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Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common, non-infectious, possibly inherited, skin disorder which occurs when the production rate of new skin cells is accelerated. The result is raised patches of pink, thick, new skin covered with flakes of dead skin. This acceleration seems to occur in connection with stress, emotional problems, infections or other illnesses. It commonly occurs on elbows, chest, knees and scalp. The reddish lesions are slightly raised and covered with silver-white scales, and the coverage can range from a single patch to covering the entire body. The rash is better when exposed to sunlight and may recur over a period of years.

Medical science has not yet solved the mystery of psoriasis nor has science identified what causes it. The main treatment doctors are able to offer for psoriasis is the application of cortisone-based products. Although these relieve symptoms for periods of time, side-effects normally include damaged skin and patients are faced with using cortisone for the rest of their lives. Because of this, it may be to your advantage to never use cortisone products in the first place. If you are already using cortisone products, be encouraged that some have gradually decreased the use of cortisone (to avoid the reaction which can occur if the cortisone is stopped suddenly) and continued treatment with essential oils.

Psoriasis is a stubborn and difficult problem to treat. It requires patience, long-term treatment and commitment to get lasting results. The whole picture needs to be considered (stress management, detox liver, no exposure to chemicals of any kind and so on).

Successful treatment of psoriasis with bioflavonoids and bile acids suggest that it is a gut issue - PubMed

Essential oils and Carrier oils for Psoriasis
Bergamot essential oil
Cajeput essential oil
Carrot Seed essential oil
Geranium Rose essential oil
German Chamomile essential oil
Helichrysum essential oil (or the blend)
Juniperberry essential oil
Tea Tree essential oil
Lavender essential oil
Marigold essential oil
Patchouli essential oil
Sandalwoods essential oil
Spikenard essential oil
Roman Chamomile essential oil
Rose essential oil
Yarrow essential oil
Calendula-infused oil
Borage Seed oil
Evening Primrose oil
Apricot Kernel oil
Jojoba oil
Avocado oil
Tamanu oil
Vitamin E oil
Vitamin A Palmitate
Rosehip oil
Shea Butter
Aloe Vera

Essential oils are very balancing to the body. There are also essential oils noted for their ability to help reduce and control stress and anxiety.

Aromatherapy Literature Notes
Kurt Schnaubelt wrote in his book: The Healing Intelligence of Essential Oils: The Science of Advanced Aromatherapy (pp. 156-157): "Conventional medical language states that the exact causes of psoriasis are not known. Phrases found on the Internet culminate in: 'Psoriasis is a puzzle.' The absence of an immune system response to psoriasis suggests that it is not caused by outside factors but is instead an aberration of our own (skin) metabolism. Essential oil treatment aims to rectify virtually every skin problem. The main agent to do so is Nardostachys jatamansii or Spikenard. This oil was originally recommended by Dietrich Gümbel, the pioneer of an anthroposophical approach to skin care, to rectify virtually every skin problem."
 
"Nardostachys jatamansii essential oil is extremely well tolerated and regenerates the skin most gently. The original impulse to use this oil for skin treatments most likely arose from the anthroposophical fascination with plants with an open, in other words eternal, life cycle. Spikenard can be complemented by minute quantities of Mountain Savory with its forceful reanimating components, Niaouli (Melaleuca quinquenervia viridiflora or MQV) with its unrivaled restorative powers, and Lippia citriodora, which balances nervous and endocrine systems."
 
In Medical Aromatherapy: Healing with Essential Oils, Schnaubelt wrote: "Spikenard is probably the most powerful sedative in aromatherapy. It can be used universally in skin care, where it restores balance to all skin types. It can also be tried for otherwise difficult-to-treat skin conditions such as psoriasis. Preferred mode of use: Internal and external. Blends well with lavender."

