5 Natural Remedies for Psoriasis and Eczema

Psoriasis and eczema are common skin conditions with approximately 31.6 million Americans having some form of eczema and 7.5 million afflicted with psoriasis. If this includes you or someone you know, before you reach for a potent, over-the-counter (OTC) pharmaceutical try these 5 natural remedies for psoriasis and eczema. OTC meds often relieve immediate symptoms such as itching but often contain harsh, synthetic ingredients. Plus, conventional remedies rarely address the root cause. 

These natural remedies will give you the option to try plant-based formulas that are just as good or even better than pharmaceuticals. In addition, some of these remedies could address the root cause of your psoriasis or eczema that doctors will rarely suggest you try. 

Discover Symptoms

If you have any of these symptoms that frequently or chronically occur you could be suffering with psoriasis or eczema. These two skin conditions have similar presentations that, according to the National Eczema Association, may include:

• Dry, sensitive skin
• Red, inflamed skin
• Very bad itching
• Dark colored patches of skin
• Rough, leathery or scaly patches of skin
• Oozing or crusting
• Areas of swelling

Healthline reports that,

Psoriasis is a thick patch of white scales. Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that results in the overproduction of skin cells. The dead cells build up into silvery-white scales. The skin becomes inflamed and red, causing serious itching.

Eczema aka atopic dermatitis is reported as a hypersensitivity reaction. This causes the skin to overreact to certain triggers, such as dyes, fabrics, soaps, animals, and other irritants.

Natural Remedies

Try one or more of these natural remedies for psoriasis and eczema to see if symptoms lessen over time. 

CBD Oil

Try some high grade CBD (cannabidiol) oil on a patch of your affected skin. CBD oil is derived from the male marijuana plant and contains no mind altering THC. It is safe and legal in all US states.

According to a study by researchers at Nottingham University, School of Biomedical Sciences, Medical School, UK, it was concluded that, 

“Our results show that cannabinoids inhibit keratinocyte proliferation, and therefore support a potential role for cannabinoids in the treatment of psoriasis.”

Virgin Coconut Oil

VCO is a natural ant-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and natural hydrator that may help your skin calm down and heal more rapidly. Try some on a small area and cover to see improvement. 

A 2019 study by Indian researchers published in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine concluded that, 

“Our study demonstrated the anti inflammatory activity of VCO by suppressing inflammatory markers and protecting the skin by enhancing skin barrier function.VCO could be useful in treating skin disorders with permeability barrier dysfunction, especially those accompanied by reduced epidermal protein expression, such as atopic dermatitis, eczema.” 

Probiotics

Taking a daily probiotic may ease and possibly eliminate psoriasis or eczema rashes. Many researchers believe that an imbalance in the gut microbiome often contribute to skin compromise. 

A study by French researchers published in the journal Beneficial Microbes (2018) it was concluded that specific probiotics (L. salivarius and L. rhamnosus) targeted skin health stating, 

“In summary, the results of this study strongly suggest that L. salivarius LA307 and L. rhamnosus LA305 could be good candidates for preserving skin integrity and homeostasis via the modulation of the gut microbiota and could be used to suppress inflammatory responses in dermatological conditions such as AD [atopic dermatitis – eczema]”

Sunflower Seed Oil

Some believe that most plant oils are beneficial as a topical treatment for the skin. However, Peter A Lio, MD, wrote, ‘Skin Barrier Benefits of Sunflower Seed Oil’ published in Dermatology Times, (7/13/15) stating that,

“Sunflower seed oil is rich in linoleic acid,…these essential fatty acids can help maintain the skin barrier and decrease transepidermal water loss, both important features in thinking about skin problems such as atopic dermatitis.”

Citing one small study Dr. Lio reported, 

“19 adults were randomized to receive olive oil to one arm versus sunflower seed oil to the other for 4 weeks. Interestingly, the olive oil caused a worsening of the barrier function and even erythema in subjects with and without a history of AD [atopic dermatitis – eczema]. Sunflower seed oil, on the other hand, did not cause erythema and preserved skin barrier function while actually improving hydration”

Healing Salve

Sometimes it is a combination of natural ingredients that packs the most punch. Wellness Mama recommends this recipe for a healing salve to sooth and restore skin compromised by psoriasis and eczema. It may take some legwork to gather the unique ingredients yet it just may be the remedy you’re looking for.

Healing Salve Ingredients

• 2 cups olive oil or almond oil
• 1/4 cup beeswax pastilles
• 1 tsp echinacea root (optional)
• 2 Tbsp dried comfrey leaf
• 2 Tbsp dried plantain leaf (herb-not banana!)
• 1 Tbsp dried calendula flowers (optional)
• 1 tsp dried yarrow flowers (optional)
• 1 tsp dried rosemary leaf (optional)

Instructions

Infuse the herbs into the olive oil. There are two ways to do this. You can either combine the herbs and the olive oil in a jar with an airtight lid and leave 3-4 weeks, shaking daily OR heat the herbs and olive oil over low/low heat in a double boiler for 3 hours (low heat!) until the oil is very green.

Strain her herbs out of the oil by pouring through a cheesecloth. Let all the oil drip out and then squeeze the herbs to get the remaining oil out.

Discard the herbs.

Heat the infused oil in a double boiler with the beeswax until melted and mixed.

Pour into small tins, glass jars or lip chap tubes and use on bites, stings, cuts, poison ivy, diaper rash or other wounds as needed.

Try one or more of these 5 natural remedies for psoriasis and eczema while maintaining a healthy plant-based diet and good exercise program. Also, don’t forget to drink more clean water every day for optimal skin support.