How to Use Turmeric for Psoriasis

Did you know almost 7.5 million Americans suffer from psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune condition that leads to an overproduction of skin cells. These extra cells accumulate on the skin’s surface, forming scales and silvery patches that are often accompanied by redness, itching, and pain. Joint pain is a common complication with psoriasis and some experience psoriatic arthritis.  It is important to treat in order to prevent further joint damage.

Psoriasis can occur on many parts of the body. Common locations include the elbows, knees, and scalp. It can be an embarrassing and painful disorder that individuals may find it hard to tolerate.

Since there is no permanent cure for psoriasis, dealing with this painful condition is a constant struggle for many. Doctors may prescribe topical corticosteroids and other therapies to manage the symptoms, but there is no denying that all the synthetic chemicals and therapies have repercussions for your body.

If you’ve been probing the Internet for safe and natural ways to keep your psoriasis symptoms in check, you may have come across the well-known, yellow ‘superfood’ – turmeric. (4)

While you may know of turmeric as a spice used heartily in Indian cuisine, the earthy turmeric is much more than just a bright yellow tuber. Curcumin, the active compound found in turmeric, imparts excellent healing properties to the spice, making it a safer alternative to steroids.

Turmeric works in multiple ways when it comes to psoriasis. Curcumin works in a similar way that certain Biologics work in treating Psoriasis. Curcumin helps block the cytokines such as interleukin-17, tumor necrosis factor, and interleukin-16. In simple terms proteins that lead to inflammation in psoriasis. It causes down-regulation of these inflammatory markers. Turmeric enhances the skin-barrier function by upregulation of involucrin and filaggrin. Skin barrier function is important in reducing infection and skin breakdown.

How to Use Turmeric to Get Relief from Psoriasis

The antioxidants in turmeric fight free-radical damage, while also aiding the regeneration of healthy skin. Lastly, turmeric’s antibacterial nature guards the inflamed patches against infections. This is important since some psoriasis plaques can be very itchy and many patients scratch forcefully which damages the skin barrier and causes the risk for infection.

To increase its potency, turmeric can be combined with other powerful natural herbs to control the spread of psoriasis and treat existing patches. Therefore, after covering the best ways to use turmeric for arthritis and a sore throat, we bring to you the eight best ways to use turmeric for psoriasis.

Method 1: Turmeric Paste

If you’re averse to turmeric’s earthy flavor and you don’t mind getting your skin stained and your clothes dirty, you can apply turmeric to the affected skin. Topical application is most beneficial for people who have psoriatic arthritis, as it also eases joint pain.

A recent study vouched for turmeric’s efficacy with minimal side effects in psoriasis patients. According to a 2015 clinical trial published in the Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, turmeric used as a topical microemulgel was well tolerated by patients and can be used as an alternative therapy for plaque psoriasis. (1)

Single-Step Treatment: Make a paste of turmeric and water & apply it to the affected area

• Put 1 to 2 tablespoons of turmeric in a bowl.
• Mix in enough water to form a uniform, spreadable paste.
• Apply a thick layer of the turmeric paste to the inflamed skin. Cover it with a cloth to avoid staining your clothes.
• Leave it on for 4 to 5 hours, then wipe it off with a damp washcloth. You can also apply it at bedtime and wipe it off in the morning, before applying a fresh layer.

Apply the turmeric paste once or twice every day for at least 2 to 3 months to keep psoriasis in check.

Method 2: Turmeric Tea

The easiest way to use turmeric for psoriasis is by drinking a cup of turmeric tea. Since the body does not readily absorb turmeric, adding ground black pepper to the tea will facilitate curcumin absorption and thus reduce and control psoriasis flare-ups.

According to a study published in Scientia Pharmaceutica, the active compound piperine found in black pepper increases the bioavailability of curcumin, thus increasing its rate of absorption by manifolds. (2)

Black pepper itself works as an anti-inflammatory agent on psoriatic patches.

Things you’ll need:

• Organic turmeric powder (anti-inflammatory) – ¼ teaspoon
• Black pepper (anti-inflammatory, increases bioavailability of curcumin) – ¼ teaspoon
• Water – 1 cup

Step 1. Cook turmeric and black pepper in water

• Pour 1 cup of water into a pan.
• Add ¼ teaspoon each of organic turmeric powder and ground black pepper.
• Mix it well and bring the solution to a boil on high heat.
• Let it simmer for another 10 minutes to infuse the water with the anti-inflammatory spices.
• Remove it from the heat and let it cool down a bit.

