ABSTRACT
The skin is the body's outermost layer, which protects the whole body structure against any injury. The skin is the outer shield of the body which plays many roles like protecting the body, helping to maintain moisture and the body temperature, reducing harmful effects of UV and other radiations and most importantly working as sensory organs which detect touch and temperature. The skin consists of three tissue segments i.e. Epidermis, Dermis and Adipose tissue. Thus, it is necessary to protect the skin for its proper functioning. Here, we are going to learn about Psoriasis which involves the skin. Psoriasis is a skin disorder in which the immune system is involved. In this disorder, the immune system of the body is overactive and the immune system attacks the healthy skin cells. This inflammation causes skin discolouration, red patches and many more. Now, we are going to study the role of immunity in Psoriasis and its management of Psoriasis by Ayurvedic medications. Let's start!
INTRODUCTION
Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin disorder in which the skin gets rashes, itching, scales and patches all over the body. It is a chronic autoimmune disorder which is non-contagious. It is an autoimmune disorder which causes skin cells to multiply faster compared to normal cell multiplication and this faster multiplication causes skin to peel and replace old skin cells, drying, itchy and red/ pink patches covering the entire body mainly on the elbow, trunk, scalp and knees. It is a very common and long-term disease. This condition usually flares up which means it occurs suddenly and subsidies for some time. The condition of Psoriasis may also be due to the genetic component which is passed to offspring by biological parents. So it can also run in families. The condition of Psoriasis can be triggered by any irritant or any other allergen which may vary from person to person. Psoriasis is not a contagious disease which means it can not be spread from one person to another person by physical contact. In this article, we are going to study details about Psoriasis, its causes, signs and symptoms, its diagnosis and Ayurvedic treatment. Also, we got details about the Psora care pack for Psoriasis by Planet Ayurveda.
ROLE OF THE IMMUNE SYSTEM IN PSORIASIS
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition in which T cells (immune cells) attack the healthy skin cells of the body. This attack by T cells results in an inflammatory change in the skin. This immune cell attack causes the body to produce more skin cells in a faster manner which is about ten times faster than normal skin cell production. This faster production results in the peeling of extra skin cells from the topmost and leads to plaque formation. In Psoriasis conditions the immune cells are overactive than in normal conditions. This overaction of the immune system causes inflammatory reactions in healthy tissues.
CAUSES OF PSORIASIS
The causes of Psoriasis are not known properly. However, the immune system plays a major role in the formation of this disorder. The over-reactivity of immune cells is the main cause of skin cell multiplication and causes inflammatory reactions in skin cells. In Psoriasis, the immune system of the body mistakenly attacks healthy cells in place of foreign invaders, bacteria or other microorganisms. Another cause may be genetic, in which a component of this disorder may be passed to the offspring by parents. However, there may be some triggers that can flare up the condition of Psoriasis which may be:
- Stress
- Any infection
- Skin injury
- Weather changes
- Medications like beta blockers
According to Ayurveda, causes(निदान) of Psoriasis are as follows,
विरोधीन्यन्नपानानि द्रवस्निग्धगुरुणी च |
भजतामगताम् छर्दिम् वेगाश्चान्यान्प्रतिघ्न्ताम् ||
व्यायाममतिसन्तापमतिभुक्तवोपसेविनाम् |
शीतोष्णलङ्घनाहारान क्रमं मुक्त्वा निषेविणाम् ||
घर्मश्रमभयार्तानाम् द्रुतं शीताम्बुसेविनाम् |
अजीर्णाध्यशिनाम् चेव पञ्चकर्मापचारिणम् ||
नवान्नदधिमत्स्यातिलवणाम्लानिषेविणाम् |
माषमूलकपिष्टान्नतिलक्षीरगुदाशिनाम् ||
व्यवायम् चाप्याजिर्णअन्ने निद्राम् च भजताम् दिवा |
विप्रान् गुरुन् धर्षयताम् पापं कर्म च कुर्वताम् ||
Reference - चरक संहिता चिकित्सास्थान 7/4-8
- Consuming food like unctuous (Snigdha), heavy (guru) ahara (food)
