15 Psoriasis Home Remedies
The Ultimate Guide to 15 Natural Psoriasis Remedies: Holistic Healing for Your Skin
Psoriasis is more than just a skin condition; it is a complex, chronic autoimmune disorder that manifests on the body’s largest organ. For those living with the itchy, scaly, and often painful plaques associated with psoriasis, the journey toward clear skin can feel like a never-ending battle. While conventional treatments like biologics, steroids, and phototherapy are the gold standard of care, many individuals find that integrating natural home remedies can significantly reduce flare-ups, soothe irritation, and improve overall quality of life.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore 15 science-backed home remedies for psoriasis. We will delve into why they work, provide detailed recipes for application, and offer tips on how to integrate them into your daily skincare routine.
Understanding the Psoriasis-Inflammation Connection
Before diving into the remedies, it is crucial to understand what is happening beneath the surface. Psoriasis occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, causing the cell production cycle to speed up. Instead of taking weeks to shed, skin cells rise to the surface in days, resulting in the characteristic thick, silvery scales.
The goal of home remedies is threefold:
- Hydration:Â To soften scales and prevent cracking.
- Anti-inflammation:Â To reduce the redness and swelling.
- Symptom Relief:Â To stop the debilitating itch.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) Scalp Rinse
Apple cider vinegar has been used for centuries as a natural disinfectant. For psoriasis, its primary benefit lies in its ability to balance the pH of the skin. It is particularly effective for scalp psoriasis, where thick scales can cause intense itching.
Why it works:
The acidic nature of ACV helps restore the natural acidity of the scalp, which is often disrupted during a flare-up. It acts as a mild exfoliant and antimicrobial agent.
How to Make and Use:
- Ingredients:Â Organic, raw apple cider vinegar (with “the mother”) and filtered water.
- The Recipe:Â Mix a ratio of 1 part ACV to 1 part water. If you have sensitive skin, start with 1 part ACV to 3 parts water.
- Application:
- Pour the mixture into a spray bottle.
- Apply directly to the scalp areas affected by psoriasis.
- Leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
- Frequency:Â Use 2-3 times per week.
- Precaution:Â Never apply ACV to open wounds, cracked skin, or bleeding plaques, as it will cause a severe burning sensation.
2. Dead Sea Salt or Epsom Salt Soaks
A warm bath is one of the most relaxing ways to manage psoriasis. However, adding specific salts can turn a simple soak into a therapeutic treatment.
Why it works:
Dead Sea salt is rich in magnesium, potassium, and calcium, which are known to improve skin barrier function and reduce inflammation. Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) helps to slough off scales and soothe muscle aches often associated with psoriatic arthritis.
How to Make and Use:
- Ingredients:Â 2 cups of Dead Sea salt or Epsom salt.
- The Recipe:Â Fill your bathtub with lukewarm water (hot water can strip the skin of oils and worsen itching). Add the salts and stir until dissolved.
- Application:
- Soak for 15 minutes.
- While in the bath, gently rub the plaques with a soft washcloth to encourage scaling.
- Immediately after exiting the bath, pat your skin dry (do not rub) and apply a heavy moisturizer.
- Frequency:Â 3 times per week.
3. Pure Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera is perhaps the most well-known skin-soothing plant in the world. Clinical studies have shown that creams containing aloe vera can significantly reduce the redness and scaling associated with psoriasis.
Why it works:
Aloe vera contains glucomannan and gibberellin, which help in skin healing and collagen synthesis. It also has potent anti-inflammatory properties that calm “angry” plaques.
How to Make and Use:
- Ingredients:Â A fresh aloe vera leaf or 100% pure aloe vera gel (avoid products with added alcohol or fragrances).
- The Recipe:Â If using a leaf, slice it open and scoop out the clear gel.
- Application:
- Apply a thin layer of the gel directly onto the affected skin.
- Allow it to air dry.
- Frequency:Â Up to 3 times per day.
- Tip:Â Store your aloe gel in the refrigerator for an extra cooling effect upon application.
