B.S., C.N.C.

Another possibility concerning psoriasis is an underactive thyroid. Low thyroid function is known to cause acne, psoriasis, eczema and other skin disorders, in addition to a myriad of other problems. The best way to initially determine a hypothyroid condition is by checking the basal temperature. It has been recommended that the temperature be taken under the arm first thing in the morning - without much movement - for 10 minutes. This was to be recorded for 5-7 days in a row. It has now been found that a more optimal method would be by taking the oral temperature every 3 hours, 3 times a day, 3 hours after you wake up; then adding them all together and dividing by 3 to get the average basal temperature. This, also, is to be done 5-7 days in a row. If the temperature is below 97.5F, then a hypothyroid condition should be considered. Either method should give you an indication, one way or the other. Once a hypothyroid condition is suspected, THEN, it may be of benefit to have a thyroid panel done. (please review my indepth information on this in the THYROID topic)

It has been found that an overburdened liver may result in an accumulation of toxins in the colon; which may result in the development of psoriasis. Research has found that, periodically, it is a very good idea to detox the system using a variety of liver cleansing herbs. Milkthistle, artichoke, sarsaparilla (an adaptogen that is known to both calm inflammation and be of benefit in chronic, large-plaque forming psoriasis), burdock, yellowdock, Oregon grape root(known to reduce inflammation, slow abnormal cell growth, and help the liver metabolize toxins), and dandelion root are all good detoxifying, liver tonic herbs. The use of one or several of these herbs in combination three times a day for several weeks has been suggested. Several sources recommend supplementing with dessicated liver extract an hour before each meal.

Other herbs that have been found to be beneficial when dealing with psoriasis are:

• clove fruit - a known anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic herb
  
• cleavers - known to be a lymphatic cleanser which may be very beneficial in lymphatic drainage and removing toxins out of the system and into the liver for final detoxification.
  
• thyme, rosemary, and oregano - all known powerful antioxidant herbs with anti-inflammatory properties.
  
• ginger - found to be an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties; making it an effective pain inhibitor.
  
• Neem is known to be a potent antibacterial, anti- inflammatory and immune stimulant herb. According to research, neem oil is the most effective for use with psoriasis. It is always recommended to use this sparingly externally. The "immune stimulant" property of the neem herb would caution people with blood type O to use it sparingly, in general. They do not need to overstimulate their immune systems.
  

Other beneficial supplements that have been researched are:

