Turmeric is a popular herbal remedy for psoriasis due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, but scientific studies have not found it to be effective. Psoriasis is a skin condition triggered by an autoimmune response, and while heredity is a factor, no conclusive link to environmental or dietary factors has been proven. Anecdotal evidence suggests that turmeric may reduce symptoms, but it is unclear if it has any medical benefit.
Turmeric has been used extensively as a herbal remedy for centuries and is considered an effective anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, so it’s no surprise that many have turned to turmeric for relief from psoriasis. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the spice could be effective in treating the skin condition, and many people rely on turmeric for the treatment of psoriasis. Accounts vary, however, and it’s unclear what actual effect, if any, turmeric has on medical conditions like psoriasis.
Psoriasis is a skin condition in which an autoimmune response is triggered by mistake. Symptoms can include red spots, inflammation, peeling, and silvery skin lesions. Joints can also be affected by psoriasis, and pain and inflammation are common symptoms. When psoriasis is present in the joint, arthritis is a likely result.
The causes of psoriasis are not fully understood. Psoriasis is not a contagious disease and does not appear to be an allergic reaction or the result of an infection. No link to environmental or dietary factors has been conclusively proven. Heredity appears to be a factor, and sufferers are likely to share the condition with other family members, but the disease is not necessarily passed from parents to offspring.
There is a large body of anecdotal evidence to support the use of turmeric for psoriasis. Proponents of using turmeric for psoriasis suggest that the spice’s anti-inflammatory properties may reduce symptoms of psoriasis, and complementary medicine experts are quick to point to anecdotes and personal accounts of its effectiveness. Some people find no benefit at all, but many report symptom relief and some say the symptoms have disappeared altogether.
Despite these reports, researchers have not found turmeric to be an effective treatment. A study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine tested the effectiveness of curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, as a treatment for psoriasis. The study found that curcurmine was no more effective than a placebo. No valid scientific hypothesis has been put forward to explain how using turmeric for psoriasis could yield any medical benefit.
The scientists point out that anecdotal evidence and personal accounts do not account for other relevant factors, such as diet or environmental factors, or even the nature of the disease itself. For example, psoriasis is known to flare up and recede without any treatment. Reports of using turmeric for psoriasis suggest that results could sometimes take weeks, so it’s possible that turmeric is credited with relieving symptoms that have actually faded naturally.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
