New Herbal Q & A with Crystal Davidson

Herbal Q & A


I've gotten plenty of email and questions about all sorts health and beauty topics and issues, so I've decided to take questions and post answers for you all. As an herbalist, I have a unique perspective and love to educate people on how to help keep themselves healthy and beautiful with herbs and good nutrition and how to connect and reconnect with the natural world. My clients are always pleased with the results!


Question:
Hi Crystal, what do you know about plaque psoriasis and what are some things might that help?


Answer:
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition which is not contagious and often hereditary. Simply put, our skin renews and replaces skin cells every 28 days or so, but in the condition of psoriasis skin cells renew every 7-8 days and begin to build up the often itchy, crusty, red patches indicative of psoriasis. Sufferers of this condition tend to have flare ups periodically as a result of a range of irritating triggers, including stress, anxiety, fatigue, sunburn, poison ivy, a recent viral or bacterial infection and food sensitivities. Understanding and avoiding triggering factors is crucially important in treatment. There are several classifications of psoriasis. Pustular psoriasis is indicated when white blisters are surrounded by irritated and inflamed skin. Guttate psoriasis is when tiny red spots appear on the skin and inverse psoriasis is indicated when skin redness and irritation happen in warm damp places of the skin, such as armpits or the groin. Erythrodermic psoriasis is when redness is itchy and intense, covering large areas of skin. Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis and is recognized by scaly thick, red patches of skin. 
  
Supportive measures are to gently help remove skin tissue build up by cleansing and moisturizing with non-scented soaps & lotions or if indicated, medicated creams and sprays. Reduce triggers, systemic inflammation responses and detoxify gently and regularly. Nourish the body with essential fatty acids such as flax seed oil, evening primrose oil, borage oil or extra-virgin coconut oil if appropriate. Several herbs and supplements are helpful in psoriasis, (as well as many other skin issues) promoting good liver, kidney and digestive health. Some of the best herbs for this condition are turmeric, milk thistle seed, yellow dock, red clover, calendula, cleavers, dandelion root/leaf and burdock. A decoction of these herbs drunk daily or prepared as a tincture or pill and of course used in foods, will help alleviate symptoms. These herbs help detoxify, cleanse, fortify, and have great antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. 

Sprays, creams or salves with extracts of some of the above herbs is appropriate and can be very helpful in addition to other supportive methods, such as herbal bath soaks and homeopathy. Drink plenty of water, address any food sensitivities, avoid processed foods, and supply an abundance of fresh whole foods only. Additionally, reduce or eliminate skin exposure to artificial fragrances, preservative and irritating chemicals such as in soaps, perfumes, creams, detergents and common household cleansers so as not to exacerbate the condition. Viriditas Botanicals Transcendental Body Creme and Soother Salve are helpful additions to have on hand for this and other problematic skin conditions that require very pure, non irritating nourishment and protection.

This is a quick and simplified synopsis of psoriasis- each person is quite unique. Other contributing conditions or diseases, prescription medicine usage, or specific sensitivities and issues with the individual is important in comprising a holistic treatment plan of action. Some herbs are contraindicated for certain individuals and care must be taken in deciding which to incorporate into an herbal formulation. I hope this helps! 

Holistic herbal consults and personalized botanical skin formulations are available and highly recommended. For more information, please contact Crystal Davidson at crystal@viriditasaustin.com. 

Submit questions for consideration to Crystal@viriditasaustin.com and yours might be the lucky one chosen to post on the Herbal Q & A with Crystal Davidson!


Legal Disclaimer: I'm not a medical doctor and this does not constitute medical health advise, diagnosis or treatment, rather a holistic perspective on common issues from a professional, experienced Herbalist and Aromatherapist. 

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