• MSM cream which is known to help in decreasing the proliferation of skin cells. This may be due to the sulfur compounds in MSM
• Aloe gel has also been found to be very soothing
• An essential fatty acid deficiency (omega 3 particularly) can cause or trigger psoriasis.
  • 1-2 tablespoons of a good quality fish oil a day has been found to be very beneficial in alleviating symptoms and helping the skin. It is best to stay away from all vegetable oils. They are a source of omega 6 fatty acids. An overabundance of omega 6 in the diet may cause inflammatory reactions throughout the body - not only on the skin.
  • Olive oil has been found to be very good with skin problems. A good way to get the benefits of olive oil, onions, garlic, rosemary, thyme, and oregano might be to chop fresh garlic and onions and add them to organic extra virgin olive oil along with crushed oregano, thyme and rosemary herbs. Let this marinate for a week or two, then use 1-2 T on salads or brown rice.
• A lack of or low digestive enzymes may also be a problem with psoriasis. It is a very good idea to take 2 with each meal. For blood type O people, it is best to get a brand that has no HCL. People with blood type O genetically have an overabundance of HCL (hence the need for high protein). For people with psoriasis, it is recommended to take non-enteric coated enzymes, high in lipase one hour before each meal. Also recommended is the daily intake of one non-enteric coated pancreatin tablets before each meal.
• People with psoriasis have been found to do very well with an additional supplement of the B-complex. The vitamin B complex is needed for cellular functions and stress.
• In autoimmune disorders, many people with blood type O have taken supplemental bladderwrack to quiet down the over active immune system. Years of research on biochemical individuality and polymorphism has found that people with blood type O tend to have autoimmune problems because their immune system attacks the sugar fucose that is the O blood type antigen. By using bladderwrack (fucus vesiculosis) which has that same compound in it- the O immune system attacks the bladderwrack and not the O cells. It then washes out of the system, alleviating some of that damage. It is only necessary to take bladderwrack in small amounts. One capsule a day would be fine. Bladderwrack is also a source of iodine which may help with thyroid function.
• It has been recommended in many sources to refrain from taking vitamin C or eating citrus foods. In some instances, this has been found to trigger psosriasis attacks or cause outbreaks.
  • Be very cautious of what you put on your skin. Many lotions have some kind of citrus ingredient in them. Beware of anything with vitamin C or lemon.
• A good multiple vitamin is very important. I have found liquids or powders that can be mixed in vegetable juice or a liquid (no fruit juices)to be the best absorbed. Food source vitamins are also good.
• Zinc is known to be very beneficial for healing and skin problems. This, however, is a supplement that is not beneficial if taken in large amounts; in amounts in excess of 100mg. a day, it may DEPRESS the immune system. Suggested daily doses would be only 50mg a day supplemental, in addition to what is in your multiple vitamin and food. Zinc gluconate or Optizinc (trademark) are the most recommended sources. The following tidbits of information may be of interest to you:
  • Various studies recommend that people with psoriasis avoid all nuts except almonds. Their theory is that components in the nuts themselves or a high mold content could be the triggers.
  • Early morning or evening sunlight has been found to be very helpful with psoriasis. Twenty to thirty minutes a day is may be beneficial in stimulating the production of vitamin D which is very important for the skin - as well as strong bones and the production of natural cholesterol.
  • Exercising to work up a good sweat-(jogging, etc.) may also be good. It is known that tension can aggravate psoriasis.
  • Deep breathing (diaphragmatic breathing)has shown very good results by alleviating stress.
    • Practice sitting or laying down with your hand on your abdomen. As you inhale, DO NOT raise your shoulders or chest. Instead, push out your abdomen, raising your hand.
    • Inhale as deeply as you can - extending your stomach - then fill your chest.
    • Exhale by contracting your abdomen as flat as possible.
    • This technique draws air into your lungs fully; makeing the diaphragm pull all of the air all the way into the lower lobes of the lungs. This will not only de-stress you, it will fully oxygenate the system.
  • EFT (emotional freedom technique) has also shown very good results in people with psoriasis.
    • It achieves this by countering the negative emotions involved with the disorder. When you are able to unblock the energy meridians and get rid of the negative emotions, in many instances, the physical problems get better or leave completely. EFT is not always an immediate "magic bullet" but, with persistence is often very good.
  • It is important to beware of detergents and soaps. Detergents are known to activate a chemical that promotes cell reproduction in psoriasis-affected skin.
  • Alcohol and smoking may worsen the condition.
  • Studies show that adequate fiber may be very beneficial in helping to get rid of toxins in the body.
    • "Ultimate Fiber" is a good brand which contains acidophilus and soothing herbs for the intestinal tract. The recommended dose is usually 2teaspoons in a large glass of water followed by another half glass of water.
  • Cortisone cream has been found to cause the skin to become thin and fragile; thus, despite medical recommendations to use it, it is not in your best interest to do so.
  • Homeopathic arsenicum album, sulfur, graphites, or psorinum are all good remedies to try in 30c dilution. If you decide to use any of these, it is important that while you are using them, you refrain from using coffee, peppermint, eucalyptus, or smoking. They all nullify homeopathic medication.
    • On researching homeopathic medicine, you will find that it is recommended that you take the dosage in a "clean "mouth, which means you should wait 30 minutes before or after eating or drinking anything but water. When first starting out with a remedy, you may use it every 15 minutes for 2 hours, then lengthen that time to every hour for the rest of the day. The next day, you may use it every 2-3 hours for a day, then 3-4 times a day until you notice relief. It is best to start out with one remedy and try it for a few days. If there is no improvement, then try another. If you should decide to try homeopathy, email me and I can help you find a remedy that fits your symptom pattern. You can also go to any good book store and look for a homeopathic materia medica
    .
  • Aspirin and NSAIDS deactivate the enzyme that keeps arachidonic acid from forming. This is known to possibly cause inflammation. It may be a good idea to keep track of all salicylates that you eat or put on your skin. You would be surprised to learn how prevalent they are in our soaps, shampoos, cosmetics, toothpastes......and on and on.
  • Making a paste of green clay (l Tablespoon plus 3 drops of benzoin essential oil, plus 1 drop of tea tree oil, plus 1 drop of myrrh oil, plus 1 drop of lavender oil mixed with enough distilled water to make a smooth paste) has been found to soothe the affected areas, thereby decreasing inflammation. It is recommended that you apply to areas, leave on 20 minutes and rinse. It may be beneficial to do this a couple times a day when symptoms are acute.
  • Tea tree oil is known to be an exceptional remedy for nail fungus. It may take a long time, possibly up to 6 months, but, is the only thing that I know of personally that has gotten rid of it without a recurrence. Tea Tree oil has worked when any other medication used has failed; it takes a little work, but is well worth the effort. My instructions to many other people have been:
    • After you shower in the morning, rub a drop on, around, and under as much of the nail as possible. Just one drop is all that's needed.It's good to do it after a shower because the nail and skin is soft. At night, before bed, repeat the process. It's very important that you keep your nails cut as short as possible. As you're trying to work the oil under the nail, try to remove as much of the fungal growth as possible. That is why it is important to cut your nails back as far as possible. Tea tree oil is also of benefit for use on the skin between your fingers and toes. Should you decide to use pure MSM cream, you could also add about 20 drops of tea tree oil to the jar and mix it well. Use anything on your skin sparingly at first until you check your sensitivity to it.
  • Thyme oil, calendula oil, and oregano oil have all been found to be very beneficial. As with tea tree oil or anything you put on your skin, you must use sparingly until you see if you have any reactions. These particular oils ( and most essential oils)need to be diluted prior to putting them on your skin. This is accomplished by adding five to ten drops of a single oil or combination of oils to a teaspoon of sweet almond oil or grapeseed oil.
  • Vitamin E is known to be very nourishing and soothing to the skin.
  • According to several books, when treating scalp problems, use a very mild shampoo with 5 drops of benzoin oil added to it. This has been found to be very soothing and healing. Rinse with cold mineral water for the final rinse. Hair dryers are known to irritate the condition.
  • It is ALWAYS recommended that you follow blood type diet very carefully and drink plenty of pure water.

    Please email me if you have any questions.