10 Home Remedies for Psoriasis & How to Use Them

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(Last Updated On: May 25, 2018)

Do you have red, scaly patches that are painful and itchy all over your body?

It may be psoriasis, a common skin condition that occurs when the skin multiplies 10 times faster than it should [1].

Psoriasis is a form of autoimmune disorder, in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues in the body [2, 3].

Although there’s no cure for this disease, there are times when it goes into remission, and does not exhibit any symptoms.

You can manage it by using practical and effective natural remedies that will help tone down the psoriasis flare-ups.

10 Home Remedies for Psoriasis Backed by Evidence

1. Licorice

Apparently, there’s more to licorice than simply being a flavoring for candies.

Commonly cultivated in Turkey, Greece and some countries in Asia, licorice root is a popular herbal remedy for sore throat, bronchitis, ulcers, and other types of infections [5].

A 2000 study lists licorice root as one of the traditional medicines used for treating psoriasis [6].

The extract of this root can be applied topically, or taken orally [6].

Its active compound glycyrrhizin is responsible for its potent anti-inflammatory effect [7].

After it is converted into glycyrrehetic acid by the body, it works to inhibit the pro-inflammatory leuktrienes and prostaglandins [7].

Its anti-inflammatory effects are comparable to those of cortisone [7].

In fact, one study has proven that adding 2 percent of glycyrrehetic acid to topical corticosteroids improved their efficacy [7].

While topical corticosteroids are considered a better solution for atopic dermatitis, glycyrrehetic acid was more effective in treating chronic skin conditions, including psoriasis [7].

It’s also a suitable treatment for other skin disorders that cause itchiness and inflammation [7].

On top of all these, licorice has fewer side effects, but it should still be avoided by those who suffer from high blood pressure [7].

What You’ll Need:

2 teaspoons of dried licorice root
6 cups of water

Recommended Directions:

Boil licorice root in a pot of water.
Reduce heat and simmer for 40 minutes.
Let it cool.
Soak a cloth and apply on skin three to four times a day.

2. Glycerin

Researchers from the Medical College of Georgia found that glycerin can help in the management of psoriasis and other skin conditions, reports Science Daily.

As a natural humectant, glycerin works by attracting and retaining moisture into the skin.

As you probably know, dryness can make skin problems like psoriasis worse.

Keeping the skin hydrated and moisturized helps ease the pain, inflammation and itchiness.

At the same time, glycerin promotes proper skin functioning and overall skin health.

What You’ll Need:

1 teaspoon of glycerin

Recommended Directions:

Apply generously on the skin.
Leave it on for one to two hours before rinsing.
Use three times a day for four to five weeks.

3. Oatmeal

Thanks to its soothing and moisturizing effects on the skin, oatmeal can help tone down the inflammation caused by psoriasis.

Colloidal oatmeal, which has long been used in dermatology, is listed as one of the practical traditional remedies for psoriasis, eczema and many other types of skin disorders [8].

Oatmeal contains avenanthramides, which contribute to its anti-inflammatory and antihistaminic properties [8].

These compounds have been found to halt the release of histamine and pro-inflammatory cytokines, and at the same time, suppress the activities of nuclear factor kappaB [8].

The saponins in oatmeal, meanwhile, provide it with a cleansing action.

Soaking in an oatmeal bath can help loosen the scaly patches and reduce itching [9].

Even those with highly sensitive skin won’t have a problem using oatmeal.

What You’ll Need:

1 cup of plain oatmeal
Bath water

Recommended Directions:

Add oatmeal to your bathwater.
Soak in the bath for 30 minutes to one hour.
Repeat daily for several weeks or during psoriasis flare-ups.

4. Aloe Vera

A tropical succulent plant that grows in Africa and Asia, aloe vera is touted for its anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties [10].

For centuries, it has been widely recognized for its medicinal and skin care benefits [11].

In fact, the ancient Egyptians refer to aloe vera as a “plant of immortality” [11].

It’s also highly effective as an anti-inflammatory, which makes it a suitable treatment for inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis.

One of its enzymes called bradykinase significantly tones down swelling of the skin after topical application [11].

A 1999 study in the British Journal of General Practice sees aloe vera’s potential as a treatment for psoriasis [12].

While it’s generally safe for topical use, there have been a few reports of adverse reactions from aloe vera.

Sometimes, it causes burning and stinging sensation or redness [11].

This is due to allergy to the anthraquinones that can be found in aloe vera [11].

To make sure you’re not allergic, test it on a small area first before applying on the whole body.

What You’ll Need:

1 aloe vera leaf

Recommended Directions:

Break off the leaf and extract the gel.
Apply on a small part of your skin.
Wait for one hour.
If there’s no redness or swelling, apply on other affected areas of the skin.
Leave it on for several hours.
Do this three times a day for two to three weeks.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar

In the natural health community, apple cider vinegar is the most widely used type of vinegar.

Naturalists say that the use of this vinegar can result in many kinds of benefits such as weight loss and lower blood sugar levels, among others.

It’s also a boon for those who suffer from psoriasis.

Earth Clinic names apple cider vinegar as one of the most popular alternative remedies for psoriasis.

That’s because this vinegar extracted from fermented apples is a great way to restore proper pH balance of the skin.

