that the best results can be achieved by combining multiple herbs for psoriasis together. For example, aloe, witch hazel, chamomile and barberry can be combined for an excellent psoriasis remedy.

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-different-types-of-herbs-for-psoriasis.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.