October is Psoriasis Awareness Month!  Here we’ll be sharing resources for treating and managing the psoriatic disease to empower you to take control of your health, along with several complementary approaches for you to live a full, vibrant and active life.

Psoriasis is a common skin condition that causes skin irritation including red skin with flaky silver-white patches resulting in scales. Psoriasis is very common and occurs most often between the ages of 15-35. It is not contagious; rather it is suspected that psoriasis seems to be hereditary. Some physicians believe it is an autoimmune disorder that is potentially triggered by infections, insect bites, some medications, and stress.

Herbs are generally a safe way to strengthen and tone the body's immune system. Some herbs that can help with psoriasis include:

• Aloe (Aloe vera), -- Several studies show that using an aloe cream or gel improves psoriatic plaques better than placebo. We like Skin eternal by Aloe Life. It’s brownish yellow color – not the ineffective clear color – make this gel wonderful for psoriasis as well as sunburns. A great one to have on hand.
• Avocado and vitamin B12 cream -- Preliminary research suggests that a combination cream containing avocado oil and vitamin B12 may reduce the symptoms of psoriasis.
• Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium), 10% in a cream -- Evidence suggests that using a cream made with Oregon grape may reduce symptoms of psoriasis. One study found it worked as well as the medication calcipotriene (Dovonex) for some of its study participants.

Homeopathy works by strengthening your entire being including your vital life force. Finding a remedy that suits your overall needs (physical, emotional and intellectual) is best done by a homeopath who does a thorough intake. Some of the remedies a homeopath will consider for psoriasis specifically include:

• Apis mellifica -- for skin rashes that feel hot and dry and are sensitive to touch. Symptoms improve with cool baths and worsen with heat. A 30c several times a day can be helpful
• Calendula – is available in a variety of forms including a cream that can be applied topically. We suggest using the cream, particularly if the affected area becomes inflamed. This remedy will soothe the condition.
• Rhus toxicodendron -- used often for psoriatic arthritis as well as for skin disorders that are accompanied by intense itching that worsens at night and improves with the application of heat.
• Sulphur -- for skin disorders that are accompanied by intense itching. Symptoms tend to improve with open, cold air and worsen with warmth.

Foods that Can Cause a Flare-Up

As with most issues, your diet can increase or decrease your risk of having a psoriasis flare-up. Gluten and yeast are big suspects as people with Celiac disease have an increased risk of having psoriasis. Dairy, fatty red meats, and alcohol have also shown to cause symptoms and worsen psoriasis symptoms. Fish, Omega 3’s, high antioxidant foods such as berries, and making sure you are getting your share of vitamins A and D can help reduce flare-ups.  

At Healing 4 Soul, we treat the entire person – mind, body, and soul. Sima works with individuals on a personal basis and incorporates nutrition, homeopathy, supplements as well as diagnostic and treatment tools into her comprehensive healing approach. To schedule an appointment with Sima, please phone (800) 669-0358 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

                                                         WE ARE HERE TO EDUCATE, NOT MEDICATE