4. Tea Tree Oil Blend
Tea tree oil is a powerful essential oil derived from the Melaleuca alternifolia plant. It is renowned for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory qualities.
Why it works:
For many, psoriasis can lead to secondary infections due to scratching. Tea tree oil helps prevent infection while reducing the inflammatory response in the skin cells.
How to Make and Use:
- Ingredients:Â 5 drops of pure tea tree oil and 2 tablespoons of a carrier oil (like coconut or olive oil).
- The Recipe:Â Never apply tea tree oil undiluted, as it is very potent. Mix the tea tree oil into the carrier oil thoroughly.
- Application:
- Use a cotton ball to dab the mixture onto the plaques.
- If using on the scalp, add a few drops to your regular shampoo.
- Frequency:Â Once daily.
- Precaution:Â Always perform a patch test on a small area of skin to ensure you don’t have an allergic reaction to the oil.
5. Turmeric (Curcumin) Paste and Supplements
Turmeric is the “golden spice” of Ayurveda. Its active compound, curcumin, is a heavyweight champion in fighting systemic inflammation.
Why it works:
Curcumin inhibits the inflammatory enzymes (COX-2 and LOX) that contribute to the overproduction of skin cells. It can be used both topically and orally for a dual-action approach.
How to Make and Use (Topical):
- Ingredients:Â 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder and a small amount of water or honey.
- The Recipe:Â Mix until a thick paste forms.
- Application:
- Apply the paste to the psoriasis patches.
- Leave for 15 minutes and rinse with warm water.
- Be aware: Turmeric will temporarily stain the skin yellow.
Oral Use:
- Consult your doctor about taking 1,500mg to 3,000mg of turmeric supplements daily. Ensure the supplement contains piperine (black pepper extract) to enhance absorption by up to 2,000%.
6. Virgin Coconut Oil Deep Moisturizer
Moisturization is the cornerstone of psoriasis management. Dry skin is more likely to flare, itch, and bleed.
Why it works:
Virgin coconut oil is rich in lauric acid and medium-chain fatty acids that penetrate deep into the skin. It acts as an occlusive barrier, locking in moisture and providing antimicrobial protection.
How to Make and Use:
- Ingredients:Â Cold-pressed, organic virgin coconut oil.
- Application:
- Take a tablespoon of solid oil and warm it between your palms until it melts.
- Massage it into the skin, particularly after a shower.
- For scalp psoriasis, apply it generously at night and wear a shower cap to sleep. Wash it out in the morning.
- Frequency:Â Daily, or as often as needed.
7. Colloidal Oatmeal Baths
Oatmeal isn’t just for breakfast; it is an FDA-recognized skin protectant. Colloidal oatmeal is simply oats ground into an extremely fine powder that dissolves in water.
Why it works:
Oats contain avenanthramides, unique antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds that specifically target skin itching and redness.
How to Make and Use:
- Ingredients:Â 1 cup of whole oats (unflavored).
- The Recipe: Grind the oats in a blender or food processor until they have the consistency of flour. Test a spoonful in a glass of water; if the water turns milky, it’s ready.
- Application:
- Sprinkle the powder into a lukewarm bath.
- Soak for 15-20 minutes.
- Rinse with fresh water to remove any sticky residue.
- Frequency:Â During intense flares, once daily.
8. Extra Virgin Olive Oil Scale Softener
Olive oil is a staple of the Mediterranean diet, but its topical benefits for psoriasis are equally impressive.
Why it works:
Olive oil is packed with Vitamin E and omega-9 fatty acids. It is particularly effective at “de-scaling”—the process of softening and removing the thick crusts of psoriasis plaques so that other treatments can penetrate better.
How to Make and Use:
- Ingredients:Â Warm extra virgin olive oil.
- Application:
- Warm a small bowl of olive oil (it should be warm to the touch, not hot).
- Massage the oil into thick plaques on the elbows, knees, or scalp.
- Leave for 30 minutes.
- Use a fine-tooth comb to gently lift scales from the scalp if applicable.
