Turmeric is gaining popularity in the medical world for all the right reasons. Initially used by Indians as Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric is now dominating the world. Best known for its medicinal properties, turmeric is a prominent spice in the kitchen and gives a beautiful yellow color to food. Moreover, turmeric helps treat several health conditions like cancer, heart issues, and many more. Studies show that turmeric may be a powerful remedy for curing psoriasis. Let us know more about it below.
Psoriasis Symptoms And Treatments
Psoriasis is a chronic auto-immune condition that causes skin buildup. Some common symptoms of psoriasis are red patches, cracked skin, itchy skin, swollen joints, and burning skin. While some symptoms are constant, others may show up occasionally.
There are several treatments for this disease. They aim to reduce the scales on the skin and slow down cell growth. Some traditional treatment options are topical retinoids and corticosteroids, light therapy, salicylic acid, tar soap, anthralin, and other powerful drugs. However, one must be careful as some treatments are unsuitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Also, a few treatments may have skin irritation and severe side effects.
Some studies report that turmeric may be able to treat the symptoms of psoriasis. Apart from the ongoing treatments, many people are seeking turmeric therapy. It is because it can help in relieving pain and irritation.
Curcumin: The Miraculous Compound
The main benefits of turmeric lie in its active compound called curcumin. It imparts several health advantages to the body. From Ayurveda to Chinese treatments, curcumin has a significant presence in several medications.
Moreover, curcumin is responsible for most of the healing properties of turmeric. Since turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties, it can help with psoriasis symptoms. The best part is that research indicates positive results after using curcumin as a treatment for the psoriasis skin condition.
How To Use Curcumin For Psoriasis?
Curcumin is available in many forms these days. You can opt for any of the choices. However, ensure that you consult your doctor before starting any treatment with curcumin. Although curcumin has no severe side effects, you should still talk to your doctor once. Here are some ways in which you can use curcumin for psoriasis:
Curcumin Gel
According to an observational study, curcumin gel can help reduce symptoms. It works best when paired with antibiotics or topical steroids.
If you avoid allergens, it will be an added benefit for you. Also, avoid dairy products, especially if you are lactose intolerant.
All these factors combined can make your skin condition better. Use the curcumin gel regularly as prescribed by the doctor. In a study, 72% of participants stopped showing symptoms after doing this ritual for 16 weeks.
Curcumin Microemulgel
Curcumin microemulgel is a topical form of curcumin. A placebo-controlled study of 34 people showed positive results using a curcumin microemulgel. Studies demonstrate that the patients tolerate this version of curcumin well. After comparing the results to a survey of people who took a placebo, the outcomes were highly encouraging.
They saw a significant improvement in thickness, redness as well as scaling. Not only this, but patients also reported refinement in the quality of life. Therefore, this is another way to treat the psoriasis condition and minimize the symptoms.
Oral Curcumin
The combination of visible light therapy and oral curcumin showed good results too. A study published by the European Journal of Dermatology confirmed this theory. Furthermore, this treatment is safer than traditional treatments. People with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis should opt for this medication.
How To Use Turmeric?
Turmeric is readily available everywhere. Whether you want fresh turmeric or packaged one, get it from a reliable source. Ground turmeric is often used in the kitchen for adding to curries and soups. One teaspoon of turmeric is enough to bring the taste and color.
To avail the maximum benefits of turmeric, you should pair it with black pepper. Since curcumin does not get absorbed by the body efficiently, black pepper can help with this factor. It contains piperine which enables the quick absorption of curcumin by the body. There are several supplements of curcumin as well that you can get. However, ensure that you consult your doctor first and then take any supplement.
Consumption Of Turmeric
There are numerous ways of consuming turmeric. You can add it to the food and make turmeric tea and golden milk. You can also go for turmeric coffee with many variations of its own. Here are some primary ways of using turmeric:
Turmeric Tea
Boil water, add turmeric, and let it simmer for a couple of minutes. Let it boil, and then add honey, lemon, and a pinch of black pepper. You can add other ingredients like cinnamon as well. Strain the mixture and transfer it to your cup.
Turmeric Paste
If you wish to use turmeric topically, you can make a paste. Add turmeric powder to water and blend it well. Heat it in a saucepan till thick paste forms. Let it cool and store it in the refrigerator. Use it on your skin after consulting the doctor.
Turmeric Dosage
Reportedly, there are no severe side effects of turmeric. Nausea, dizziness, and diarrhea are some side effects, but they are rare and very mild.
Consumption of curcumin must be taken care of while on other medications. Especially if you are taking iron supplements or other drugs, be cautious while consuming turmeric. Talk to a doctor so they can tell if turmeric will tamper with your other medications. Let them decide the best dosage for you, and then continue consuming turmeric.
More research is necessary on turmeric and how it works to use it as a primary treatment.
Take Away
The encouraging results from studies indicate a bright future for turmeric medicines in treating psoriasis. People can improve their skin condition considerably and enhance their quality of life. Since turmeric treatments are safer than others, it is good news for everybody.
