Taking care of psoriasis from the inside out.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease causing an overproduction of skin cells. This results in thickened patches of skin, which are red and scaly and often itchy and painful. The patches most commonly appear on the knees, elbows, scalp, hands, feet, back, fingernails and toenails.

Detoxify the bowels and liver to eliminate a possible overgrowth of Candida albicans or other microbes that may be infecting the body. To do that, be sure to drink plenty of water every day (usually 10 to 12 cups) and supplement with a high quality probiotic supplement.

One of the main gut problems in people with psoriasis appears to be faulty digestion of protein; this, in turn, creates excessive toxicity in the bowel, which weakens the gut lining and allows substances to intoxicate the rest of the body. This can lead to skin problems including psoriasis and other forms of inflammation. A digestive enzyme supplement taken with each main meal should also help. The body naturally produces proteolytic enzymes (which digest protein) but may not be producing enough, so taking a source of these may help.-Look out for a formula containing protease - the broad name for enzymes which digest protein.

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated disease, so it follows that fish oil—if it alters immune reactivity—could improve psoriasis.

Milk thistle stops the breakdown of substances that contribute to psoriasis. Some herbal practitioners suggest tea or tincture made with milk thistle to help alleviate the symptoms of psoriasis.

Lecithin: Lecithin is also considered a remarkable remedy for psoriasis. The patient may take six to nine lecithin capsules a day-two or three capsules before or after each meal. If taken in the form of granules, four tablespoonfuls may be taken daily for two months. The dosage may be reduced thereafter to two tablespoons.

Psorisias and Diet

If your body chemistry is too acid you must eat more alkaline foods to assist psoriasis treatment. You can test your acid/alkaline balance by using simple litmus paper. If your urine is under +7, you are too acid.

Balancing your diet - Acid/Alkaline

When food is metabolised by the body the end products are either acidic or alkaline. Acids are compounds of elements, which give away hydrogen ions, alkalines are compounds of elements which attract hydrogen ions. The body needs both acids and alkalines for its metabolism but we have more difficulty getting rid of acids than alkalines. It is therefore easy for an accumulation of excess acids to occur which can cause us to get rheumatism or skin problems such as psoriasis. To avoid this, aim for a diet which is 70% alkaline and 30% acid. One of the simplest ways to immediately create more alkalinity in your body is to drink so-called superfood powdered drinks. Choose a brand that contains ingredients with high alkaline values such as spinach, broccoli, carrot, wheatgrass, barley grass, chlorella, alfalfa and sprouted grain powders. Many of these ingredients are contained in Green cell Therapy.


Milk thistle, lactobacillus, and digestive enzymes are in Green cell therapy.


Other ingredients:

Wheat Grass juice powder, barley grass juice powder, chlorella, CoQ10, Carrot Juice Powder, Beet Juice Powder, Parsley Leaf Powder, Kale Juice Powder, Grape seed exract, Milk Thistle seed extract, Lycopene, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Quercetin, Dandelion Powder, Spinach Powder, Blue Green Algae, Bee Pollen Powder, Aloe Vera Powder, Flax Seed Powder, Lecithin, Green Tea Extract, Astralagus Powder, Royal Jelly, Brown Rice Powder, Lipase, Lactase, Amyalse, Protease, Bifidobacerium Longum, Lactobacillus Casei, Lactobacillus Rhamnonsus, Lactobacillus Acidophilus






Light, especially sunlight, has long been known to have healing powers, but it wasn't until the 1980's that science began discovering how specific wavelengths of light could have specific positive effects on human physiology, especially the skin. For instance, today narrowband light is used to treat several skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, eczema, and vitiligo. And light therapy has also found its way into the cosmetic world as an effective method for skin rejuvenation. We have the Omnilux light. Using the Omnilux Plus combined with the Omnilux Revive offers an alternative to the current treatments for psoriasis without the side effects. Clinical studies show impressive reductions in erythema, surface area, and infiltration of plaque psoriasis when treated with Omnilux light therapy only over a 5 wk period.





Sexibalm contains Coconut oil and various essential oils beneficial for psoriasis. Can be used with the Omnilux light to aid penetration.

Tea Tree Oil, also known as melaleuca oil, is renowned for its special remedial properties and has been used by Australian Aborigines for hundreds of years. Apart from chewing on its leaves, the aborigines used it for treating many skin-ailments, such as burns, cuts, and psoriasis! This essential oil is steam-distilled from a tree native to Australia, and acts as an antiseptic, a mild anaesthetic and a disinfectant, thanks to a compound called ‘terpinen-4-ol’. It is so useful that tea-tree oil became standard issue for Australian soldiers during World War 2! It is also great for treating scalp-psoriasis, and can be mixed directly into the shampoo before every wash.

Lavender Oil is a firm favourite for many – it smells just like that perfume your terrifying elderly aunt uses, and it’s great for psoriasis! It is a species of mint that grows in the Mediterranean, and bears very recognisable purple flowers. The plant has anti-inflammatory compounds called linalool and linalyl aldehyde, and also acts as an antiseptic agent. In addition, the University of Maryland Medical Centre has published studies that have demonstrated the benefits of using lavender oil in controlling pain and limiting scaly skin patches.

Coconut oil also helps in treating various skin problems including psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema and other skin infections.

Vitamin E oil, is a natural treatment for Psoriasis. Rubbing Vitamin E directly on the affected skin will help moisturize and heal the skin. This natural oil will also help prevent scarring.

Green tea is already well known to be a powerful anti-inflammatory agent with good astringent properties, which makes it a valuable ingredient in skin cleansers, toners and lotions. If it also "induces capsase 14 production", the missing link in psoriasis, it may be helpful to use a poultice of green tea on such lesions.

