Psoriasis is a non-contagious skin disease which causes patches of thick, red skin covered with silvery scales. Itching and burning accompanied by pain are the common symptoms of psoriatic skin. The inflammations are observed mostly on the hands and legs, but they could spread to the fingernails, the toenails and even to the mouth and the genitalia.

In complicated form, psoriasis may cause pain in the joints and cracked skin. If there is an injury or a insect bite in the affected part, then there could be severe pain and aggravation, accompanied by bleeding.

Causes of psoriasis are not properly known. There may be a family prevalence of the disease, as 33% of psoriatic patients have another close family member suffering from the same disease. It may be due to viral and bacterial infections, obesity, remaining away from sunlight for long periods of time, stress, cold climate, abrasions on the skin and even alcohol consumption and smoking.

In Ayurveda, diseases such as Eka-kushta, Kitiba-kushta and Sidma-kushta are quite alike to the condition of psoriasis. These are vata vitiations. Treatment is through a very carefully prescribed dietary regimen and drug therapy.

(1) Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Psoriasis

- Black Nightshade (Solanum nigrum)

The juice of the leaves of the black nightshade can be applied locally on the affected regions. It helps in reducing the inflammation of the skin, and also has beneficial properties in allaying the pain and the itch.

- Garlic (Allium sativum)

Garlic is a blood purifier. Eating a few cloves of garlic every morning on an empty stomach filters the toxins out of the blood and provides protection against psoriasis.

- Jasmine (Jasminum polyanthum)

The flowers of the jasmine have good effects in the treatment of psoriasis. The flowers are crushed, made into a paste and are directly applied on the inflamed parts. This application reduces the pain and the itchiness of psoriatic inflammations.

- Onion (Allium cepa)

Onion has blood purifying properties. Hence, it is made an important part of the diet of a person suffering from psoriasis.