Step 2. Strain the solution into a cup & drink it

• Strain out the tea into a cup and consume the health drink.
• Additionally, you can add some honey and lemon juice to improve the taste.

Drink turmeric tea once a day for 2 to 3 months to control psoriasis and also prevent a recurrence.

Method 3: Turmeric with Coconut Oil

Another potent topical remedy for psoriasis uses a mix of turmeric and coconut oil. Similar to turmeric, coconut oil is also an effective anti-inflammatory agent. The healthy fatty acids present in the oil work wondrously to moisturize and soothe the itching in dry psoriasis patches. Coconut oil is also antibacterial and antifungal, which helps prevent any infection from developing in the bleeding patches.

Things you’ll need:

• Organic turmeric powder (anti-inflammatory) – ½ teaspoon
• Extra-virgin coconut oil, melted (soothes itching and dryness) – 1 tablespoon

Single-Step Treatment: Mix coconut oil and turmeric & apply the paste to the patches

• Combine ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder and 1 tablespoon of melted extra-virgin coconut oil.
• Mix the two well to form a runny paste.
• Apply a thin layer of the paste on the affected skin.
• Leave it on for 2 hours before rinsing it off with water.

Repeat twice daily for 2 to 3 months to see improvement in your skin texture. Continue using it until the patches are sufficiently reduced.

You can also consume 1 tablespoon of coconut oil daily to accelerate healing.

Method 4: Turmeric with Olive Oil

Similar to coconut oil, olive oil also can be combined with turmeric to form an excellent salve for psoriasis. Olive oil, particularly the extra-virgin variant, is loaded with antioxidants that work as scavengers on free radicals and thus reduce the inflammation of psoriatic lesions. The rich, fatty content of olive oil also helps nourish the skin and prevent it from cracking or turning flaky.

Things you’ll need:

• Organic turmeric powder (anti-inflammatory) – 1 teaspoon
• Extra-virgin olive oil (rich in antioxidants) – 1 tablespoon

Single-Step Treatment: Mix olive oil and turmeric & apply it on the affected skin

• Mix 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil and 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder to form a lump-free paste.
• Coat the affected skin with the turmeric-oil blend, and leave it on for 2 hours.
• Rinse it off with water and pat dry your skin.

Use this remedy once or twice daily for 2 to 3 months to notice a significant improvement in the scaly patches. Continue using it until the patches are healed completely.

Method 5: Turmeric with Garlic

Consuming a mix of garlic and turmeric can also treat psoriasis. Garlic contains an active compound called allicin that blocks the cellular response to free radicals and thus prevents the inflammation in psoriasis. Turmeric works on the existing patches to restore the skin to its original health.

 Things you’ll need:

• Garlic, crushed (antioxidant) – 1 tablespoon
• Organic turmeric powder (anti-inflammatory) – 1 teaspoon

Single-Step Treatment: Mix turmeric and garlic & consume it daily

• Mix 1 tablespoon of crushed garlic and 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder thoroughly.
• Since consuming this pungent mix can be difficult, gulp it down with a glass of water.

Continue this remedy once daily for a couple of months to improve the appearance of psoriatic skin patches.

Method 6: Turmeric with Ginger

Another therapeutic herb that can help ease psoriasis symptoms is ginger. The antioxidative and anti-inflammatory potential of this herb in combination with turmeric can bring immense relief for psoriatic patients. In fact, ginger is also highly effective against the common cold and flu.

A 2013 review published in the International Journal of Preventive Medicine supports the fact that compounds like gingerols, shogaol and paradols found in ginger can help prevent different kinds of cancers and oxidative damage. (3)

To reap the maximum benefits, prepare ginger and turmeric tea using additional healing ingredients like black pepper and olive oil. The tea also uses strands of saffron that help detox the body to further reduce oxidative stress.

Things you’ll need:

• Water – 1 cup
• Organic turmeric powder (anti-inflammatory) – ¼ teaspoon
• Ginger powder (acts as an antioxidant) – ⅛ teaspoon
• Ground black pepper (anti-inflammatory, increases bioavailability of curcumin) – ⅛ teaspoon
• Saffron (detoxes digestive tract) – 5 strands
• Olive oil (antioxidant) – 5 drops

Step 1. Add turmeric, ginger powder, and black pepper to water & boil it

• Pour 1 cup of water into a saucepan.
• Add ¼ teaspoon of turmeric powder.
• Also, add ⅛ teaspoon each of ginger powder and ground black pepper. You can also use 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger instead of ginger powder.
• Mix well and bring the solution to a boil on high heat.

