Psoriasis Treatment in Ayurveda: A Comprehensive Guide

Psoriasis is a long-lasting, autoimmune skin condition. It leads to red, scaly patches that often appear on the scalp, elbows, knees, and back.

In Ayurveda, this condition closely resembles Ekakustha, Kitibha, and Sidhma Kustha, forms of Kustha Roga (skin diseases) caused by an imbalance in the three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.

The ancient Ayurvedic texts describe skin diseases like psoriasis as Astha Mahagada, meaning one of the eight major diseases.

The root cause lies in Mithya Ahara (unwholesome diet) and Vihara (unhealthy lifestyle), which lead to Tridosha Prakopa—disturbance in the doshas, affecting twak (skin), rakta (blood), mamsa (muscle), and ambu (lymph).

Causes of Psoriasis in Ayurveda

Modern science links psoriasis to genetic, environmental, and immune factors. Ayurveda supports this view with deeper holistic causes:

• Aharaja Nidana: Improper food like fish with curd, jaggery, black gram, and new rice.
• Viharaja Nidana: Daytime sleep, overexposure to sun, excessive exertion.
• Manasika Nidana: Mental stress, anger, and grief.
• Kulaja Nidana: Hereditary nature, passed through family lineage.
• Poorva Janma Karma: Karmic reasons from previous lives as per classical texts.

Symptoms of Psoriasis & Ayurvedic View

Modern Symptoms:

• Red patches with silvery scales
• Itching and cracking skin
• Nail changes
• Scalp dandruff

Ayurvedic Symptoms (Purvarupa & Rupa of Kustha):

• Kandu – Intense itching
• Aswedanam – Dryness or lack of sweating
• Raga – Redness or discoloration
• Matsyashakalopama – Skin like fish scales
• Toda – Pricking pain

Pathogenesis of Psoriasis in Ayurveda (Samprapti)

1. Improper diet/lifestyle (Nidana Sevana)
2. Aggravation of Tridosha
3. Weakening of skin, blood, muscle, and lymph tissues
4. Ama (toxins) accumulate
5. Dosha-Dushya Sammurchana (interaction of doshas with body tissues)
6. Manifestation of Kustha (psoriasis)

This progression shows how deeply psoriasis is rooted in internal imbalances, making Ayurveda's approach to detox and restoration essential.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Psoriasis

1. Detox Therapies (Shodhana Chikitsa – Panchakarma)

• Vamana (emesis): Removes excess Kapha causing thick scaling
• Virechana (purgation): Cleanses Pitta and blood toxins
• Basti (enema): Balances aggravated Vata
• Raktamokshana (bloodletting): Purifies vitiated blood

These therapies remove deep-seated toxins and restore dosha balance.

2. Internal Herbal Remedies

At Nisarga Herbs, we offer time-tested formulations backed by ancient wisdom and modern standards. Common herbs used include:

• Khadira (Acacia catechu): Blood purifier
• Neem (Azadirachta indica): Reduces inflammation, antibacterial
• Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia): Detoxifies blood, enhances complexion
• Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia): Boosts immunity, reduces burning
• Guggulu (Commiphora mukul): Treats psoriatic arthritis, anti-inflammatory
• Haridra (Turmeric): Heals skin, reduces itching and swelling

3. External Therapies

• Herbal pastes & oils: Soothe inflamed skin
• Medicated baths: Help with flaking and itching
• Aloe vera applications: Cool and hydrate the skin

Visit Nisarga Herbs Psoriasis Collection to explore our safe and natural remedies.

Dietary and Lifestyle Tips in Ayurveda for Psoriasis

Ayurveda strongly emphasizes dietary discipline for managing psoriasis:

Foods to Avoid:

• Seafood + dairy combinations
• Excessive spicy, sour, oily foods
• Fermented and preserved items
• Sugar-heavy sweets and jaggery

Foods to Include:

• Warm, home-cooked vegetarian meals
• Bitter vegetables like neem, methi
• Barley, green gram, old rice
• Herbal teas like turmeric, guduchi

Lifestyle Habits:

• Avoid day sleeping
• Reduce stress with meditation
• Follow regular sleep and meal timing
• Maintain personal hygiene and gentle skin care

While psoriasis has no “quick fix” in modern medicine, Ayurveda offers a deeply nourishing and curative path. By focusing on detoxification, dosha balance, and holistic healing, Ayurveda addresses the root cause, not just the symptoms.

References:

• https://www.ayurvedjournal.com/JAHM_201625_08.pdf
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8039350/

FAQ

Q:Can Ayurveda cure psoriasis completely?

A: Yes, Ayurveda focuses on the root cause. With disciplined therapy, it aims for long-term remission and possible cure, especially in early stages.

Q: Is scalp psoriasis treatable in Ayurveda?

A: Yes, special medicated oils and lepa (herbal packs) are effective for scalp psoriasis. Panchakarma like Shirodhara may also help.

Q: Does diet really help in psoriasis?

A: Absolutely. Studies and Ayurveda both confirm that avoiding incompatible foods and following a sattvic diet can reduce flare-ups.

Q: Can I use Nisarga’s products along with modern medicine?

Yes, Nisarga’s herbal formulations are gentle and can be taken with modern medicines. Always consult an Ayurvedic doctor for personalized advice.