Psoriasis

Why it works: Psoriasis biology: Psoriasis plaques are driven by an inflammatory loop and keratinocyte hyper-proliferation. (Good context if you’re comparing mechanisms.) Frontiers. Lab data on...

Instructions: There is no evidence-based regimen for psoriasis (topical or oral), and no medically accepted dosing guideline for this condition. Authoritative sources stress product variability...

Warnings: Bleeding risk / drug interactions: Pau d’arco (via lapachol) can inhibit vitamin K epoxide/quinone r...

Studies: Psoriasis-relevant lab study (keratinocytes):Müller et al.,...

Why it works: Anti-inflammatory mechanisms – but mostly from the resin/extract, not the essential oil. Boswellia resins contain boswellic acids (especially AKBA) that inhibit 5-lipoxygenase (5-L...

Instructions: Because psoriasis plaques have a compromised barrier and are prone to irritation, use very low dilutions, short trials, and stop if there’s any stinging, redness, or worsening.. •...

Warnings: Skin reactions are common with essential oils. Psoriasis skin is reactive; essential oils can cause...

Studies: Human clinical trial (combo topical; includes frankincense o...

Why it works: Anti-inflammatory & immunomodulatory compounds (lab data): Extracts of G. aparine show suppression of inflammatory mediators (e.g., NO, PGE₂, iNOS, IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α) in macrophage...

Instructions: Internal (most common). • Infusion (tea): 1–2 tsp dried aerial parts per cup, steep ~10 minutes; 1–2 cups, up to three times daily. The Naturopathic Herbalist. • Tincture (1:5 in ~...

Warnings: Overall evidence & dosing uncertainty: Consumer-health monographs note insufficient reliable informa...

Studies: Randomized controlled trials in psoriasis: None located for...

Why it works: Normalizes keratinocyte growth & differentiation. Psoriatic plaques feature over-proliferating, poorly differentiated keratinocytes. Vitamin-D signalling via the vitamin D receptor...

Instructions: Where they fit: First-line for mild–moderate plaque psoriasis; often combined or alternated with a topical corticosteroid. AAFP+1. How to apply:. • Apply a thin layer once or twice...

Warnings: Topical vitamin-D analogues (calcipotriene/calcipotriol):. • Hypercalcemia risk with excessive use (...

Studies: Strong evidence (topical vitamin-D analogues)Systematic revi...

Why it works: Turns down key inflammatory pathways in psoriasis. Curcumin inhibits NF-κB signaling and the IL-23/Th17 axis (drivers of keratinocyte hyperproliferation and inflammation in psorias...

Instructions: Topical options. Turmeric “tonic” for scalp psoriasis. • What: A curcumin tonic applied to the scalp.. • How used in the RCT: Twice daily for 9 weeks.. • Results: Greater PASI/DLQI...

Warnings: Liver injury (rare but documented):. • Australia’s TGA safety alert: rare risk of liver injury from...

Studies: Systematic reviews/meta-analyses (human + preclinical):2022...

Why it works: Lowers leukotrienes (5-LOX inhibition): Boswellic acids—especially AKBA—directly inhibit 5-lipoxygenase, reducing leukotriene-driven inflammation implicated in psoriatic skin. Scie...

Instructions: Topical Boswellia (the form with clinical data in psoriasis):. • Cream/gel with Boswellia extract applied twice daily for 4 weeks to plaques improved erythema and scaling versus pl...

Warnings: Not a substitute for standard care: Use as adjunctive therapy; discuss with a dermatologist, especia...

Studies: Human (psoriasis-focused)Double-blind RCT (Italy, 2014): A B...

Why it works: Anti-inflammatory & soothing. Aloe contains compounds (e.g., salicylates, a bradykinin-inactivating carboxypeptidase, and thromboxane-inhibiting substances) that may calm inflammat...

Instructions: Choose the product: NPF suggests creams containing 0.5% aloe. You can also use pure inner-leaf gel products; avoid formulations with added fragrance or alcohol that can irritate pl...

Warnings: Topical safety: Generally well tolerated, but burning, itching, rash or eczema can occur—stop if irr...

Studies: Positive RCT (1996): 0.5% aloe extract in a hydrophilic crea...

