Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

[soloist]

Here's some information on the use of turmeric in treating psoriasis. Primarily an ingredient of curry powder, it is a stimulant, that is, it increases the energy of the body, drives the circulation, breaks up obstructions and warms the body. Stimulants should not be used when there is extreme weakness or when the body is eliminating toxins through the skin in the form of eruptive skin diseases, or in cases of nervousness and hypertension. As well, stimulants should not be used when there is a chronic imbalance of the colon. Other stimulants are ginger, cayenne, garlic, black pepper and cloves. Stimulants are usually used in cases such as colds and flus, or with slow digestion, and in combination with other therapies.

It is best to consult with a qualified Herbalist. Some are better than others, but as with any branch of medicine, shop around, do your research, ask questions, and don't self-medicate unless you are willing to do so at your own risk. Find a certified Herbalist who has been trained in a respectable school.

According to my research, dandelion is a good herb for psoriasis, and lavender is supposed to be excellent to use in a sauna or steam bath because it stimulates new cell growth. Also, two teaspoons of powdered ginger in the bathwater helped me.

It is also mentioned in "Perscription for Nutritional Healing" by James and Phyllis Balch that we "avoid fats (milk, cream, butter, eggs), sugar, processed foods, white flour, and citrus fruits. Fish oil or primrose oil interferes with the production and storage of arachidonic acid , a natural inflammatory substance that makes the lesions of psororiasis turn red and swell. Avoid red meat and dairy products because they contain this substance."

I hope that this information helps someone.

[kbradley]

Hi Soloist,

Thanks for sharing this information. I take it you've seen the thread "tumeric...our success story".

I've had good results taking tumeric, fish oil and borage oil (like primrose). The authors you quote suggest that these three supplements are bad for psoriasis? Boy, do we get a lot of contradictory information.

Nice to have you on the board. Have you found anything that works for you? -kiki

[lksayre]

Great I just bought a bottle yesterday. Oh well I am going to try it. If this does not work I am not going to buy anymore herbs for this. I do think the Evening Primrose oil helps. My cabinets are bursting with herbs and vitamins. A couple of weeks ago I thought maybe I should take them all. So I took two bee pollen, two coral calcium, two primrose, and a 4 oil of olay vitamins. Well I got really sick to my stomach. Don't try this at home folks, or anyplace else for that matter. LOL!!

[GitOverIt]

Fish oil or primrose oil interferes with the production and storage of arachidonic acid , a natural inflammatory substance that makes the lesions of psororiasis turn red and swell. Avoid red meat and dairy products because they contain this substance."

I think soloist means we want the fish oil and primrose to interfere with arachidonic acid because it causes P to turn red and swell....It seems to be in dairy products and red meat..nasty stuff for us....

[kbradley]

Hi Sally,

Yes, after re-reading, I see what it actually says. Maybe the tumeric is doing nothing at all but the fish and borage oil are doing all the work. And I have no red meat and little dairy in my diet (tomorrow might be a problem though). Maybe I'll try discontinuing tumeric and see if anything changes for the worse.

Thanks for the clarification and have a wonderful holiday. -kiki

[soloist]

Hi kiki:
You asked what works for me...gee, I don't know for sure, but it seems that my psoriasis has been in remission since I got serious about changing my diet. I cut out everything I enjoyed eating or drinking, and now I live this dull and boring existence and have no friends. Gone are my old pals--booze, cigarettes, sugar, wheat, corn, potatoes, milk, cheese, ice cream, burgers and fries. No more one night stands with a Sara Lee cheesecake. When I was very bad with psoriasis, I would have swallowed arsenic if it worked, and prednisone got me out of the hospital, but since this darn thing all started with taking beta-blockers, I am leery of taking anything else. I can sympathize with those of you who take drugs, and everyone makes that choice to be free of this horrible thing.
When my skin was a warzone, I found that salt water, oatmeal (wraped in cheesecloth), and ginger powder (handful) in the bath relieved the itch, vaseline and cotton gloves were essential armour, lots of dandelion tea, vitamins, primrose oil or fish oil, and freedom from stress--all helped, but it took a lot longer than prednisone and topical steroids. Also, melotonin for sleep, and 5-HTP for depression (both in the health food stores here in Canada). Also, supportive friends or family, and funny videos made my housebound self happier. And most important, eliminating all my bad habits with diet. Hope my story helps others...keep trying!
Any good comebacks for insensitive ooglers who look at your skin like you have leprosy?

[Peteuk]

Hi snowgirl,
If lavender stimulates new cell growth, shouldn't we P folk stay away from it ?
curious Pete.

[EdR]

Cow's milk contains far less arachidonic acid (AA), than human milk, although the percentage depends upon diet - grazing cows produce less AA in their milk than grain fed cows. AA is also present at higher concentrations in fatty red meat, organ meat (e.g. liver), and egg yolk, which I tend to avoid with whole milk because of fat content. Sometimes when I cheat and go off of this diet (perhaps once every few months) my psoriasis *seems* to get worse, but to be honest, my observations aren't very systematic or rigorous, and I've never tried to eat these types of foods for a long period of time to see what happens.

[soloist]

Hi Pete:
I noticed the contradiction myself, but short of contacting the authors, I can only speculate.
Lavendar has a sedative, tranquillizing effect when taken as a mild tea and is used for headaches and insomnia. Externally, a lotion or compress is good for burns, infected wounds, eczema and acne. The essential oil extracted from the plant is a powerful antiseptic which will kill many of the common bacteria. Perhaps the authors were just wrong, but I suspect they were thinking of the antiseptic properties of the plant when they advised to use it in a steam bath in the treatment of psoriasis. Maybe it promotes normal cell growth, as opposed to the rampant growth in psoriasis. In any case, it seems a harmless experiment should someone decide to try it.

Turmeric Paste

In India and China, a little powdered turmeric is mixed with the juice from half a sqeezed lime and a little water to make a smooth, even paste, which is put directly onto inflamed skin with excellent results. Several crushed zinc tablets (50 mg. each) may also be added.
In Samoa, turmeric powder is also used directly on the skin, or mixed with a little coconut oil for relief from the pain and itching of psoriasis.
Simple remedies worth a try!

Thanks Ed for your info on AA. Very interesting.

[mintona]

Hi all
Ive been reading about this tumeric therapy for a couple of months interesting as it is, can any one say that it actualy works or should i forget perhaps giving it ago,
all the best
Andrew
P.S just gone for a curry............