- Frequency:Â Twice weekly.
9. Capsaicin Ointment
Capsaicin is the ingredient that gives chili peppers their heat. While it sounds counterintuitive to put “heat” on a skin condition, it is a scientifically proven treatment for pain and itch.
Why it works:
Capsaicin works by exhausting “Substance P,” a neuropeptide that transmits pain and itch signals to the brain. It also helps to decrease the thickness of psoriasis plaques over time.
How to Make and Use:
- Note:Â It is generally safer to buy an over-the-counter capsaicin cream (0.025% to 0.075%) than to make it at home to ensure safe concentrations.
- Application:
- Wear gloves to apply a tiny amount to a psoriasis patch.
- Expect a burning sensation for the first few applications; this usually subsides with regular use.
- Precaution:Â Wash your hands meticulously after use and NEVER touch your eyes or mucous membranes after handling capsaicin.
10. Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium)
Oregon Grape is a medicinal plant that has gained significant attention in dermatological research for its efficacy against mild-to-moderate psoriasis.
Why it works:
It contains berberine, an alkaloid that inhibits the over-proliferation of keratinocytes (the skin cells that grow too fast in psoriasis).
How to Make and Use:
- Form:Â Usually found as a 10% cream or ointment in health food stores.
- Application:
- Clean the affected area.
- Apply a thin layer of the cream.
- Frequency:Â Twice daily.
- Note:Â Many users report that Oregon Grape cream is as effective as some low-dose steroid creams without the side effect of skin thinning.
11. Baking Soda Paste for Itch Relief
When the “psoriasis itch” becomes unbearable, baking soda provides a quick, alkaline-based solution to neutralize the skin’s surface and provide instant relief.
Why it works:
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a mild alkaline. It helps to soothe the nerves in the skin that are firing the itch signal.
How to Make and Use:
- Ingredients:Â 1 tablespoon of baking soda and a few drops of water.
- The Recipe:Â Mix into a thick paste.
- Application:
- Apply the paste directly to the itching area.
- Leave for 5 minutes and rinse.
- Alternative:Â Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to a lukewarm bath for full-body relief.
12. Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Internal and External)
Psoriasis is an inflammatory condition, and nothing fights inflammation quite like Omega-3s.
Why it works:
Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish oil and flaxseed) help reduce the production of inflammatory leukotrienes. They “lubricate” the skin from the inside out.
How to Make and Use:
- Dietary:Â Consume fatty fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel) 3 times a week or take a high-quality fish oil supplement (aim for 1,000mg to 2,000mg of EPA/DHA).
- Topical Recipe:Â Break open a fish oil capsule and mix the oil with a small amount of moisturizer. Apply to particularly stubborn, dry patches.
- Frequency:Â Daily.
13. Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is a natural astringent derived from the bark and leaves of the Hamamelis virginiana shrub.
Why it works:
It contains tannins, which are chemicals that reduce swelling, repair broken skin, and fight bacteria. It is especially useful for “inverse psoriasis” which occurs in skin folds and can become moist and irritated.
How to Make and Use:
- Ingredients:Â Alcohol-free witch hazel extract.
- Application:
- Soak a cotton pad in witch hazel.
- Gently dab it onto the skin.
- Frequency:Â 1-2 times daily.
- Benefit:Â It provides a cooling sensation that can stop a flare-up from becoming more painful.
14. Probiotic-Rich Foods and Compresses
The “gut-skin axis” is a growing field of study. Many researchers believe that an imbalance in gut bacteria (dysbiosis) can trigger autoimmune responses like psoriasis.
Why it works:
By introducing healthy bacteria (Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium), you can help regulate the immune system.
How to Make and Use:
- Dietary:Â Eat fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, and Greek yogurt daily.
- Topical Compress:Â For some, a yogurt compress (applying cold, plain yogurt to a flare) can provide soothing relief due to the lactic acid and live cultures.
- Apply plain yogurt to the skin.
- Cover with a cool, damp cloth for 10 minutes.