Natural treatments for rosacea

What is Rosacea?

More than 14 million people in North America have rosacea, a chronic skin condition. Women, fair-skinned people between the ages of 30 and 60 are more likely to be affected.

Symptoms and signs of rosacea include:

Areas of redness on your face
Small red bumps or pustules on your nose, cheeks, forehead, and/or chin
Small blood vessels on your nose and/or cheeks (called telangiectasia)
Tendency to flush or blush
Rosacea may also result in a red, bulbous nose, called rhinophyma, or a burning or gritty sensation in your eyes, called ocular rosacea.

Rosacea sufferers should avoid foods that may trigger the condition such as spicy foods, coffee and alcohol. A diet that includes plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables and a lot of water is recommended.

Antibiotics have anti-inflammatory effects that seem to suppress the inflammation associated with rosacea. The most common oral antibiotics prescribed for rosacea include tetracycline, doxycycline, and minocycline.
Because oral antibiotics can produce unwanted side effects, their long-term use is not recommended. You'll most likely be prescribed these drugs until your symptoms have been brought under control, at which point topical medications, lifestyle changes, and laser and/or light treatments will be used to keep further flare-ups at bay.

Oatmeal

First, oatmeal is a potent antipruritic. The moisturizing properties of colloidal oatmeal alleviate itch due to dry skin. These properties, in turn, promote protection of barrier function, which is often impaired in rosacea patients. Oatmeal also works as a skin protectant and enhancer of barrier function as the proteins and polysaccharides bind to skin to provide a protective barrier, while proteins buffer both acids and bases.

















Digestive Enzymes

Some people with rosacea have indigestion, especially after eating fatty foods. One study found a deficiency of the pancreatic enzyme lipase, an enzyme that helps to digest fat.

When the rosacea patients in the study were given pancreatic enzyme supplements with meals, their symptoms of indigestion and rosacea both improved.

Milk Thistle can help with Rosacea because it improves overall liver function and helps detoxify the skin. Chlorella, alfalfa and other "green" foods are good for rosacea because they supply phytonutrients that help to improve skin health. (Digestive enzymes, milk thistle, chlorella, alfalfa, and other green foods are found in Green Cell Therapy below)




















B Vitamins

Inadequate riboflavin, caused by insufficient dietary intake or poor absorption in the digestive tract, may be associated with rosacea.


Food Intolerances

Some alternative practitioners have found clinically that certain foods may be associated with rosacea symptoms. Foods may cause the release of chemicals that dilate blood vessels and cause flushing.

An inexpensive and effective way of identifying food intolerance is through an elimination and challenge diet, which involves removing allergenic foods from the diet for one to two weeks then systematically introducing them into the diet to isolate the foods that cause reactions. Supervision by a health practitioner is recommended.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar taken orally is used as a home remedy for rosacea. It is thought to stimulate the release of digestive enzymes and help normalize the bacterial balance in the intestines. Consult a health practitioner before trying apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is available in liquid and tablet form. There have been reports linking use of the tablets with esophageal injury.

Red Tea

It may sound ironic, but red tea, which comes from the leaves of a South African shrub, can actually alleviate the redness associated with rosacea. Rich in quercetin, an anti-inflammatory agent that inhibits flushing and irritation, natural red tea can be used as a facial wash, as reported in "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies." Brew the tea, and let it steep for 30 minutes. Allow it to cool in the refrigerator, and then saturate a wash cloth in the liquid. Place the cool, saturated wash cloth on your face for 10 to 15 minutes.


Licorice

A recommended natural treatment for rosaecea. The topical application of this herb has shown improvement in people with mild and moderate symptoms. The anti-inflammatory properties of a chemical present in licorice called licochalcone help to reduce skin itchiness.

Niacinamide or vitamin B3 based moisturizer is considered an effective natural treatment for rosacea. The research conducted on niacinamide has shown its potency in improving the skin barrier and alleviating skin inflammation. These natural herbs and extracts are advised as add on treatments for rosacea with other oral and topical prescriptions.


Green Tea Cream

The use of green tea has long been studied for a variety of diseases. The results of a recent small study found that cream containing 2% polyphenone (green tea extract) improved the symptoms of rosacea as much as 70%. Green tea extract contains many anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-ageing properties which help to reduce skin redness, reduce papules and pustules as well as soothing the skin.

Lavender

Lavender is one of those herbs that has been used for hundreds of years to treat anything from insomnia and depression to muscular spasms and pain. Lavender has natural anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antibiotic and calming properties that make it a great choice for many problems. Even though there is no conclusive evidence regarding the use of lavender for skin problems, there does seem to be support for the use of lavender to help in healing the skin. Lavender should not be used directly on the skin as this can cause irritation. It should be mixed with a cream or carrier oil.


Tea Tree Oil

Again, like lavender and chamomile, tea tree oil possesses anti-inflammatory properties and is great for treating boils, spots and inflamed skin. However, tea tree oil should be used with caution because it has resulted in allergic contact eczema and dermatitis. Never take it internally and only use it mixed into a cream or carrier oil.

We have a coconut based balm in the office that contains green tea, lavender, and tea tree oil. Call 832-237-4200

The use of Omnilux™ light therapy in Rosacea (as light treatment alone or using the balm with essential oils) offers excellent efficacy in erythema reduction and overall facial cosmetic enhancement. In addition, the anti-inflammatory effects of the Omnilux revive™ treatments act to prolong remission of the condition. Treatments are twice weekly for 5 weeks.