You might have heard people using Castor Oil for Psoriasis, but is it safe? And does it work? Read on to know!
No one likes the dry, scaly, itchy rashes on the skin that come with psoriasis. Can natural remedies like castor oil be used to treat this condition? Let’s see!
What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis usually starts as a rash that can occur anywhere on the body, including elbows, knees, torso, and scalp. It then develops into scaly, itchy patches of skin.
It is an autoimmune disorder, but it’s not caused by a “real infection” that the immune system mistakenly targets. Instead, it’s a misdirected immune response against healthy skin cells.
The exact cause of psoriasis is still not fully understood. It’s a complex interplay of various factors. Don’t worry; it is not contagious. Still, you should seek medical treatment as soon as possible to alleviate the painful symptoms. But what about castor oil?
Does Castor Oil Work For Psoriasis?
Despite the dearth of research, plenty of anecdotal evidence suggests that castor oil’s anti-inflammatory properties can greatly alleviate the painful symptoms of psoriasis. Its antibacterial properties also help reduce flare-ups of this disease.
Several naturopaths claim castor oil enhances the immune system’s functioning, thus reducing flares and pain.
Of course, it is crucial to understand that alternative medicine like castor oil cannot fully replace medical treatment for psoriasis. You must always consult your dermatologist before using castor oil for psoriasis.
How to Use Castor Oil for Psoriasis?
It’s pretty easy to use it. You could directly apply diluted, lukewarm castor oil to the affected areas by dabbing some with a cotton ball. Leave it on overnight for best absorption into the skin and then rinse off gently in the morning.
For scalp psoriasis, you’ll need to prepare a mix of 1 teaspoon each of sulfur powder, castor oil, peppermint oil, coconut oil, 2 teaspoons of vegetable glycerine, and 1 cup of aloe vera. Combine this smooth mixture with shampoo, massage it on your scalp for 15 minutes, and rinse off. You could repeat it twice or three times a week.
You should always pick pure, cold-pressed castor oil for the best benefits to treat your skin disorder. Products with chemical additives that are available in a huge variety in every market, can do more harm than good. Don’t forget to do a patch test to see if it’s safe.
If you have any underlying medical conditions apart from psoriasis, it is best to avoid castor oil completely unless explicitly allowed by your doctor. That’s it! Do let us know how it goes for you in the comments below!