How Ayurveda treats psoriasis goes far beyond managing surface symptoms, it focuses on identifying and correcting the internal imbalances that trigger the condition. Psoriasis is a long-term skin disorder characterised by red, flaky patches that may appear anywhere on the body. While conventional medicine typically offers temporary relief through topical creams and immune-suppressing drugs, these solutions often come with side effects. Ayurveda, rooted in centuries of holistic healing, addresses the root causes restoring doshic balance, detoxifying the body, and supporting lasting skin health from within.
In this article, we explore how Ayurveda treats psoriasis at its core, using time-tested herbal remedies, detoxification therapies, and dietary regulation. We’ll also delve into Ayurvedic perspectives on the causes of psoriasis, natural treatments, lifestyle changes, and preventive measures.
Understanding Psoriasis in Ayurveda
How Ayurveda treats psoriasis begins with understanding it as a manifestation of Kushtha Roga, a broad category of skin disorders. Psoriasis, according to Ayurvedic principles, is primarily triggered by an imbalance in the Vata and Kapha doshas, with occasional involvement of Pitta. This disruption leads to the formation of Ama—undigested toxins—that accumulate in the body and surface as dry, scaly skin patches. Ayurveda focuses on correcting these internal imbalances to provide lasting relief.
Ayurvedic Terminology for Psoriasis
- Eka Kushtha: A subtype of Kushtha that closely resembles modern-day psoriasis.
- Doshas Involved: Vata (dryness, flakiness), Kapha (scaling, thickening), and Pitta (inflammation, redness).
- Ama: Undigested metabolic waste that circulates in the blood and gets lodged in skin tissues.
Root Cause of Psoriasis in Ayurveda
Unlike conventional approaches that focus on surface-level treatment, Ayurveda emphasizes treating the root cause by identifying internal imbalances. According to Ayurvedic texts, the root causes include:
1. Poor Digestion (Agnimandya)
Weak digestive fire leads to the formation of Ama (toxins), which eventually reaches the skin and triggers symptoms.
2. Imbalanced Diet and Lifestyle
Incompatible foods, excessive dairy, fried items, and heavy meals disturb the doshic balance, especially Vata and Kapha.
3. Emotional Stress
Stress, anxiety, and unresolved emotional trauma can disturb Vata, which worsens psoriasis.
4. Genetics and Chronic Illness
Ayurveda acknowledges the hereditary aspect, but still focuses on pacifying the symptoms by detoxifying the blood and balancing the doshas.
Ayurvedic Medicine for Psoriasis
Ayurveda provides a wide range of herbal medicines and formulations specifically designed to purify the blood, reduce inflammation, and restore dosha balance. These medicines are chosen based on the individual’s Prakriti (constitution), doshic imbalance, and severity of symptoms.
1. Khadirarishtam
A fermented herbal tonic widely used in skin conditions. It purifies the blood, reduces itching, and improves skin tone.
2. Guggulu-Based Formulations
- Kaishore Guggulu: Excellent for detoxifying blood and reducing inflammation.
- Panchatikta Guggulu Ghrita: A medicated ghee preparation that works internally to relieve psoriasis symptoms.
3. Mahamanjistadi Kashayam
This decoction cleanses the blood and helps reduce chronic skin diseases like psoriasis and eczema.
4. Arogyavardhini Vati
This tablet supports liver function and enhances skin metabolism, which is crucial in clearing psoriasis symptoms.
5. Neem Capsules or Decoction (Nimba)
Neem is a potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial herb. It helps reduce flare-ups and supports skin regeneration.
6. Turmeric (Haridra)
Used as a capsule, paste, or in food—turmeric reduces inflammation and promotes healing due to its curcumin content.
7. Herbal Oils or Cream for External Application
- Zero Psora Cream: An AyurWakeup Ayurveda formulation that relieves itchiness, reduces scaling, and moisturizes dry patches.
- Eladi Keram: Coconut oil infused with skin-healing herbs.
- Jatyadi Tailam: Helps heal cracks and lesions on the skin surface.
These medicines work best when used under professional Ayurvedic supervision as part of a personalized treatment plan.
Ayurvedic Treatment Plan for Psoriasis
Ayurveda takes a multi-pronged approach that includes herbal medicines, internal purification, lifestyle corrections, and dietary control.
