Psoriasis is one of the most dreadful skin conditions. The turnover of the skin cells is much higher in this condition. More and more red plaques with white scales appear on the knees, elbows, torso, palms, soles of the feet and scalp. Currently, there’s no cure for psoriasis but many follow a skincare routine that is focused on reducing stress and relieving inflammation. Olive oil is a popular natural remedy for psoriasis.
Olive Oil Is Good For Psoriasis
Olive oil especially the extra-virgin one is known as liquid gold because of its ability to calm and soothe inflamed skin. It has polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) that are excellent at moisturizing the irritated skin.1
High vitamin E content in it is capable of reducing the burning sensation and its antioxidant property helps to keep skin damage in check.2
Home Remedies Using Olive Oil
Below are some simple home remedies that use olive oil and other anti-inflammatory ingredients.
1. Daily Massage With Olive Oil
Before you take bath, apply warmed olive oil on all the affected areas on your body. Gently massage the oil properly in circular motion. Wash off after 20 minutes with lukewarm water. Do this every day.
2. Olive And Tea Tree Oil Mix
Tea tree oil has strong antiseptic, anti-microbial properties. This, when mixed with olive oil, helps in moisturizing and reducing the redness of the psoriatic plaques.3
Instructions:
- Mix tea tree oil and olive oil in the ratio of 1:10.
- Warm the mixture and massage the affected areas and wash off after 30 minutes.
3. Olive Oil And Turmeric
More than being a spice, turmeric is a miracle herb. Curcumin in turmeric has a wide range of protective effects on the human body. The anti-inflammatory action prevents cytokines from forming new plaques on the skin. It’s very good at complementing the action of olive oil.
Instructions:
- Mix equal amounts of turmeric in extra virgin olive oil in a bowl to make a fine paste.
- Apply this paste on the affected areas.
- Wash it off with lukewarm water after a few minutes.
4. Olive Oil And Honey
Being a natural moisturizer and exfoliator, honey helps in removing skin flakes from the psoriatic patches.
Instructions:
- In a bowl mix 1 tablespoon of honey with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Apply this all over the psoriatic patches.
- Wash it off after about 20 minutes.
5. Olive Oil With Shea Butter
Shea butter is filled with vitamins E, D, F and is effective against sun exposure-related skin damage.
Instructions:
- Melt 4 oz of shea butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Stir well for a minute and let it cool.
- Apply it on the affected skin patches with gentle pressure daily after bathing.
Olive oil can be used internally also for reducing the symptoms of psoriasis. It’s recommended to use extra virgin olive oil without cooking as salad dressings or dips. It’s advised to follow a diet that has a lot of antioxidants, fluids and is low on processed foods. Since stress can aggravate psoriasis practicing relaxation techniques like meditation and yoga daily can also be helpful in the long run.4
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