Natural Essential Oils for Psoriasis

Have you often wondered what those dry, scaly patches on your skin are? Well, it’s not just dry skin, but psoriasis. Psoriasis is a long term auto-immune skin disease that causes itchy or inflamed patches of thick red skin with scales that appear silver. These patches can be exceedingly painful, though they are not contagious. Most affected areas of the body are the elbows, knees, scalp, back, feet, palms and the face. However, they may appear in other parts too.

Hereditary can be one cause of contracting this disease while other conditions like infections, stress, dry skin and at times medication. Even sunlight can cause the patches to deteriorate and may reoccur recurrently and suddenly. Treatment for this auto-immune disease is done with the help of creams, medication and at time light therapy which may offer instant relief. Since this disease is non-curable, treating the causes of this condition can help you better. Using natural remedies such as essential oils for psoriasis instead helps.

Essential oils are a major part  of any kind of aromatherapy and at times they are also used in the treatment of other skin diseases such as psoriasis. A number of oils help to detoxify, while other help moisturize the skin, reduce stress, and offer antibacterial relief.

Here’s a Look at Best Essential Oils for Psoriasis

Coconut Oil:

Coconut oil is not an essential oil, but is used extensively in households for cooking, as hair oil and at times as an anti-inflammatory. This oil doesn’t cause any side effects and is often used to treat scalp psoriasis, as it helps to soothe and moisturize the skin and red patches. The lauric acid in the oil prevents bacteria and virus from entering your skin. However, if you find yourself in pain or scratching yourself after applying coconut oil then stop using it at once. Consult your physician at once.

Tea Tree Oil:

Tea tree oil is known as a powerful anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal and also helps smooth functioning of the defence mechanism in our body. Applying tea tree oil on the psoriasis affected area will help to reduce swelling and prevent infection. But too much of this oil may further dry your skin, can cause skin irritation and worsen the psoriasis.

Lavender Oil:

Another healing essential oil you can use is lavender. It is often used to treat issues like grazes, headaches, and muscle soreness, skin conditions like spots, allergies, ulcers, blisters, contusions, dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis too. It also has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. It also helps to heal and restore psoriasis affected skin, while soothing dry, flaky skin which helps to reduce skin inflammation. This oil helps to reduce stress and nervousness, which are known to aggravate psoriasis while preventing further infection. Do make sure that you use it correctly or it may cause an allergic reaction, skin irritation, vomiting, shudders and headaches.

Geranium oil:

Known to improve blood circulation, reduce inflammation and relieve stress, this essential oil helps with the development and renewal of strong cells in our body. Extreme and quick propagation of cells in the body leads to psoriasis. Using essential oils directly can have side effects, so one needs to dilute the same by mixing them with other oils like coconut or castor before application. One adverse effect could be slowing down or stopping of blood flow in our body. Mix a few drops of geranium with coconut oil and then apply on your sore skin.

Peppermint Oil:

Another essential oil for psoriasis is peppermint. There are nearly 25 different species of this oil with 600 varieties available in the world. Menthol in this oil helps to reduce irritation and sting both in and round the psoriasis patches. It can also be used to reduce itching in herpes and scabies. One very popular method of using this oil is to mix a cup of purified water with a few drops of peppermint oil. This mixture can then be stored in a spray bottle and one can spritz it on sore irritated skin to get relief.

Argan Oil:

This oil is not an essential oil but is known as carrier oil just like castor. Argan oil is rich in vitamin E, which helps skin hydration. It is an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory too, which when used to treat psoriasis helps to reduce redness, inflammation, dehydration and irritation of skin. Both food grade and cosmetic argan oil can help, but one needs to make sure not consume it. This oil can be applied directly on the skin or mixed with another essential oil for better results.

Thyme Oil:

Thmol available in thyme is a powerful antiseptic which makes it especially useful when it comes to treating psoriasis with essential oils. However, it is highly toxic, which is why it needs to be mixed with carrier oils like coconut oil before applying on the infected area. Those suffering from high blood pressure and pregnant women should refrain from using thyme oil. It may also cause skin irritation.

Black Seed Oil:

Otherwise known as black cumin seed oil, this oil is an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, and anthelmintic, which is why it can be used to treat a variety of skin concerns, from those caused by psoriasis or organisms. Not only does it reduce swelling, but it also speeds up the skin’s healing process. It’s also acts as a moisturizer and helps reduce the thickness of scales on the patches affected by psoriasis. Those suffering from low blood pressure, slow blood clotting, diabetes and pregnant women should consult a physician before using this oil.

Here’s what essential oils for psoriasis can do, however consulting a ayuravedic doctor to understand which one will suit you better is a must.