Psoriasis (Best Formulas)
Psoriasis is a condition where, due to the abnormally rapid growth of skin cell tissue, plaques are created on the skin. This brings with it a lot of redness, dryness, itching, irritation, and discomfort, to say the least. According to Unani Tibb, psoriasis can result from several abnormalities, but most commonly, it is due to abnormal black bile formation.
Things that worsen psoriasis include:
- Stress
- Food sensitivities
- Poor liver function
- Poor mental health
- Poor lifestyle
- Digestive issues such as IBS or other syndromes/diseases of the sort
The Top 5 Formulations Used to Treat Psoriasis
Majun Mundi
Known for its blood-purifying qualities, mundi is a depurative and a "curative for reddened eyes" (1). Note that red eyes are a major sign of liver inflammation. In this way, this formulation helps clear out abnormal humors in the body, which cause psoriasis breakouts.
Dosage: 5 grams twice daily with water (2) or 10 grams before breakfast or at night (1).
Roghan Gul
Roghan Gul is rose oil. It is used, by mixing it with vinegar and applying it to the head, as a treatment for various nervous conditions including meningitis. However, owing to its analgesic (pain-relieving) and cooling properties, it is also used for itchy, dry skin, such as in cases of psoriasis.
Khamira Sandal
A sweet syrup made out of sandalwood is used as a tranquilizer in Unani Tibb, meaning it is used to reduce tension and anxiety. As we mentioned, stress is a major factor leading to psoriasis, with patients often suffering from anxiety and depression alongside the condition. This medicine thus works indirectly, by reducing anxiety and "cooling down" the individual, ultimately treating the psoriasis.
Dosage: 10 grams in the morning.
Majoon Ushba
This paste is used as a "high-quality depurative'' (1). It helps treat several skin conditions like leprosy, scrofula, and psoriasis. It is effective in conditions where there is a lot of itching, and even gout.
Dosage: 5-10 grams in the morning with water.
Shahtra (Fumaria Officinalis)
A single herb, Shahtra, is a common blood purifier. This herb is used extensively to treat various skin conditions. It significantly helps enhance liver functions. It is added to a famous formula called Itfifal Shahtara.
Other Regimental Therapies
Bathing
Good hygiene is important for all skin (and physical) conditions. However, specifically for psoriasis, bathing as opposed to showering can be very beneficial. It helps lubricate and hydrate the skin on a deeper level. Note: using many lotions, creams, and moisturizers with various chemicals and fragrances post-bath can be very troublesome for your skin. It is recommended to keep your skin and bathing routine simple, with natural ingredients.
Bathing with donkey milk is extremely effective due to its high moisturizing effects. It is said Cleopatra would bathe in donkey milk to attain luxurious, silky smooth skin. Additionally, soap made from donkey milk may work well for you too.
Sweating
Going to the sauna, sitting in a steam room, and engaging in light (or strenuous, though be cautious as too much exertion can worsen psoriasis for some) exercise can be extremely effective. Sweating opens the pores and helps detoxify the body, especially the muscles and skin tissues. As you may have noticed, the formulations mentioned above are mostly purgatives, targeting detoxification for the entire body, not just the GI tract. (Laxatives only focus on expelling matter from the GI tract). By engaging in activities that induce sweating, you complement the work of these formulations.
Leech Therapy
Leech therapy, or hirudotherapy, offers multiple benefits for treating psoriasis. The saliva of leeches contains anti-inflammatory and analgesic compounds that effectively reduce inflammation and alleviate associated pain. Moreover, leech therapy enhances blood circulation and promotes detoxification, which aids in delivering vital oxygen and nutrients to affected skin areas while removing impurities from the bloodstream. According to Unani Tibb, this process helps eliminate abnormal bile in the blood, a key factor contributing to psoriasis. By reducing the burden on the liver and kidneys, leech therapy can also alleviate accompanying symptoms such as depression, irritability, poor digestion, and anxiety.
I hope this article helps you in your clinical journey, whether for yourself or for others you are helping to treat. I also hope it highlights the effectiveness of the Unani Tibb philosophy in treating psoriasis. 😄
Warm regards,
Shifaa Khan
UnaniReads
Holistic Healthcare Education, Inspired by Unani Tibb
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