Psoriasis is a medical condition in which there is an autoimmune reaction within the skin causing a common, chronic and recurrent condition characterized by itchy, scaly and inflamed skin. These patches, known as plaques, can be quite widespread on the entire skin and can cause considerable physical discomfort as well as severe emotional and psychological disturbance. The modern management of this condition includes the use of phototherapy, local applications and oral medications which serve to control the symptoms, but are usually not successful in completely curing the disease or preventing recurrence.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment for psoriasis is aimed at treating the autoimmune dysfunction of the affected individual as well as treating the pathology of the condition. Ayurvedic herbal medicines which have a known immunomodulatory action are used in high doses and for prolonged periods in order to regulate the immune system of the affected individual and treat and reverse the autoimmune reaction which is known to propagate psoriasis. In addition, herbal medicines which have a specific action on the skin, the underlying subcutaneous tissue, as well as the microcirculation and muscular tissue, are also used in combination with the above-mentioned medicines. A combined action of all these medicines helps to bring about a remission of psoriasis and also helps in preventing recurrence of the condition.
Emotional disturbance and stress are important factors which are known to aggravate and continue to propagate psoriasis; hence Ayurvedic herbal medicines are used in high doses to treat and control stress and as well as psychological and emotional disturbances in affected individuals. While treatment for psoriasis is mostly in the form of oral medication, local treatment is also equally important since it can help in the alleviation of symptoms like itching. Local application of medicated oils and pastes helps to augment the treatment for psoriasis and reduce treatment time.
Most individuals affected with psoriasis, depending upon the severity and chronicity of the condition, require regular and aggressive treatment for periods ranging from six months to nine months in order to get substantial relief from the condition, after which the medicines can be tapered off gradually and then stopped altogether.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment thus has a significant role to play in the management and treatment of psoriasis.
The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com