Moreover, it is chock-full of vitamins and minerals that promote skin health.

What You’ll Need:

1 cup of apple cider vinegar
3 cups of warm water

Recommended Directions:

Mix vinegar into the water.
Soak a cloth in the mixture.
Apply on the skin.
Repeat several times during the day.
Do this remedy for one to two weeks.

6. Turmeric

Turmeric is being referred to as the “queen of spices” for the multitude of benefits that it has for one’s health.

There’s a long list of conditions that can be treated with this spice, and these include arthritis, heartburn, Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, parasitic infection, urinary bladder inflammation, and gum disease.

As you will notice, many of these are related to inflammation.

In a 2013 study published in the AAPS Journal, psoriasis is listed among the numerous inflammatory diseases that can be treated with turmeric [13].

The primary anti-inflammatory agent in turmeric is curcumin, the same compound that gives it a yellow pigment [14].

Apart from successfully toning down the swelling, there are other ways curcumin helps psoriasis sufferers.

Curcumin is also said to prevent excessive multiplication of the skin by inhibiting phosphorylase kinase, an enzyme that promotes skin cell growth [15].

According to WebMD, application of curcumin and black pepper on the skin for four weeks can significantly reduce severity of itching, and make people with chronic itching feel much better.

What You’ll Need:

1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
1 glass of hot milk
1 tablespoon of turmeric powder
1 tablespoon of black pepper
1 teaspoon of water

Recommended Directions:

Dissolve one teaspoon of turmeric powder in milk.
Drink everyday for two to three weeks.
Combine one tablespoon of turmeric powder and black pepper.
Add water and mix well.
Apply on affected areas of the skin.
Do this everyday for 14 weeks.

7. Cool Compress

Itchiness is one of the most unpleasant symptoms of psoriasis.

A quick and simple way to relieve itchiness is to make use of a cool compress, which is one of the natural remedies recommended by WebMD.

An article in Everyday Health explains that cool compress helps by decreasing swelling and soothing the skin.

The process by which it works is quite simple to understand.

First, it slows down blood flow to the affected area so that pain and inflammation are diminished.

Then, it also slows down circulation to further decrease muscle spasm.

Cold therapy is safe to apply on the skin, but you should wrap ice first with a cloth or towel.

Do not apply directly on your skin.

What You’ll Need:

Ice cubes

Recommended Directions:

Wrap ice cubes with a towel.
Press gently on the skin.
Leave it on for five to 10 minutes.
Use this remedy several times a day.

8. Epsom Salt

Magnesium sulfate, more popularly known as Epsom salt, refers to an inorganic salt named after a salt spring at Epsom in England.

These salts can be absorbed through the skin, and cause significant analgesic effects.

An Epsom salt bath has long been used to ease muscular tension, joint inflammation, abdominal cramps, sore muscles, and other painful conditions.

Mayo Clinic endorses the use of an Epsom salt bath for psoriasis and other skin infections.

Not only does it help soften the scaly patches and reduce itching, a salt bath can also tone down the stress and anxiety brought about by this chronic skin condition.

What You’ll Need:

2 cups of Epsom salt
Bath water

Recommended Directions:

Add salt to bath water.
Soak in the bath for 30 minutes.
Do this remedy two to three times a week during flare-ups.

9. Olive Oil

A staple in the Mediterranean diet, olive oil is packed with beneficial monounsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants and other essential nutrients.

It is one of the factors believed to be the reason by the longer life expectancy of people from the Mediterranean regions.

This oil has been linked to lower risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension and stroke.

It also helps keep levels of cholesterol and blood sugar in check.

That’s not all. You can also manage the symptoms of psoriasis better with olive oil.

Olive oil has soothing and calming properties that can provide relief from itchiness and inflammation.

A 2003 study reported that olive oil along with other natural anti-inflammatory substances is highly useful in the alleviation of psoriasis symptoms [16].

In this experiment, 18 patients diagnosed with psoriasis and 21 patients with eczema, were asked to apply on their skin a mixture containing olive oil, honey and beeswax [16].

It was shown in the results that the mixture reduced redness, itching, scaling and thickening among patients with psoriasis [16].

Over 80 percent of the participants exhibited significant improvement in their condition after two weeks of treatment [16].

What You’ll Need:

2 teaspoons of olive oil
1 teaspoon of honey
1 teaspoon of beeswax

Recommended Directions:

Combine all the ingredients.
Spread a thin layer of the mixture on your skin
Let it sit for 30 minutes before wiping with a clean towel.
Repeat the next day.
Do this three to four times a week.

10. Garlic

Medical experts won’t run out of good things to say about garlic.

This herb, which comes from the onion family, is one of the most valuable traditional medicines in the world.

It is in fact is one of the “best-researched, best-selling herbal remedies” that has been used for years for treating a number of common and minor ailments [17].

Most of its pharmacological properties can be attributed to the presence of allicin, which can also be found in onion.

Its topical application is believed to be an effective natural remedy for psoriasis and other skin conditions [18].

That’s because garlic functions as an antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant [19].

With its antimicrobial activities, garlic can help prevent infections, which are quite common in open skin lesions.

There are times when garlic would cause a little stinging sensation on the skin.

If this happens to you, what you can do is to lessen the quantity of garlic oil that you use.

What You’ll Need: