Evening Primrose Oil and Psoriasis

1. Evening primrose oil is one of the best oils used to treat psoriasis, and many individuals report success
with this natural treatment. Evening primrose oil contains gamma-linolenic acid, which can help alleviate
psoriasis. Buy evening primrose oil or break open a few capsules and rub the oil directly onto your
psoriasis patches. You can also put a few tablespoons of evening primrose oil into your bath.

As to which cold pressed vegetable oil to use in massage any that are rich in essential fatty acids
such as GLA/EPA, evening primrose oil, borage oil are really good and can be used as a topical
application without essential oils.

Roman chamomile, tea tree, patchouly, helichrysum, rose, German chamomile, lavender
Psoriasis blend:
[ul][*]2 drops Patchouly[*]2 drops Roman Chamomile[*]2 drops Lavender[*]2 drops Tee
Tree[*]2 drops Rosemary[*]2 drops Clove[/ul]

PSORIASIS
DIET SUGGESTIONS - SELF HELP
Because psoriasis seems to involve poor/faulty elimination of toxins by the liver, it is advisable
to place as little stress on the liver as possible. Alcohol should therefore be avoided, completely
if possible. Tea (apart from herb tea) and coffee are best cut from the diet. Red meat
particularly should also be avoided. The diet should be as pure and unrefined as possible.
PLENTY of fresh fruit and vegetables, eaten raw as much as possible. Some sources say citrus
fruits may exacerbate the condition - eliminating citrus from the diet for a week and then
'challenging' by eating a citrus fruit and noticing if there is flare-up within the day should tell
you if citrus is a problem for you or not.
Some sources believe that the condition may be caused by food allergy. Commonly suspected
allergens are DAIRY and WHEAT. If you have no other physical problems you can try an
elimination diet to test for this, but it may be advisable to consult a naturopath who will look at
your diet in detail. Inevitably, if you have any other chronic condition which is being managed
by a GP, it is best to check with your GP before embarking on an elimination diet (basically
cutting out any suspected allergens from the diet for 2-3 weeks) For example, diabetics and
sufferers from hypoglycaemia should NOT try this approach unaided - discuss this with your GP
and/or work under the guidance of a qualified naturopath.
SUPPLEMENTS
If you eat fish - cod liver oil, Otherwise evening primrose, starflower or borage capsules.
(Excellent sources of Gamma linoleic acid - involved in damping down the inflammatory
response.
If you suffer from epilepsy and are taking anticonvulsives to control your condition, you will
need to check with your GP before using evening primrose oil internally - there is some
evidence to indicate that evening primrose oil may antidote the action of specific
anticonvulsives
Kelp is a good source of vitamins and minerals and tablets will be found in health shops.
Herbal teas which purify the blood are also useful - nettle is good (you can make this yourself!)
or
Sarsaparilla.
Vitamin B6 & B12 for stress. Zinc is also often depleted - however this can be harmful if you
overdose on it, and may be best used under the advice of a naturopath.
Do not take zinc supplements if you have a history of cardiovascular problems without
supervision, or if there is a family history of cardiovascular disease. Best natural sources,
oysters, and other shellfish, also wheatgerm. For vegetarians, brewers yeast, split peas,
almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, lecithin (itself sometimes useful for psoriasis sufferers) - dosage
of lecithin 3 tbls a day, Zinc absorption by the body happens best either an hour before or after
meals, not with meals (if you take supplements).
OTHER LIFESTYLE
Reducing stress as much as possible, using whatever works well for you. Good methods
include yoga, tai chi, meditation, and exercise - however it is preferable to find an exercise you
enjoy, rather than something you do between gritted teeth! Dancing and walking both count as
exercise! Sun is very good for psoriasis.
USING AROMATHERAPY
Essential Oils can be very effective applied in a cream, lotion or just diluted in a good quality
carrier oil such as sweet almond, or jojoba if the skin is very dry. You may find that just by
using the oils, twice a day if the outbreak of psoriasis is quite small, will give you the results
you are hoping for
Here is one suggestion for a blend, using easily available essential oils, which is effective and
not too costly. The 'base in this instance would either be 50 ml of carrier oil (sweet almond or
jojoba) or use an unfragranced cream or lotion, preferably without any 'suspect' additives such
as methylparabens. It may be less easy to get hold of a good quality cream or lotion and
simpler to use the vegetable carrier oil.
In 50 ml oil (or 50 ml lotion/50 gm cream) add 10 drops Lavandula angustifolia (True lavender
- important to source the right botanical) 10 drops Roman chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) and 5
drops Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens).
If your psoriasis is more widespread, although use of the oils will be helpful, it would be best to
use a two-pronged approach and consult a medical herbalist who can help with herbs to be
taken internally
FINALLY AND MOST IMPORTANTLY
Many people will tell you that psoriasis is incurable. THIS IS NOT TRUE. Finding the right cure
for you may take time, and you will have to give each approach its time to work, but CURED IT
CAN BE.

Dietary Considerations:

• increase the amounts of fish eaten to 3-4 serves per week. ‘Oily fish’ such as salmon, sardines, tuna, herrings,
kippers,etc. are best.

• increase green-leaf vegetable intake to approximately 1/3 of total dietary consumption for at least 5 days per week.
Eat more foods that are high in naturally-occurring psoralen derivatives, eg: celery, carrots, figs, parsnips and fennel
(a herb).

• drink at least 8 full glasses of filtered water per day. Black or green tea, preferably without milk, and caffeine/tannen-
free. Avoid or minimise excessive coffee/alcohol consumption. Smoking also tends to aggravate psoriasis.

• consider evening primrose oil (epo) supplements; both women and men. Epo’s essential fatty acids help to maintain
the structural integrity of cell membranes and cell metabolism.

• zinc supplements: zinc is essential to the maintenance of the immune system and normal T-cell functioning. It also
plays a critical role in wound healing through collagen production. Zinc supplementation can interfere with iron
absorbtion and copper levels so only take as prescribed.

• decrease red meat (substitute with legumes/chickpea or iron supplements).

• decrease crustaceans (prawns, crab, crayfish etc).

• decrease all spices.

• avoid smoking and alcohol.

• reduce soft-drink intake (especially artificially sweetened) and confectionary.

 • experimenting with the diet can be useful as a food allergy, intolerance or food chemical sensitivity might be stirring
up the immune system. The foods and substances most commonly implicated in sensitivity or allergic reactions are:
dairy produce, wheat and grains, egg/egg products, preservative and colouring, shellfish, alcohol, tap water, cane
sugar, peanuts.(is there anything left to eat you ask?!!!) When these foods or substances are consumed on a regular
basis, problems can be quite difficult to identify because the symptoms they cause may be delayed or quite diverse.
It is only when the offending foods(it may be one food or several) are excluded from the diet, that the body has time
to recover properly. The ideal exclusion time for each food is 3 weeks. If a food sensitivity to that excluded food does
in fact exist, then when it is re-introduced the symptoms will be more intense and so, easily identified. It is a good
idea to maintain a diary, keeping track of foods eaten, foods challenged, and signs/symptoms which may arise.

And finally, “It’s worth a try...”

• add 1-2 cups of apple cider vinegar(acv) to a full bath of warm water and soak in it for 15-20 minutes twice daily.
Acv(5% acidity) has been used since ancient times for the prevention and treatment of various health problems,
especially skin conditions. For the psoriasis sufferer, an acv bath has been anecdotally shown to stop itch, clear light
scaling and break-up heavier plaques.

• “old wives’ remedy” for a quick, economical and effective scale remover. Mix a thick paste of sodium bicarbonate
powder and water. Liberally apply to lesion with a cotton wool swab in a gentle scour. Leave on 5-30 minutes,
depending upon heaviness of scale. Shampoo out with usual products.

• Paw paw ointment is reputedly very effective for treating fingernail psoriasis and cracked, split skin around the nail
bed. Paw paw ointment helps decrease scaling , and improves the overall appearance of the fingers. Apply 3 times
daily and everytime handwashing is performed. Paw paw ointment is inexpensive and lasts well.

The ‘Total Body’ Management of Psoriasis

By Tony Pearce RN.
Specialist Trichologist, National Trichology Services

Psoriasis is the most common scaling disorder seen by Health Practitioners, Trichologists or Hairdressers. It is also perhaps
one of the most frustrating conditions to treat. Just as the appearance, symptoms and severity of psoriasis differ from
individual to individual, so do responses to treatment. Here is one current dietary regime that is frequently beneficial for most
sufferers. Consider this as a guide only…

Diet:

Eliminate all wheat products such as bread/pasta from the diet for a period of 4 weeks. Substitute with ‘Gluten-free’ breads
& rice pasta. Use grains such as rice, corn, sago, oats or spelt. Gluten the main protein of wheat, is a common dietary
allergen resulting in Coeliac Disease or Gluten Sensitivity. If Gluten is a factor, your psoriasis should begin to show
improvement within 1–4 months.