Why it works: Neurogenic inflammation + itch relief. Capsaicin activates (and then desensitizes) TRPV1-positive sensory nerves and depletes substance P, reducing neurogenic inflammation and itch...

Instructions: Product/strength: Use capsaicin 0.025% cream (the strength studied for psoriasis-related itch). JAAD. Application frequency: Apply a thin film 3–4 times daily to affected, intact s...

Warnings: Common effects: Burning, stinging, erythema, cough/sneeze from vapors; usually lessen with continued...

Studies: 1986 double-blind, intra-individual study (JAAD): 44 patient...

Why it works: Anti-inflammatory & immunomodulatory effects (preclinical): Lab and animal studies show Chaga extracts can reduce pro-inflammatory signals such as TNF-α and IL-6, and inhibit NF-κB...

Instructions: Forms: hot-water tea/decoction, capsules or tablets of standardized extracts, and alcohol tinctures. Medical references emphasize that products vary widely and dosing is not standa...

Warnings: Kidney risk (oxalates): Multiple case reports link high or prolonged Chaga intake to oxalate nephrop...

Studies: Psoriasis-specific human trials: I could not find any modern...

Why it works: Anti-inflammatory + antiproliferative effects. Oregon grape contains isoquinoline alkaloids (notably berberine, plus berbamine and oxyacanthine) that inhibit pathways involved in p...

Instructions: Formulation & strength: Most trials used 10% Mahonia aquifolium extract creams/ointments applied to plaques. The National Psoriasis Foundation’s integrative overview also reference...

Warnings: Topical tolerability: Generally well tolerated for up to 12 weeks in trials; possible itching, burni...

Studies: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (n=200)....

Why it works: Normalizes keratinocytes & calms inflammation. Indigo Naturalis contains indirubin, indigo, and tryptanthrin. Indirubin inhibits keratinocyte hyper-proliferation and promotes diffe...

Instructions: For plaque-type psoriasis (skin):. • Formulation: Ointment made from powdered Indigo Naturalis mixed with an oil base (e.g., olive oil) and petrolatum/wax; “refined” preparations r...

Warnings: Topical use (skin/nails): Most common are mild, transient itch or erythema at start of therapy; crud...

Studies: Plaque psoriasis—vehicle-controlled RCT (n≈42). Randomized,...

Why it works: Multi-herb formula targeting inflammation & keratinocyte overgrowth. Yinxieling traditionally combines 10 herbs (e.g., Angelica sinensis, Paeonia rubra, Lithospermum “Zi Cao”, Curc...

Instructions: Yinxieling tablets (original formula) – In a multicentre, double-blind pilot RCT, participants randomized to the Yinxieling arm took five Yinxieling tablets, three times daily afte...

Warnings: Formulation/quality control: Yinxieling is a hospital preparation in China rather than a globally st...

Studies: Human studiesPilot RCT (2021) – PSORI-CM01 granules vs Yinxi...

Why it works: What it is. Xiao Yin Pian is a Chinese patent medicine tablet used in TCM for psoriasis patterns described as blood-heat / blood-deficiency with wind-dryness. Typical listed herbs...

Instructions: Because Xiao Yin Pian is a patent medicine, dosing follows the package insert of the exact brand you buy. A representative Chinese label lists: oral, 5–7 tablets, 3 times daily; on...

Warnings: Pregnancy & lactation: Many brand inserts advise pregnant people to avoid or use only under medical...

Studies: Key point up front: High-quality, modern randomized trials s...

Why it works: Anti-inflammatory/immune modulation relevant to psoriasis biology. In a mouse model of psoriasiform dermatitis (imiquimod-induced), Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang (DGLHT) reduced skin inf...

Instructions: Classical composition & typical decoction amounts (per day):. • Dang Gui 9 g. • Sheng Di Huang 9 g. • Shu Di Huang 9 g. • Huang Qin 9 g. • Huang Bai 9 g. • Huang Lian 6 g. • Huang...

Warnings: Because DGLHT combines multiple herbs, consider both formula-level risks (quality/adulteration) and...

Studies: Preclinical (animal/mechanistic) evidence specific to DGLHT:...