- Suppression of natural urge to vomit and other
- Exercise after eating food
- Excess consumption of cold and hot food
- Excess consumption of sunlight
- Consuming cold water in conditions of exhaustion and fear
- Consuming food that is not properly cooked
- Eating before digestion of previous food
- Complication of Panchkarma
- Excess consumption of New grains, curd, fish, salty (Lavana) and amla (sour) items
- Consumption of items made up of milk, jaggery, Pishtanna (recipes made up of grinding rice), black gram and radish
- Coitus in indigestion condition
- Sleep in the daytime
SIGNS OF PSORIASIS
Psoriasis is a disorder in which there is an involvement of the skin. Common signs of Psoriasis are as follows:
- Dry and thick skin
- Raised patches on the skin
- Silver white coating on the patches
SYMPTOMS OF PSORIASIS
Symptoms of Psoriasis may vary from one person to another person according to the factors that affect or trigger Psoriasis i.e. infection, stress, any medication, environmental changes or maybe any skin injury. Following are some of the common symptoms of the Psoriasis:
- Patchy rashes may vary from person to person i.e. it may be dandruff-like swelling or maybe eruption
- Red, pink or silvery-white coloured scales
- Itching on the patches
- Burning sensation on affected skin area
- Flare-up of rashes i.e. it may appear sometimes and subside automatically
- Dry and cracked skin and may be bleeding from the rashes
- Rashes usually appear on elbows, trunk (lower back), knees and scalp areas.
- Inadequate sleep
According to Ayurveda, the symptoms of Psoriasis are as follows:
अस्वेदनम महावास्तु यन्मत्यस्यशकलोपमम् |
तदेककुष्ठम् चर्माख्यम् बहलम् हस्तिचर्मवत् ||
Reference - चरक संहिता चिकित्सास्थान 7/21
- Lack of sweating in the affected area.
- Spread in a vast area
- Structured like fish
DIAGNOSIS OF PSORIASIS
Diagnosis of Psoriasis can be easily done by examining nails, scalp and skin by the signs of the disorder. However, if there is any doubt following tests can be done:
- Blood test to check for any infection or inflammation
- Skin biopsy to differentiate between Psoriasis and eczema
- Patch test or Imaging test for detection of other conditions that are associated with Psoriasis
AYURVEDIC OVERVIEW OF PSORIASIS
Psoriasis is a disorder in which the autoimmune system is not working its normal way i.e. it is overactive. The exact causes of Psoriasis still need to be properly defined. According to some researchers it may be inherited, or may be due to triggers like stress and infections. In Ayurveda, descriptions of all skin skin diseases are grouped under Kushta Roga. The correlation of Psoriasis is done with Ekakushta which is a type of Kushta Roga. Features of Psoriasis and Ekakushta are similar in nature. The causes of Ekakushta are defined above. When due to the above causative factors Doshas (mainly Vata and Kapha) are vitiated. Due to the vitiation of Doshas, Dushyas also vitiated. The Dushyas involved are skin (Twak), blood (Rakta), flesh (Mamsa), serum (Ambu/ Lasika) etc. The Vitiation of the above-mentioned Doshas and Dushays leads to the formation of red patches all over the body which are similar to Psoriasis. The Ayurvedic line of treatment (chikitsa sutra) for Ekakushta (Kushta roga) is as follows:
सर्वं त्रिदोषजं कुष्ठम् तु बलाबलम् |
यथा स्वेर्लक्ष्णेर्बुध्वा कुष्ठानाम् क्रियते क्रिया ||
दोषस्य यस्य पश्येत् कुष्ठेषु विशेषलिङ्गमुद्रीतम् |
तस्येव शमम् कुर्याततः परम् चानुबन्धस्य ||
Reference - चरक संहिता चिकित्सास्थान 7/31-32
According to the above Shloka, all the Kushta including Ekakushta is Tridoshas ( all the three doshas i.e. Vata, Pitta and Kapha are involved ). So one should choose the line of treatment according to the symptoms and strength (Bala) of the patient. The Dosha which is increased more than others should be treated first. Then after this other doshas should be treated. Ayurvedic treatment for psoriasis/ Ekakushta can be given in both external modes that are in the form of Lepa (application of medicated paste formed from herbs) or internal mode that is in the form of tablet, powder, capsule or decoction. Ayurvedic formulations that can be given for the treatment of Ekakushta are Panchatikta Ghrita, Madhvasava, Mustadi churna, Tiktashatpalaka ghrita, Mahatiktaka ghrita and many more.
