Coconut oil: Is it an effective home remedy for psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a persistent pores and skin illness that may seem at any time in your life. It’s a pores and skin situation that causes itchy, scaly, and typically purple patches and could be tough to deal with. Though it might seem wherever on the pores and skin, it’s mostly discovered close to the elbows, knees, scalp, and decrease again. Whereas it may be irritating, there may be one potential house treatment for psoriasis that may assist: coconut oil. It has antibacterial and antifungal qualities that may successfully cut back the discomfort attributable to psoriasis. Right here’s how coconut oil improves psoriasis signs and the right way to use it.

What’s psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a continual pores and skin situation that causes thick scaly patches on the floor of the pores and skin that may flip purple and itchy. These patches can seem wherever within the physique however particularly present up close to the elbows, knees, scalp, and decrease again, as present in a examine revealed within the ClinMed Journal.

“In Ayurveda, psoriasis is triggered as a result of an imbalance within the doshas, which results in the buildup of poisons (ama) within the physique. Often, pitta imbalance sufferers face larger probabilities of pores and skin problems like urticaria, pimples, zits, rosacea, and psoriasis, as a result of excessive metabolic fireplace and irritation. Though psoriasis additionally occurs to vata and kapha prakriti sufferers on account of accrued toxins underneath the pores and skin, as a result of poor food regimen and way of life habits,” says Ayurveda coach Dimple Jangda.

What are the causes of psoriasis?

There are a number of causes of psoriasis, which embrace a mixture of genes, immune system points, and way of life elements. Nonetheless, extra analysis is required to show the declare. Life-style elements that may worsen psoriasis embrace unhealthy food regimen, stress, smoking, and ingesting an excessive amount of alcohol. “In accordance with Ayurveda, unhealthy consuming habits can result in issues which may make it tough to digest meals, which may result in a buildup of poisons within the intestine. The physique would possibly attempt to eliminate these toxins by the pores and skin, resulting in psoriasis flare-ups,” explains the skilled.

Signs of psoriasis

Signs of psoriasis differ from individual to individual based mostly on the severity of the situation. Listed below are a few of the widespread signs of psoriasis as per a examine revealed within the Journal of the American Medical Affiliation.

• It could trigger purple patches of pores and skin lined with thick, silvery scales in your physique.
• Your pores and skin could are likely to get dry and begin cracking or peeling and typically can result in bleeding.
• It could even result in itching, burning, or soreness on the pores and skin.
• The nails are likely to get thick and change into ridged.
• One may additionally expertise swollen and stiff joints which is a symptom of psoriatic arthritis.

Coconut oil: Is it a very good house treatment for psoriasis?

Coconut oil is a pure moisturiser and has anti-inflammatory properties, discovered a examine revealed within the Journal Of Dermatology and Scientific Analysis. Moisturisation is a vital issue to scale back the signs of psoriasis.

“It is a wonderful pure treatment for psoriasis because it helps with lowering dryness, and itchy and flaky pores and skin. It helps lock the moisture within the pores and skin and thus reduces irritation. Coconut oil additionally helps soothe the pores and skin and cut back redness and swelling brought about as a result of irritation. It promotes pores and skin barrier restore and regeneration. Coconut oil is a wealthy supply of fatty acids, significantly lauric acid which helps soothe and hydrate the pores and skin. It has antimicrobial properties that may assist forestall an infection and cracked pores and skin,” says the skilled.

How you can use coconut oil for psoriasis?

Listed below are some efficient methods of utilizing coconut oil as a house treatment for psoriasis, as defined by the skilled.

1. Coconut oil and turmeric

Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties and anti-microbial properties that assist soothe and heal the pores and skin, as per a examine revealed within the Meals MDPI Journal. This mixture collectively helps to scale back signs of psoriasis. Nonetheless, extra analysis is required to show the declare.

Elements:

• 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder
• 2 tablespoons of coconut oil

Methodology:

• Take 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder to 2 tablespoons of coconut oil.
• Combine them and rub them between the palms so that they change into a heat and liquid-like combination.
• Gently apply this on the affected areas and depart it on for so long as you may.

2. Coconut oil and honey

Honey is wealthy in antioxidants, antimicrobial, and anti inflammatory properties, in response to a examine revealed within the Pharmacognosy Analysis Journal. This mixed with coconut oil might help you take care of the pores and skin situation. Nonetheless, extra analysis is required to show the declare.

Elements:

• 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon of honey

Methodology:

• Combine coconut oil with equal components of honey and apply this on psoriasis patches.
• Depart it on for 15-20 minutes after which rinse with lukewarm water.

3. Aloe vera

Aloe vera helps to appease the pores and skin and has anti-inflammatory properties which is great for the pores and skin, as per a examine revealed within the Indian Journal of Dermatology. This mixture collectively helps to deal with psoriasis. Nonetheless, extra analysis is required to show the declare.

Elements:

• 1 tablespoon of aloe vera
• 1 tablespoon of coconut oil

Methodology:

• Combine coconut oil with equal components of aloe vera gel and coconut oil.
• Gently therapeutic massage the combination to the affected space till it will get dissolved into the pores and skin.

What are the unintended effects of coconut oil for psoriasis?

There are not any severe unintended effects of coconut oil until you’ve got a selected allergy to coconut oil itself. In some instances, it could clog pores and result in zits for these with delicate pores and skin. Therefore it’s advisable to scrub your pores and skin correctly after each use. You can also make a pure cleanser at house with gram flour (besan), turmeric, and yoghurt. Additionally, earlier than utilizing coconut oil for psoriasis, don’t forget to seek the advice of your healthcare skilled.