Complete Cure of Psoriasis by Ayurveda - A Solution from Chitkara University

Psoriasis is inflammatory skin disease that is characterized by itchy scales, redness and inflammation. It generally occurs on knees, elbow, hands, scalp and feet and generally starts as a tiny scaling papule. Psoriasis may or may not be inherited but if a person is having this condition then risk of him/her passing it onto next generations is higher. The exact cause of Psoriasis is unknown but it occurs due to malfunction in immune system and its interaction with skin. Sometimes environmental conditions, certain infections, certain drugs, some deficiencies, intake of certain types of food etc. could trigger Psoriasis as well. In India upto 2.5% of total population suffers from this condition, however in some countries this number is upto 11% of total population of the country. Psoriasis certainly affects the quality of lives of people who suffer from this condition on all fronts - physical, emotional and social. It is also found that close of 50% of people suffering from Psoriasis experience inflammation of joints like arthritis and it is called psoriatic arthritis.

There are many different medications available in the market for the treatment of Psoriasis. These include salicylic acid, salicylic acid ointment, steroid based creams, calcipotriene containing topical ointment, coal-tar ointments and shampoos, prescription retinoids etc. Most of these treatments are temporary, have side effects and could cause skin irritation.

Drawing inspiration from Ayurveda, we have developed a formulation using certain herbs which could help in the treatment of Psoriasis and we have already patented this herbal composition. The composition consists of extracts of 6 herbs in coconut oil base. Herbs in certain proportion are boiled in water until 80% of the content is evaporated and extract is rest to cool in a copper container. The mixture is then added to coconut oil in a ratio of 1:5 (v/v) and is heated to remove any water content. The oil is then cooled and stored in the glass bottles.

Fig. 1 Test Samples

Oil must be applied on the affected skin-areas for 15-30 minutes, 2-3 times a day for 3-4 months for desired results. We are also making this product in different forms such as gel, shampoo, skin care lotions and ointments for treating early stages of psoriasis, dandruffs, pimples, hives and skin rashes. Figure above shows certain test samples. The composition is under testing and will be commercially available soon. It doesn’t have any side effect and is a low cost treatment of Psoriasis

Dr. K R Ramkumar - Associate Professor (CURIN), Chitkara Univesity, Punjab.