Which Herbs Help Treat Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a common skin development that affects more than 6 million people in the United States alone. It is identified as an accumulation of dry, dead skin cells that appear on the skin as raised, light red sores with red borders. They commonly appear on the body's hot spots, such as the elbows, knees, groin and lower back. Psoriasis is believed to be an inherited disease that can be exacerbated by emotional stress. Even so, there are several herbal treatments that can be used to treat psoriasis.

Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is known to regulate function of the immune system, which can sometimes contribute to psoriasis if the immune system is irregular. The herb also protects the liver, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Take this herb by consuming 150 mg twice daily.

Primrose Oil
Primrose oil can be consumed to treat psoriasis, or it can also be applied topically to psoriasis lesions to treat the symptoms. To consume primrose oil as a treatment, take 500 mg to 2.5 g daily.

Yellowdock
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, yellowdock can be taken in a mixture with two other herbs--red clover and burdock--to treat psoriasis. Each are traditional treatments for the skin condition. Mix equal parts of all three herbs together and steep the mixture in 1 c. tea. Drink the tea three times daily. You can also mix tinctures from all three herbs and consume 30 to 60 drops of the tincture three times a day.

Coleus Forskohlii
This herb is a historical remedy used to treat psoriasis. It can be used by taking 50 to 100 mg of the herb two or three times a day.

Topical Treatments
Several herbs can be used to relieve the discomfort caused by psoriasis. They will not treat the condition itself, but can treat the symptoms and effects of the condition. These topical treatments include aloe, apple cider vinegar, oatmeal baths, tea tree oil, capsaicin creams, and Oregon grape cream.