1. Shodhana Chikitsa (Detoxification Therapy)
a) Panchakarma Treatment
A signature Ayurvedic detox method that includes:
- Vamana (therapeutic vomiting): Removes Kapha toxins.
- Virechana (purgation): Removes Pitta toxins.
- Raktamokshana (bloodletting): Purifies blood and removes skin toxins.
- Basti (medicated enemas): Balances Vata and helps in deep detox.
These therapies are conducted under expert supervision and are crucial in addressing deep-rooted imbalances.
2. Shamana Chikitsa (Pacification Therapy)
This involves using Ayurvedic medicines to reduce symptoms and restore balance.
Popular Ayurvedic Medicines for Psoriasis:
- Guggulu Tikta Ghrita: A medicated ghee used to detoxify blood and reduce inflammation.
- Mahamanjistadi Kashayam: Herbal decoction that purifies blood and supports skin health.
- Khadirarishtam: Fermented herbal tonic that helps reduce itchiness and scales.
- Arogya Vardhini Vati: Balances the liver and clears skin blemishes.
- Neem (Nimba): A powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial herb.
- Turmeric (Haridra): Reduces inflammation and purifies the blood.
3. Topical Ayurvedic Applications
Herbal Oils and Creams:
- Zero Psora Cream: AyurWakeup Ayurveda’s herbal cream specifically for psoriasis and skin dryness.
- Eladi Keram: A medicated oil used to nourish the skin and reduce scaling.
- Jatyadi Tailam: Heals wounds and reduces skin irritation.
These are applied daily to the affected areas to provide local healing and nourishment.
Ayurvedic Diet for Psoriasis
Ahara (Diet) is a cornerstone of Ayurvedic psoriasis treatment. A mindful diet can prevent Ama formation and support overall healing.
Foods to Include:
- Warm, freshly cooked meals
- Green leafy vegetables (excluding nightshades)
- Bitter herbs like neem, turmeric, and giloy
- Whole grains like barley and millet
- Ghee (in moderation) for skin nourishment
Foods to Avoid:
- Curd, cheese, and other heavy dairy
- Fried and processed foods
- White sugar and refined flour
- Nightshade vegetables (tomato, potato, brinjal)
- Seafood and red meat (can aggravate Pitta and Kapha)
Ayurvedic Lifestyle Modifications
1. Daily Routine (Dinacharya)
- Wake up early (before sunrise)
- Oil massage (Abhyanga) with medicated oil
- Mild exercise like yoga or walking
- Meditation or Pranayama for stress management
2. Stress Reduction
Ayurveda considers stress a major trigger. Practices like Shirodhara (oil therapy on forehead), Nasya (nasal drops), and regular meditation help calm the mind and pacify aggravated Vata.
Realistic Expectations and Healing Timeline
How Ayurveda treats psoriasis is a gradual, holistic process—not a quick fix. Instead of masking symptoms, Ayurveda works to correct the underlying imbalances that cause the condition. Because it targets the root cause, the healing journey takes time. For most individuals, noticeable improvement may take 3 to 6 months or more, depending on the severity and chronic nature of the psoriasis. Consistency in treatment, diet, and lifestyle is essential for long-term results.
Why Choose Ayurveda for Psoriasis?
- No harmful side effects
- Treats the cause, not just symptoms
- Improves overall immunity
- Personalized approach based on dosha
- Sustainable and long-term results
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
While Ayurveda doesn’t use the term “cure” in the allopathic sense, it can effectively manage and significantly reduce symptoms over time by treating the root causes.
Typically 3–6 months, depending on the severity and adherence to diet/lifestyle.
Panchakarma is highly effective for deep-rooted conditions but is recommended based on individual body constitution (Prakriti) and doshic imbalance.
Yes, herbal creams formulated under Ayurvedic principles are generally safe and free from steroids or harsh chemicals.
Neem, turmeric, manjistha, giloy, guggulu, and katuki are widely used.
Final Thoughts
Psoriasis is more than just a skin disorder—it’s a reflection of internal imbalance. Ayurveda, with its holistic and root-cause approach, offers sustainable relief without harmful side effects. By combining internal detox, herbal medicines, dietary corrections, and stress management, Ayurveda aims not just to treat, but to transform the body from within.
If you’re looking for a natural, long-term solution for psoriasis, consulting with an experienced Ayurvedic doctor could be your first step toward lasting relief.