DIET FOR PSORIASIS
- Fresh and seasonal vegetables like bottled gourd, bitter gourd spinach, broccoli, pumpkin etc.
- Use low-fat dairy products and cow ghee
- Excessive intake of water to stay hydrated
- Avoid alcohol intake
- Avoid junk food, spicy and oily food
- Fruits like watermelon, apple, papaya, pear, peaches, pomegranate
- Pulses like yellow lentils, split grams and green lentils
- Avoid excess salt and red chilli in the food
- Use Whole grains, gram flour, soybean flour and brown rice in food
HOME REMEDIES FOR PSORIASIS
- Decoction of Fennel, coriander and cumin
- Daruharidra (Berberis aristata) churna with Gomutra (cow urine)
- Decoction of Triphala which consists of Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica) and Amalaki (Emblica officinalis)
- Decoction of Saptaparna (Alstonia scholaris)
PANCHKARMA IN PSORIASIS
वातोतरेषु सर्पिर्वमन् श्लेष्मोतरेषु कुष्ठेषु |
पितोतरेषु मोक्षो रक्तस्य विरेचनम् चाग्रे ||
वमनविरेचनयोगः कल्पोक्ताः कुष्ठिनाम् प्रयोक्तव्याः |
प्रच्छनमल्पे कुष्ठे महति च शस्तं सिराव्यधनम् ||
Reference - चरक संहिता चिकित्सास्थान 7/39-40
- Oral administration of medicated Ghee in Vataj type of Kushta
- Therapeutic emesis in Kapha type of Kushta
- Raktamokshana (eliminating vitiated blood from the body by para-surgical methods) in the Pittaj type of Kushta
- Prachana Karma (bloodletting therapy by making multiple pricks on the affected area which helps in oozing of vitiated blood) is done in the condition when Doshas vitiated in small amounts
- Siravedha karma (surgical procedure in which vein is punctured for therapeutic purposes) is done in the conditions when Doshas are vitiated in large amounts
- Asthapana and Anuvasna Basti (Therapeutic decoction enema).
HERBAL REMEDIES FOR PSORIASIS BY PLANET AYURVEDA
Planet Ayurveda always promotes Ayurveda through its best and highest quality of drugs. All the herbal supplements formed by Planet Ayurveda are made up of natural herbs. Planet Ayurveda manufactures a large scale of drugs which consist of ingredients that are highly efficient in nature. Planet Ayurveda always forms medicines from natural herbs and thus always promotes the pure form of Ayurveda. Here we are going to discuss such a formulation by Planet Ayurveda which is very efficient in function to treat Psoriasis. Psora Care Pack by Planet Ayurveda is a complete remedy to treat the problem of Psoriasis. Psora Care pack consists of 8 products that are Navkarshik Churna, Gleaming Skin, hair, nails formula, Neem capsules, Manjishtha capsules, Pitta balance, Gandhak rasayan, Radiant skin, hair, nails lotion and Jatyadi tailam. Let's study the details of these products:
PRODUCTS LIST
- Navkarshik Churna
- Gleaming Skin, Hair, Nails Formula
- Neem Capsules
- Manjishtha Capsules
- Pitta Balance
- Gandhak Rasayan
- Radiant Skin, Hair, Nails Lotion
- Jatyadi Tailam
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
1. Navkarshik Churna
Navkarshik churna is a formulation made up of herbs that are Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) and Kutki (Picrorhiza kurroa) and many other. This churna helps to maintain the overall health of the skin. It also helps in the purification of blood as it contains ingredients that work as Rakta shodhak (blood purifiers). It is helpful in maintaining the metabolism of the body and relieves pain.
Dosage: 1 tablespoon twice daily with warm water after meals.