Increase green leaf & cruciferous (eg: broccoli) vegetable intake to approximately 1/3 of total dietary consumption for
at least 5 days per week.

Eliminate all red fruits & vegetables: tomatoes, berries, beetroot, and other acidic varieties.

Drink at least 6-8 glasses of filtered water per day

Eat at least 3-4 serves of fish per week (especially deep sea "oily" fish such as swordfish, salmon, tuna, sardines, herring
etc.) Take 1000 mg of Omega 3 (fish oil) 2-3 times per day.

Eliminate or Reduce Dairy Produce: milk, cheese, yogurt. Try "challenging" dairy by eliminating from the diet for a period
of 4 weeks. Substitute with soya: milk, miso soup, tofu etc. Note: Soy inhibits zinc absorption.

Don’t smoke, & moderate or eliminate alcohol intake

Decrease red meat intake (substitute with fish and/or organic chicken).Note: Women should pay particular attention to
maintaining adequate iron intake, and have their iron storage (‘Ferritin’) levels assessed 2-3 times per annum. Research
suggests a woman’s ferritin level should be 80-120ug/L for optimal hair growth & hormonal balance.

Decrease or "challenge" crustaceans (prawns, crab, crayfish etc.) if you consume these regularly.

Minimise ‘hot/spicy’ foods as well as spices themselves (ginger excepted)

Reduce soft drink (particularly artificially sweetened), confectionary & processed snack food intake

Suggested Nutritional Supplements:

L-tyrosine Amino Acid powder: particularly for systemic psoriasis, or a "flare-up" exhibiting ‘angry-looking’ red, moist skin.

TMG Powder – Trimethylglycine (commonly known as Betaine) +Quercetin a powerful antioxidant & immune system
booster. Developed by Mr. Arthur Chan, a world authority in hair & skin research, this natural product is especially beneficial
for people with chronic illness, compromised immune function, severe allergies, or chronic skin problems.
‘Slow release’ Vitamin B Complex 1-3 tablets daily

Zinc Complex 50mg daily with main meal (3-4 months only). Do not take with iron or copper supplements as they antagonise
zinc absorption.

‘Fish Oil’ (Omega 3) 1000 mg 2-3 times daily.

Flaxseed or Evening Primrose Oil (Blackmores EFA Complex is an excellent combination of essential fatty acids).

Vitamin C: some dietary regimes suggest minimising its intake when treating psoriasis, whilst others advise 1000mg daily
intake.

Some Points to Consider with Psoriasis:

Psoriasis is an inherited ‘autoimmune’ skin disorder and as such can be managed but not presently cured.

Managing Psoriasis requires a total lifestyle approach. People with psoriasis should care for themselves physically, emotionally,
& spiritually. Schedule time for yourself to enjoy moderate exercise, read a book, listen to music, the company of friends. Your
diet & lifestyle needs careful consideration; do these things and your skin will reap the benefits.

Successfully managing psoriasis is best approached with an ‘inside/outside’ therapy regime. Removing built-up scale to treat
the underlying lesion/s is the essence to a positive improvement in the external appearance of the condition.

People experiencing psoriasis commonly report the condition appears in cycles; less problematic in the warmer months, &
flaring as the cooler seasons approach. This is because psoriasis is generally improved by exposure to UV radiation from the
sun’s rays. In the northern hemisphere psoriasis is referred to as the "Winter Itch".

The severity of an individual’s psoriasis is often worsened by hormonal disturbance. Thyroid gland dysfunction, disordered
cortisol levels, or other steroid hormone disturbance will be the frequent trigger for a psoriasis flare-up.

Topical Corticosteroid should only be used sparingly, & for very limited periods of time. Cortisone almost always causes a
"rebound" or flare" in one’s psoriasis when it is withdrawn or used for too long.

A ‘Psoriasis Treatment Shampoo’ that works well for one person may aggravate the problem in another. ‘Trial & Error’ to find
which shampoos your psoriasis best responds to is the only method. Generally speaking, ‘Tar’ shampoos or ‘Anti-Dandruff’
cleansers with zinc or selenium as their active ingredients tend to dry the scalp & hair with repeated use. A gentle, sodium-
lauryl sulphate-free shampoo is ideal for shampooing the hair between ‘treatment’ cleanser application.