Chinese Medicine for Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a complex skin condition that affects over 125 million people worldwide. Along with characteristic itching and lesions, this condition can also cause long-term scarring, stress, anxiety, and joint pain.

To help manage symptoms and improve skin health, many of those people look to Chinese medicine for psoriasis treatment.

Chinese medicine offers a more natural approach than Western medicine treatments like steroids or oral anti-inflammatory medications. Here, we’ll share more about how Chinese medicine can help you overcome psoriasis symptoms and improve your overall health.

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a frustrating condition that causes inflammation and raised plaques (or scales) on the skin. Psoriasis plaques tend to develop on the elbows, knees, and scalp most commonly. The severity is measured by pasi scores to determine how thick and inflamed the psoriasis area is. They may itch, burn, and sting.

At its root, plaque psoriasis is an immune condition. An overactive immune system increases systemic inflammation and speeds up skin cell growth. While normal skin cells grow and shed in a month’s time, psoriatic skin cells go through this cycle in only 3 or 4 days. Instead of falling off, they pile up on the surface of the skin, causing the characteristic plaques.

Aside from irritated skin, psoriasis causes inflammatory issues in other parts of the body, too. In fact, one-third of people with psoriasis also have psoriatic arthritis, a condition that causes swelling, stiffness, and pain in the joints.

There is no cure, but there are many different ways to treat psoriasis to reduce symptoms. Western medicine offers topical ointments, oral supplements, phototherapy. Chinese medicine, too, has much to offer to reduce psoriatic plaques and skin lesions. Let’s find out how!

Does Chinese Medicine Work for Psoriasis?

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been treating skin diseases like psoriasis for thousands of years. Now, modern research (including double-blind clinical trials) confirms that Chinese herbs, acupuncture, and other TCM therapies are effective in managing psoriasis and improving the quality of life for those affected. Here’s how:

Chinese medicine reduces inflammation.

Inflammation is often at the root of disease. When it comes to psoriasis, inflammation is not just at the root of the itching and pain, but a main contributing factor to the immune response that causes the excessive build-up of psoriatic plaques.

Thankfully, Chinese herbal medicine is a powerful natural way to reduce inflammation and promote healthier cell turnover. Many herbs used in formulas for skin conditions are cooling and balancing (including herbs like Isatis and indigo naturalis). They also repair the damage done by chronic inflammatory processes.

Chinese medicine helps manage autoimmune diseases.

Psoriasis is not a condition limited to the skin. It is a complex condition that is directly linked to an overactive autoimmune response.

Autoimmune conditions can be tricky to manage, but clinical studies show that Chinese medicine has much to offer. Because Chinese medicine works with the body to restore balance, we can keep the immune system in check without suppressing it entirely.

Chinese medicine supports the whole body.

Psoriasis is a systemic issue that requires a whole-body approach. Chinese herbal medicine helps to bring all the organ systems in balance and treat the root causes of psoriatic inflammation, psoriatic arthritis, and other symptoms that come along with the classic skin lesions.

Scalp Psoriasis and Chinese Medicine

Scalp psoriasis occurs when plaques form on the scalp and around the ears. Usually, people with scalp psoriasis also have psoriatic arthritis.

Chinese medicine can help reduce scalp itching and keep arthritic pain and inflammation under control. Herbal topicals, shampoos, and soaks can enhance the effects of oral supplements.

Chinese Medicine for Psoriasis Treatment

Chinese medicine offers many options to help reduce the growth of psoriatic plaques. Depending on your presentation and other accompanying symptoms, here are some ways TCM can help:

Chinese Herbs for Psoriasis

Chinese Herbal Tea for Psoriasis

Side Effects of Chinese Medicine for Psoriasis

Thankfully, there are few negative side effects when taking Chinese medicine for psoriasis. In some cases, you may experience a minor change in digestion, like looser stools than normal. Nausea and increased urination is also possible.

In most instances, these minor changes only last a few days. If you experience any allergic reactions or side effects that last longer than two days, stop taking the supplements and speak to your doctor or herbalist.

Calm Psoriasis Symtpoms with Chinese Herbal Medicine

Psoriasis can be a tricky condition to manage, but it is possible with the help of Chinese medicine. From topical solutions to daily supplements and teas, Best Chinese Medicine has what you need to manage psoriasis symptoms naturally.  Shop our full collection of skin health formulas here!

Do you suffer from psoriasis? Let us know what your biggest challenges or questions are in the comments below!