Natural Herbal Treatment for Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition affecting over 1.8 million people in the UK. Herbal medicine addresses the immune, gut and liver imbalances that drive psoriatic plaque formation — reducing flares and improving quality of life without immunosuppressive side effects.
Understanding Psoriasis
Psoriasis is characterised by rapid keratinocyte turnover driven by an overactive Th17/Th1 immune response. Key drivers include gut dysbiosis, increased intestinal permeability (“leak{ gut”), liver congestion, and stress. Herbal medicine targets all of these mechanisms simultaneously, unlike conventional treatments that focus on suppression of individual immune pathways.
How Herbal Medicine Addresses Psoriasis
Immune Regulation
Herbs modulate the overactive Th17 response to reduce keratinocyte hyperproliferation.
Gut Microbiome
Rebalancing gut flora and healing intestinal permeability reduces systemic inflammatory triggers.
Liver Detoxification
Supporting hepatic clearance of inflammatory cytokines and metabolic waste reduces skin burden.
Topical Anti-inflammatory
Coal tar alternatives and anti-inflammatory botanical creams reduce scaling and itching.
Key Herbs Used
- Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) — Powerful hepatoprotective herb that supports liver detoxification of inflammatory mediators.
- Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium) — Clinically proven to inhibit keratinocyte growth and reduce psoriatic plaques.
- Sarsaparilla (Smilax ornata) — Traditional blood-purifying herb with anti-inflammatory and endotoxin-binding properties.
- Turmeric (Curcuma longa) — Potent NF-kB inhibitor that reduces the systemic inflammation driving psoriasis.
What to Expect
Whole-body Assessment
A thorough review of your psoriasis pattern, triggers, gut health, stress and diet.
Internal Herbal Protocol
A bespoke tincture addressing liver, gut and immune function simultaneously.
Topical Support
A customised botanical cream or wash to reduce scaling and inflammation locally.
Long-term Remission Plan
A strategy for reducing flare frequency and achieving the longest possible remission periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can herbal medicine clear psoriatic plaques?
Many patients achieve significant clearance; some achieve full remission. Results vary depending on severity and duration.
How does this compare to biologics?
Herbal medicine is less potent than biologics but has a much better safety profile and can achieve good results in mild-to-moderate psoriasis.
Does stress make psoriasis worse?
Yes — stress is a major trigger. Adaptogenic and nervine herbs specifically address this.
How long before I see improvement?
Skin conditions typically take 6–12 weeks to show visible improvement, with significant results at 3–6 months.
References
- Bernstein S et al. (2006). Mahonia aquifolium for the treatment of plaque psoriasis. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 5(8), 720–726.
- Antiga E et al. (2015). Oral curcumin (Meriva) is effective as an adjuvant treatment and is able to reduce IL-22 serum levels in patients with psoriasis vulgaris. BioMed Research International, 2015, 283634.
Take Control of Your Psoriasis Naturally
Book a skin health consultation with one of our specialist herbalists today.
Book a Free Discovery CallDisclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Herbal medicine should not replace treatment recommended by a qualified medical professional. Always consult your GP before making changes to your medication or treatment plan. The practitioners at Paean Therapy are registered with the National Institute of Medical Herbalists (NIMH).
