Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease that affects 2% of men and women. While the causes of the disease are open to debate, the symptoms are always the same: scaly patches of skin (which peel off in the form of “white scales”) on the hands, elbows, knees or scalp. Beyond the painful itching, because it’s a highly visible pathology, psoriasis has serious repercussions on the morale, social and sexual life of sufferers. Because I’m (unfortunately) no stranger to the subject, in this article I’m sharing my recipes for preventing psoriasis from resurfacing.
What exactly is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic disease, generally benign (but serious in 20% of cases), which affects the skin and joints in severe forms, and weakens the immune system. It is one of the 80 autoimmune diseases known to date. There are several types of psoriasis, each more or less invasive and difficult to tolerate. The itching, as well as the stares of others, considerably reduce the quality of life of sufferers, who discover that the simple act of wearing a wool sweater can turn into a nightmare. The more numerous and widespread the plaques, the lower the quality of life, often leading to isolation and depression.
It’s generally accepted that the causes are psychological, but this is not a sufficient explanation: genetic and immune factors, interaction with certain medications, stress and fatigue can all be at the root of a psoriasis eruption.
While there are many causes, there are few effective remedies, and autoimmune diseases remain a medical mystery. Some dermatologists prescribe UV sessions or cortisone-based treatments, which provide only momentary relief: as soon as the treatment is stopped, the attacks return with a vengeance. So it’s best to turn to natural alternatives.
Natural remedies
If you’re prone to psoriasis, you know that attacks last an average of two months and are likely to return chronically. The first thing to do is to realize that it’s time to take a break and look after ourselves. Sleep, diet and hydration are the basis of our body’s equilibrium. That’s why it’s so important to take care of your lifestyle to prevent the crisis from worsening or lasting too long.
Moderate sun exposure can help, and UV sessions are often prescribed by dermatologists.
The real cure for this scourge I found in India after a stay in an Ayurvedic clinic. I had gone there to treat a severe attack of gouty psoriasis (80% of the body). I discovered Neem or Margousier, an ancestral plant recognized for its antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antispetic virtues. Its scent is very strong, so you can mix it with another vegetable oil for topical application. The powdered leaves can also be eaten and mixed with food. The Indian healers had also advised me to avoid foods that promote inflammation, such as dairy products, meat, alcohol and eggs, and to give preference to fruit, vegetables and legumes. So I followed their advice to the letter, using Neem oil on the lesions after every shower and consuming a tablespoon of powder with every meal.
Three weeks after my return to France, my psoriasis had completely disappeared. Today, whenever I see the appearance of a plaque, I take a break and go back to the anti-inflammatory diet. I’ve replaced the Neem oil with CBD-based oil (much easier to find here) which I take in the form of drops sub lingually and applied locally to the skin. The properties of the cannabis and neem plants are equivalent, which is good news for feeling good about yourself!
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