- Rinse off.
15. Controlled Sunlight (UVB Exposure)
Phototherapy is a medical treatment, but natural sunlight can provide a similar benefit if used correctly.
Why it works:
UVB rays from the sun slow the rapid growth of skin cells. Sunlight also helps the body produce Vitamin D, which is essential for skin health and immune regulation.
How to Use:
- The Routine:
- Expose the affected skin to the sun for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Gradually increase the time by 30 seconds each day.
- Precautions:
- Avoid “peak” sun hours (10 AM to 4 PM).
- Apply sunscreen to healthy skin, leaving only the psoriasis patches exposed.
- Do not burn. Sunburn can trigger a “Koebner phenomenon,” where new psoriasis plaques form at the site of skin injury.
Lifestyle Factors: The Foundation of Psoriasis Care
Remedies work best when supported by a healthy lifestyle. If you are using these 15 remedies but neglecting your diet and stress levels, you may find limited success.
1. The Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Focus on a “Whole Foods” approach. Eliminate or reduce:
- Nightshades:Â Tomatoes, white potatoes, peppers, and eggplant (some find these trigger flares).
- Alcohol:Â It dehydrates the skin and triggers inflammation.
- Gluten:Â There is a strong link between Celiac disease/gluten sensitivity and psoriasis.
- Processed Sugars:Â These cause insulin spikes that fuel inflammation.
2. Stress Management
Stress is one of the most common triggers for a psoriasis flare. When the body is under stress, it produces cortisol, which can dysregulate the immune system.
- Practice Mindfulness:Â 10 minutes of meditation daily can lower cytokine levels (inflammatory markers).
- Yoga:Â Combines physical movement with breathwork to calm the nervous system.
3. Hydration
Drinking enough water is vital. It keeps the skin cells hydrated from within, making them less likely to become brittle and crack. Aim for half your body weight in ounces of water daily.
When to See a Doctor
While home remedies are excellent for managing symptoms, psoriasis is a medical condition. You should consult a dermatologist if:
- Your psoriasis covers more than 10% of your body.
- The plaques are painful or bleeding.
- You experience joint pain, stiffness, or swelling (this could indicate Psoriatic Arthritis).
- Home remedies fail to provide relief after 4-6 weeks of consistent use.
Summary Table of Remedies
| Remedy | Best For | Main Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Cider Vinegar | Scalp Psoriasis | pH Balancing & Itch Relief |
| Dead Sea Salt | Large Body Areas | Mineral Replenishment & Scaling |
| Aloe Vera | Redness & Irritation | Soothing & Healing |
| Tea Tree Oil | Infection Prevention | Antimicrobial & Anti-inflammatory |
| Turmeric | Systemic Inflammation | Enzyme Inhibition (COX-2) |
| Coconut Oil | Dryness & Cracking | Deep Moisture & Protection |
| Colloidal Oatmeal | Severe Itching | Calming Avenanthramides |
| Olive Oil | Thick Scales | Softening & De-scaling |
| Capsaicin | Pain & Chronic Itch | Numbing Nerve Signals |
| Oregon Grape | Mild/Moderate Plaques | Inhibiting Cell Growth |
| Baking Soda | Emergency Itch Relief | Alkaline Neutralization |
| Fish Oil | Long-term Health | Internal Inflammation Reduction |
| Witch Hazel | Inverse Psoriasis | Astringent & Cooling |
| Probiotics | Gut-Skin Axis | Immune System Regulation |
| Sunlight | Cell Turnover | Natural UVB Therapy |
Final Thoughts
Living with psoriasis requires patience and a “trial and error” mindset. What works for one person’s skin might not work for another’s. By combining these 15 natural remedies with a healthy diet and professional medical advice, you can create a personalized “skin toolkit” that helps you regain control.
Remember, the goal is not just to treat the symptoms on the surface, but to nourish your body and calm your immune system from the inside out. Be consistent, stay hydrated, and give your skin the gentle care it deserves. With the right approach, clear, comfortable skin is within reach.
