How To Use Essential Oils For Psoriasis

Question: How can I use essential oils for psoriasis so I can ease my discomfort?

e3 Answer: Most resources cite the difficulty in treating psoriasis with traditional medicine or with complimentary care but for some people essential oils can decrease the number of outbreaks as well as help to alleviate the severity and discomfort of symptoms.

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease which causes an overgrowth of skin cells. The affected skin becomes irritated, dry, itchy red, thick and scaly; it can appear anywhere on the body but is most often seen on the elbows, knees and trunk.

Cause: The cause of psoriasis is attributed to genetics and environmental factor.

Common Triggers: Include stress, excessive alcohol consumption, infections, injury to skin (e.g. sunburn, bug bites etc.), cold weather, some medications and smoking.

Suggested essential oils for psoriasis – to ease discomfort

Topical application: A 2 – 2 ¹⁄₂% essential oil dilution (12-15 drops of essential oil(s) to 1 oz carrier oil) applied daily to the affected area has been shown to be beneficial.

Anti-inflammatory and calming essential oil suggestions

Use any of these essential oils for psoriasis to create the base of your blend (7-10 drops).
Lavender Lavandula angustifolia
Rose Rosa damascena
German ChamomileMatricaria chamomilla

Then add additional 5-8 drops of any single or combination of the following essential oils:

To help soften skin:
Mandarin Citrus deliciosa
Geranium Pelargonium graveolens
Palmarosa Cymbopogon marntinii

To support skin health and prevent infection:
Bergamot Citrus bergamia or Thyme ct. linalol Thymus vulgaris.

Suggested carrier oils to help soothe irritated skin

Sweet Almond Prunis dulcis
Tamanu Calophyllum inophyllum
Rosehip Rosa mosqueta
Jojoba Simmondsia chinensis

An example of a psoriasis blend recipe

4 drops Lavender Lavandula angustifolia
3 drops German Chamomile Matricaria chamomilla
3 drops Mandarin Citrus deliciosa
3 drops Bergamot Citrus bergamia
2 drops Rose Rosa damascena
1 oz (30ml) carrier oil

Stress and Psoriasis

Aromatherapy is an easy and effective way to help calm body and mind, and reduce stress. Reducing stress supports our body’s natural ability to move toward optimal health, balance and well-being and therefore can help to decrease the frequency and / or severity of psoriasis flare ups. Choose an essential oil or blend which you love the aroma and one that gives you that “AHHH” feeling when you inhale its aroma.

Essential oils for psoriasis – to reduce stress and uplift mood

Single essential oils:

Lavender Lavandula angustifolia
Rose Rosa damascena
Geranium Pelargonium graveolens
Roman ChamomileAnthemis nobilis
Bergamot Citrus bergamia
Palmarosa Cymbopogon martinii
Suggested Use: Diffusion, direct inhalation, bath, body lotion, massage or spot application

Marjoram Sweet Origanum majorana
Suggested Use: Diffusion, direct inhalation

e3 Synergy Blends:

Stress Relief – Ingredients: Lavender, Mandarin, Bergamot and Clary Sage
Relax – Ingredients: Geranium, Lavender, Marjoram Sweet, Vetiver
Meditate – Ingredients: Bergamot FCF, Cedarwood Atlas, Frankincense, Patchouli, Sandalwood
Suggested Use: for synergy blends – Bath, massage, diffusion, body oil/lotion, inhalation, after shower

Methods of Application

Bath: Mix 4-8 drops of essential oil in 1 teaspoon of carrier oil, such as fractionated coconut oil. (You can also add the essential oil to 1/2 cup of whole milk or heavy cream.) Set aside. If you have muscle or joint aches, add Epsom Salt (pure magnesium sulfate), Magnesium Flakes (pure magnesium chloride) or Dead Sea salts. Fill the tub with warm water and immerse yourself. Add the essential oil mixture and swirl the water around you. Massage your skin and breathe in the aroma. Remain in the tub for 10-15 minutes.

Bath, Foot: Mix 1-3 drops of essential oil in 1/2 teaspoon of carrier oil, such as fractionated coconut oil. Set aside. Fill a tub (deep enough to cover your feet and ankles) with warm water. Add the essential oil mixture, stir well, and immerse your feet for 10-15 minutes.

Body Lotion: Mix 6-30 drops of essential oil in 1 ounce of fragrance-free, natural moisturizing lotion. Apply to your skin, especially after a shower or bath.

Diffusion: Follow diffuser manufacturer’s instructions to fill the air with therapeutic aroma.

• Easy alternatives when you don’t have a diffuser:
  Place 2-4 drops of essential oil on several tissues or cotton balls, place around room or on desk (caution: place cotton balls or tissues on a surface that will not be damaged by contact with essential oils) or tuck into the grate of a fan or air vent in your home or car.

Inhalation: Put 1-3 drops of essential oil on a tissue and inhale the aroma through your nose. Pause and inhale again. (Avoid touching your nose with the tissue.)

Massage: Mix 6-30 drops of essential oil in 1 ounce of carrier oil or fragrance-free, natural lotion.

Spot / Regional Application: Mix 1-4 drops of essential oil in 1 teaspoon of carrier oil or aloe vera and apply to the area in need.

Would you like to learn more about essential oils – like where they come from, how they’re made and how to make your own special blends? Simply download our free ebook, Listen to Your Nose – An Introduction to Aromatherapy.

Reference

For more information on the different types of psoriasis, its symptoms and cause please refer to: www.mayoclinic.com or PUB MED HEALTH – Psoriasis

Recommendations in this post are intended for adult use only and are not a substitute for medical care. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These statements and products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.