Step 2. Add saffron and olive oil & let it simmer

• Add 5 strands of saffron to the solution.
• Also, add 5 drops of olive oil.
• Let all the ingredients simmer for a few minutes and diffuse into the water. Keep stirring occasionally.
• Cover it with the lid and bring the mix to a full boil.
• Strain the tea into a cup and let it cool off for 10 to 15 minutes before you drink it.

Prepare and drink this fragrant and healthy tea once daily for a few months until your psoriasis patches heal up.

Method 7: Turmeric with Indian Lilac (Neem)

Indian lilac, also known as neem, is a quite popular herb used in Ayurvedic and alternative medicine to treat a variety of skin troubles. It possesses anti-inflammatory properties similar to turmeric that prevent free-radical damage. It is also antibacterial, which stalls any infection from developing in the psoriatic patches.

A 2016 article published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine cites various clinical trials and studies that support the efficacy of neem in preventing and treating different kinds of diseases, including psoriasis. (5)

Things you’ll need:

•  Indian lilac (neem) paste (anti-inflammatory and antibacterial) – 1 tablespoon
• Organic turmeric powder (anti-inflammatory) – 1 tablespoon

Step 1. Prepare a paste of Indian lilac and turmeric

• Put 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder in a bowl.
• Add 1 tablespoon of Indian lilac paste.
• Mix the two thoroughly to form a thick paste. You can also add a few drops of water to get a consistent paste.

Step 2. Apply the paste to the affected skin.

• Apply the paste to the inflamed and flaky skin.
• Let it sit for 20 minutes, then wash it off with water.
• Apply some coconut oil to keep the skin moisturized.

Use this remedy twice daily for a few months to get relief from the symptoms of psoriasis.

Method 8: Turmeric with Aloe Vera

Turmeric can also be combined with the ‘miracle plant’ aloe vera to treat psoriasis naturally. The clear gel derived from the aloe vera plant gets easily absorbed into your skin and stimulates the fibroblast cells to promote healthy skin renewal. It also contains antioxidants that together with turmeric fight off toxins causing cellular damage.

Aloe vera is also antibacterial and forms a protective layer on psoriasis patches to prevent any infection. Simply mix the two ingredients to form a topical ointment for the application.

Things you’ll need:

• Aloe vera gel (renews skin) – 1 tablespoon
• Organic turmeric powder (anti-inflammatory) – 1 teaspoon

Single-Step Treatment: Mix aloe vera gel and turmeric & apply it on the patchy skin

• Mix 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel and 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder to make a smooth paste. You can learn to extract your own aloe vera gel from a leaf of the plant or use a store-bought gel.
• Apply a thin layer of the blend on the affected skin.
• Let it sit for 20 minutes, then rinse it off with water.

Repeat once or twice daily until your skin is restored to its healthy form.

Tips to use turmeric for psoriasis

• When treating psoriasis, avoid using harsh cosmetics that can irritate your already inflamed skin.
• Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, as they help fight off inflammation.
• Eat grains and legumes, as they work as antioxidants and help reduce flare-ups.
• Avoid eating processed sugar, fried food, and red meat, as these will worsen the inflammation.

Resources:

1. Sarafian G, Afshar M, Mansouri P, Asgarpanah J, Raoufinejad K, Rajabi M. Topical Turmeric Microemulgel in the Management of Plaque ... Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4518115/. Published 2015.
2. Jantarat C, Sirathanarun P, Boonmee S, Meechoosin W, Wangpittaya H. Effect of Piperine on Skin Permeation of Curcumin from a Bacterially Derived Cellulose-Composite Double-Layer Membrane for Transdermal Curcumin Delivery. Scientia Pharmaceutica. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30216984. Published September 13, 2018.
3. Mashhadi NS, Ghiasvand R, Askari G, Hariri M, Darvishi L, Mofid MR. Anti‑Oxidative and Anti‑Inflammatory Effects of Ginger in ... International Journal of Preventive Medicine. http://ijpm.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijpm/article/viewFile/1117/845. Published April 2013.
4. Nardo VD, Gianfaldoni S, Tchernev G, et al. Use of Curcumin in Psoriasis. Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences. https://www.id-press.eu/mjms/article/view/oamjms.2018.055. Published January 25, 2018.
5. Alzohairy MA. Therapeutics Role of Azadirachta indica (Neem) and Their ... Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : eCAM. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4791507/. Published 2016.