Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease, characterized by plaques of thickened, silvery-white, scaly skin that appear on areas, like elbows, scalp, and knees. This result from the excessively rapid proliferation of skin cells. It involves a variety of mild to severe symptoms, such as red, scaly patches, dry, cracked skin, bleeding skin, itchy skin, burning skin, and swollen joints and stiffness.
This noncommunicable, itchy, and painful disease has no cure but there are natural treatments that can help us manage its symptoms, thus reducing the number of flares and severity.
How Turmeric Works Against Psoriasis
Turmeric is a major ingredient in many dishes. This popular spice has been found to capable of treating various diseases, including psoriasis.
According to studies, curcumin, an active compound present in turmeric, help reduce histamine levels (the ones responsible for inflammation), blocks a molecule called NF-kB, which “turns on” the inflammation response in cells, and a does a whole range of other good things.
Results of a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology has found that curcumin can be used to manage symptoms of psoriasis. The study involved 40 participants with mild to severe scalp psoriasis. They were given either a turmeric scalp tonic or a placebo and were instructed to use it two times a day for 9 weeks.
After the study period and the evaluations, researchers have found that the participants who received turmeric tonic have significantly improved their lives. They experienced reduced psoriasis symptoms like scaling, skin reddening, and hardening of dry skin.
Due to these results, researchers concluded that turmeric tonic can be a safe and effective remedy for mild to moderate psoriasis.
Other Health Benefits Of Curcumin
The curcumin found in turmeric offers a plethora of health benefits. These include:
An Effective Anti-inflammatory Agent
Curcumin is one of the main anti-inflammatory components of turmeric. Studies have found that it is as effective as some over-the-counter drugs. Curcumin can help alleviate chronic inflammation which is involved in the developments of various diseases such as cancer, heart diseases, Alzheimer’s, and even obesity.
Helps Promote Healthy Heart
Curcumin is capable of improving the endothelium which is the lining of blood vessels. When the endothelium isn’t working properly, it can’t properly regulate blood pressure and clotting, which can lead to heart disease.
Supports Weight Loss
According to studies, curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties that can help fight obesity by reducing the growth of fat cells. It can help us balance our stress hormones and help stop the accumulation of fats around our waist.
Has The Ability To Help Fight Cancer
Curcumin has the ability to fight off cancer by reducing the growth of cancer cells. Aside from this, it can also stop angiogenesis or the formation of new blood vessels associated with metastatic tumors.
According to the study, taking 4 grams of daily curcumin can help reduce the number of precancerous lesions in the colon by 40%. Results suggest that curcumin if most beneficial in stomach, breast, skin, and bowel cancer.
Helps Soothe Digestion
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric can help improve digestion and heal gut inflammation. Its curcumin content stimulates the gallbladder thus helping our body produce bile to break down food and improve digestion. Studies found that turmeric can help with gas symptoms, bloating, and ulcerative colitis.
Helps The Body Eliminate Free Radicals
Curcumin has antioxidant properties that help get rid of the body of harmful free radicals. Curcumin also enhances the activity of antioxidants in the body.
