The best essential oils for psoriasis can provide highly effective relief from the symptoms of this condition.
I’ve written about a variety of uses for essential oils in the past and one area that’s particularly important to me, because my sister suffers from the condition, is the use of essential oils for psoriasis treatment.
So in this article I’m going to cover some of the oils that work best for treating and relieving the symptoms of this horrible and irritating condition..
First though, let’s take a quick look at what exactly psoriasis is…
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes pain and itchiness.
While there are several types, the most common type is called plaque psoriasis.
It’s most commonly characterized by reddened skin with thick, white scales.
You’ll usually see it occurring on the elbows, knees, and on the scalp and it can be caused or worsened by a number of different factors including stress, emotional upset, certain medications, and infection. It also has genetic links, so it tends to run in families, often skipping every other generation.
Ultimately, psoriasis starts with the immune system. Skin cells reproduce too quickly and build up into plaques before old layers can be shed. While some suffers may go into remission, when suffering an outbreak it can be a distressing disease that leads to low self esteem and depression.
Psoriasis can be treated in a number of ways including topical treatments, UV light, and systemic treatments. More recently, many people have begun to turn to essential oils for psoriasis treatment with impressive results.
The best essential oils for psoriasis
Essential oils are natural oils that are typically obtained by distillation of their source. Sources are often plant based.
Many essential oils are used as treatments for different types of ailments or diseases, including allergies, hemorrhoids and even erectile dysfunction. The oils are usually not prescribed by doctors, but they often work better and more naturally than any medications.
Skin disorders, especially psoriasis and eczema, may be treated and soothed by a variety of different oils.
Here are some of the best essential oils for psoriasis:
Coconut oil
While coconut oil is not actually considered an essential oil, it does have anti-inflammatory properties, and it can sooth the pain and discomfort of psoriasis. It’s generally safe and has no side effects.
Coconut oil can be used directly on the affected areas of the skin or scalp. But, since it is actually a food item, it can also be ingested.
Taking up to two tablespoons of coconut oil daily may help stop many viruses and bacteria from getting into the body. The coconut oil can be used in many different recipes.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is an essential oil for psoriasis that comes from the leaves of the mellaluca plant that grows in Australia. It’s said to have anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties.
Most people can use tea tree oil with no problems, but you should always test a small area before applying to larger areas in case you are overly sensitive. In addition, take care not to use too much because it can dry out the skin and cause other problems.
Tea tree oil can be applied directly to the skin. It may help to apply it to a patch of psoriasis where the skin has been scratched and broken open. It should be mixed in equal proportions with a carrier oil such as coconut oil or olive oil.
A mixture of five drops of tea tree oil and a half of a cup of olive oil is a great preparation when using essential oils for scalp psoriasis.
Lavender oil
One of the most studied essential oils, lavender oil has shown definite antibacterial properties when traditional medicines have failed.
It’s been shown to be successful in treating wounds, such as those caused by scratching psoriasis, as well as muscle pain.
And it’s a great essential oil for psoriasis treatment and can be used in many ways…
- In a diffuser, lavender oil can be used as an aromatherapy oil to help ease stress caused by psoriasis. Easing stress may decrease your psoriasis symptoms.
- In addition, you can apply a drop to your temples when you feel stressed.
- You can also use lavender oil directly on the patches of psoriasis.
- Better yet, a mixture of three drops of lavender oil, three drops of frankincense oil, and a teaspoon of coconut oil can be applied to the affected areas for relief and to support the healing process. This is a great mixture of essential oils for scalp psoriasis.
- Drops of lavender oil can also be added directly to bath water to for direct skin contact and aromatherapy in one.
Geranium oil
Also known for its ability to reduce stress, geranium oil can lessen inflammation and improve circulation. It is used for many different types of skin problems like acne and dermatitis, and has been shown to help improve the symptoms of psoriasis.
This oil can be diluted with a carrier oil and then applied to the skin. Some people do have mild reactions so test a small area before applying to a larger space.
Peppermint oil
There are many different varieties of peppermint oil, but any one of them should help relieve the itchiness and pain of psoriasis. The menthol in the peppermint is the part that really helps sufferers the most.
One great way to use peppermint oil is to mix it with water in a spray bottle. You can use five to seven drops of the oil to about one cup of water. Whenever you feel itchy, you can spray the mixture onto the skin to relieve the problem.
Black cumin seed oil
Also known as Black Seed Oil, this oil has a number of helpful properties including the fact that it is anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anthelmintic.
It’s a great moisturizer, and it helps relieve itchiness and reduce the scaling caused by psoriasis.
It does, however, have a few side effects that you should be careful of. It can lower blood pressure, and it can reduce the ability for blood to clot, so people with those issues should check with their doctors and then use with care.
Black cumin seed oil can be applied directly to the skin, or it can be mixed with a carrier oil.
Summary
Many different essential oils for psoriasis can work together to help the healing process. Additionally, they can help relieve many of the annoying and painful symptoms. While your doctor may have different treatment options, do discuss the use of essential oils as part of a treatment plan.
Psoriasis is a complicated condition that may require more than one method of treatment. Using the appropriate essential oils for psoriasis fits in well with a complete plan of action.
Heather says
great to know all of this methods , and if there are some information about risks we can face using essential oils? for example some allergic reactions or smth? thank you
Jess says
Hi Heather,
Yes, you need to take care when using essential oils. For example, you should always do a patch test on your skin before applying an oil topically. You can read more about essential oil safety in my post here: Essential Oil Safety Guidelines And Advice