Ayurveda's View on Psoriasis: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder mainly affecting the skin and joint. The prevalence in India is about 0.44 – 2.8 percent. Psoriasis in males is twice as common than in females. Various sites of the body such as scalp, face, trunk, limbs, palm and soles are involved in psoriasis.

In Ayurvedic literature, Kitibha is compared and accepted with Psoriasis of modern medical diagnosis. Psoriasis (Kitibha) is a well-known disease in Ayurveda from time immemorial. A clear disease description is available in Charaka Samhita.

This disease description along with its pathogenesis, treatment etc. are well defined in Ayurveda.

As per Ayurveda, Kitibha (psoriasis) is one of the varieties of eleven Kshudra Kustha (comparatively less harmful, easily treated obstinate diseases of skin).

श्यावं किणखरस्पर्श परुषं किटिमं स्मृतम् | (Charaka Kushta Chikitsa)

The Dosha (body humors) involved in this disease are Vata and Kapha. The clinical features are Shavam (Blackish brown discoloration of skin), Kinakharasparsh (affected skin will be rough to touch like scar tissue), Parusha (hard to touch).

Causes of Psoriasis According to Ayurveda

• Intake of mutually contradictory food like fish and milk
• Unctuous and heavy drinks
• Suppression of natural urges like vomiting, sleep, thirst etc.
• Physical exercise in excess heat climate or after taking a heavy meal
• Intake of cold water immediately after exposing to scorching sun
• Intake of uncooked food or eating before the previous meal is digested
• Excess intake of fresh grains, curd, fish, salt, sour substances
• Pastry, milk, jaggery, sexual activity during indigestion, day sleep
• Performing sinful acts

As per Nidanaparivarjan (abstinence of aetiological factors), these factors should be avoided during treatment as they are also considered as triggering elements.

Ayurvedic Treatment Approaches

Treatment is based on the involvement and range of vitiation of body humors. It may include external applications, internal medications, or Panchakarma procedures.

Sorozema Massage Oil by Nisarga Herbs

This herbal formulation includes:

• Kutaj leaves extract (Holarrhena Antidysenterica): Amapachan of Rasagata doshas; acts as a blood purifier with antibacterial and antipruritic properties.
• Bakuchi (Psorolea corylifolia): Absorbs kleda, eradicates Kitibha, stimulates melanin formation (due to psoralin and isopsoralin).
• Nimba extract (Azadirachta indica): Dhashamaka (subsides burning sensation); reduces Rasagata pitta.
• Coconut oil: Dahashamaka (subsides burning), Varnya (restores skin texture).
• Tila tail (Sesamum indicum): Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Karanja oil (Pongamia Glabra): Blood purifier, germicidal, healing and analgesic properties.
• Turmeric oil (Curcuma longa): Eliminates Kapha dosha, reduces itching and kleda; powerful anti-inflammatory.

"Ayurvedic oils for managing psoriasis relief"

Panchakarma Procedures

For complete relief, purification procedures such as Vaman (emesis), Virechana (purgation), and Raktamokshan (bloodletting) are recommended based on the vitiated dosha.

Recommended Diet in Psoriasis (Kitibha)

Avoid: Sour, salty, heat-producing items like pepper, curd, milk, jaggery, meat of marshy animals, sesame seeds, black gram.

Wholesome foods: Old rice, barley, green gram, bitter vegetables, meat of wild animals.

Conclusion

Ayurveda is believed to be the oldest medical science. It is not just a treatment system but a complete science of life. The principles laid out by ancient Acharyas still hold value and relevance in the modern world. Its objective is to protect health and alleviate disease.

Here is a glimpse into the relief that Nisarga Herbs’ Sorozema Oil brings to its users. Formulated by experts, our Sorozema oil has shown exceptional results in its users after 60 days of use.

FAQ

Question 1: What is psoriasis and how is it identified in Ayurveda?

Answer: Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that primarily affects the skin and joints. In Ayurveda, it is identified as Kitibha, a type of Kshudra Kustha characterized by dry, scaly, and discolored patches on the skin. The doshas involved are mainly Vata and Kapha.

Question 2: What causes psoriasis according to Ayurveda?

Answer:Ayurveda attributes psoriasis to improper lifestyle and dietary habits such as consumption of incompatible foods (like milk and fish together), suppression of natural urges, overeating, and excessive intake of sour, salty, and sweet foods. These habits disturb the balance of Vata and Kapha doshas, leading to skin disorders like Kitibha.

Question 3: Can Sorozema Oil help in managing psoriasis symptoms?

Answer: Yes, Sorozema Oil by Nisarga Herbs is a herbal formulation specifically designed to manage psoriasis symptoms. It includes natural ingredients like Bakuchi, Nimba, and Kutaj that reduce inflammation, relieve itching, and help restore healthy skin through their antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Question  4: Is psoriasis completely curable through Ayurveda?

Answer: While modern medicine considers psoriasis a chronic condition with no permanent cure, Ayurveda focuses on long-term management and prevention. Through detoxification procedures like Panchakarma, herbal medications, oils like Sorozema, and lifestyle modifications, symptoms can be significantly reduced and managed effectively.

Question 5: What foods should I avoid during Ayurvedic treatment for psoriasis?

Answer: Avoid sour, salty, spicy, and heat-producing foods. Stay away from dairy like curd and milk when taking non-vegetarian food, jaggery, sesame seeds, black gram, and food made from fresh grains. Following a wholesome, balanced, and dosha-specific diet is key for effective recovery.

Question 6: Can I use Sorozema Oil along with allopathic psoriasis treatments?

Answer: Yes, Sorozema Oil can be used as a complementary therapy. However, it is best to consult both your dermatologist and an Ayurvedic practitioner to ensure there are no interactions between herbal and pharmaceutical treatments.

Question 7: How long does it take to see results with Sorozema Oil?

Answer: Many users report visible improvement in skin condition within 30–60 days of consistent use. The duration may vary depending on the severity of the condition and adherence to recommended Ayurvedic dietary and lifestyle practices.

Question 8: Is Panchakarma necessary for treating psoriasis in Ayurveda?

Answer: While not always necessary for mild cases, Panchakarma therapies such as Vaman (emesis), Virechana (purgation), and Raktamokshana (bloodletting) can help in detoxifying the body and balancing doshas in moderate to severe cases of psoriasis, enhancing the effectiveness of treatment like Sorozema Oil.