2. Gleaming Skin, Hair, Nails Formula
Gleaming skin, hair and nails formula by Planet Ayurveda consists of many ingredients like Manjista (Rubia cordifolia), Chirayta (Swertia chirayita), Ghrit Kumari (Aloe barbadensis) and Pit Papad (Fumaria officinalis). This formula is a natural product by Planet Ayurveda that comes in capsule form. This formula is helpful in maintaining skin health by maintaining its normal pH. It helps maintain all three doshas (Vata, Pitta and Kapha). This formula is useful in the treatment of hair loss, nail fungus, pimples and dandruff. This formula is best for the overall health of skin, hair and nails.
Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily with lukewarm water after the meals.
3. Neem Capsules
Neem capsules by Planet Ayurveda is a single herb formulation which consists of Neem (Azadirachta indica). Neem in Ayurveda is a very useful herb for the treatment of many diseases. In Psoriasis neem capsules are best known for their function. It is useful in all types of skin disorders. It is also useful in skin-related infections. Neem bark is acrid, bitter and astringent in nature. It cleanses the skin by its astringent nature. Neem is also useful in itching of skin.
Dosage: 1 capsule twice daily with warm water after meals.
4. Manjishtha Capsules
Manjishtha Capsule is also a single herb formulation of Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia). As in Psoriasis, there is an overactivation of the immune system and these capsules are best for their function to control the overactivation of the immune system. It also helps in maintaining skin health. Manjishtha consists of the property of Raktashodhak (blood purifier). It also balances Pitta due to its property of Pitta pacifying.
Dosage: 2 capsules twice a day with warm water after the meals.
5. Pitta Balance
Pitta balance is a formulation in the form of capsules which consists of ingredients like Kamdudha Ras, Mukta Pishti, Jahar Mohra Pishti and Giloy Satva (Tinospora cordifolia). And many more. All the ingredients in these capsules help in balancing Pitta and thus are helpful in maintaining Psoriasis. It also helps in maintaining digestive-related problems and in that way helps in the treatment of psoriasis as it increases Pitta dosha in Rasa dhatu. That is how it helps in maintaining skin health.
Dosage: 1 capsule twice daily with warm water after the meals.
6. Gandhak Rasayan
Gandhak is a purified sulphur which is a solo ingredient of Gandhak rasayan. It comes in the tablet form. It helps in removing harmful toxins from the skin. It works as a detoxification of blood. It improves the immune system and increases the glow of the skin. It helps maintain skin health and also detoxifies the entire circulatory system. It helps in the formation of healthy skin cells. That's how it works best in maintaining the overall health of the body.
Dosage: 2 tablets twice a day with warm water after the meals.
7. Radiant Skin, Hair, Nails Lotion
It is a formulation by Planet Ayurveda which consists of ingredients like Curcumin (Curcuma longa), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Jasmine (Jasminum officinalle), Coconut (Cocos nucifera) and many more herbal products. It provides a cooling effect and is thus helpful in balancing Pitta. It helps relieve itching in the case of Psoriasis. It also helps in relieving inflammation and redness in the patches of Psoriasis. That is how it helps in maintaining the condition of Psoriasis symptoms.
Dosage: For external use only. Apply twice a day on the affected area after cleaning.
8. Jatyadi Tailam
Jatyadi tailam by Planet Ayurveda consists of ingredients like Jati (Myristica fragrans), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Haridra (Curcuma longa) and many more ingredients. It is best known for its healing action all over the body. It is also helpful in reducing inflammation and redness.
Dosage: Apply twice a day on the affected area after cleaning. For external use only.
CONCLUSION
Psoriasis is a disorder that involves the immune system of the body. The exact cause of Psoriasis is still unknown. It is very important to manage the condition of Psoriasis. In addition to the treatment of the skin, it is also necessary to manage the other conditions that can increase the chances of Psoriasis. The trigger factors that can flare the conditions of Psoriasis should be managed. These triggers are stress, any type of infection, and any injury to the skin should be prevented. Any medication that can increase the chances of Psoriasis should be avoided. People who are prone to Psoriasis must take care of the conditions of changes in the environment. In Ayurveda, there is vast detail about skin disorders. Skin disorders are correlated to the Kushtha roga in Ayurveda and Psoriasis above those skin disorders is compared to the Ekakushtha. In Ayurveda, there is a proper detail of causes, signs, symptoms and treatment for Psoriasis (Ekakushtha).
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