The Essential Oil Desk Reference suggests a Psoriasis blend with equal amounts of:
Patchouli
Roman Chamomile
Lavender
Tea Tree 

This blend is HEO's DermaSoothe minus the Tea Tree, which can be added if felt necessary. We suggest making a spray (instructions are on the DermaSoothe detail page).

Factors to consider that have been known to improve psoriasis:
- Vegetarian diet
- Manage the stress in your life
- Detoxify (Consider using Liver/Gallbladder essential oil blend)
- Use only pure/natural deodorants, soaps, cleaners and products
- No petrochemical products including Vaseline
- Consider homeopathic Silica - this has been known to help heal Psoriasis
- Don't consume alcohol
- Take a dietary essential omegas
- Check acidic pH in the body to keep acidity balanced

Psoriasis thrives on acidity. The more acid in the blood and skin, the less therapeutic effect the oils will have. People who have a negative reaction to essential oils are usually highly acidic.

To counteract excess acidity in the body, take a bath with 5 tablespoons of Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate) up to 3 times weekly. You may want to add 5 drops Tea Tree and 5 drops Lavender essential oils to full-fat milk, then to the baking soda, and then add this mixture to your bath water.

Test your acidity level daily for a week or so to establish what your average pH is. PH strips can usually be found at a local health food store. If your urine is under +7, you are too acidic.

Simply adding fresh citrus to each glass of water you drink will help balance your pH. We suggest that you drink 1/2 body weight in ounce of filtered water daily. Measure out the proper, daily amount of water into glass (many people find that using quart jars works great) and add fresh-squeezed citrus to each quart. By measuring your water like this, you can visually see if you are consuming the minimum amount of water needed to stay hydrated. Any less than this amount and your body suffers dehydration to some extent. The citrus water is very appealing, and the health benefits are innumerable. Avoid all sodas, which leach from you and don't add a thing to help improve your health.
Water Cure Information

Alkalizing Tonic (Drink daily)
1 TB Raw Apple Cider Vinegar (Use the organic, raw, unfiltered)
1 TB Local Raw Honey (if local honey is not available, then at least use raw - unprocessed)
1 Cup filtered Water

Tamanu oil is typically harvested on the small island of Vanuatu. The Fiji islanders call the oil "dolno" meaning "no pain" and is traditionally used topically for skin issues, burns, diabetic sores, diaper rash, neuralgia, psoriasis, rheumatism, shingles. In the 1920s it's told that a nun used it to successfully treat symptoms of leprosy including inflammation of nerves (leprous neuritis).

Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium) is an extact from the bark of the Oregon grape that researchers have shown to inhibits keratinocyte (abnormal skin cell) growth.

Fumaric Acid, taken orally, has been shown to effectively help psoriasis symptoms. Fumaric Acid by Vitamin Research Products is said to be a good choice. Type "fumeric acid" into the search box. A series of helpful articles is found under the heading "Research Center."

CopaibaTwo psoriasis patients treated with 5% topical Copaiba oleoresin showed considerable improvement after 6 weeks, and the condition completely resolved after 3 months (Gelmini et al 2013).

Sandalwoodn a phase 2 clinical trial of 11 psoriasis patients, Sandalwood (S. album) oil was topically applied at 10%. After 3 weeks, two patients showed marked improvement, and another two showed moderate improvement (Sharma et al 2017). 

Black Cumin Fatty Oil + Olive Oil: A product containing 10% black seed fatty oil and 10% olive oil resulted in considerable improvement in 10 of 12 psoriasis patients (Michalsen et al 2016).

Flax Seed Oil is reported to produce noticeable results when taken 2-4 tablespoons internally.

Chlorine seems to aggravete psoriasis, so removing chlorine both from drinking and shower water may help.

Testimonies
1. For my chronic psoriasis I used 1/4 oz of your Golden Salve with 3-4 drops of Pain-X added. I heated the salve up by wrapping a heating pad around it like you suggested, and once it was liquid, I added the essential oils. I stirred the oil in with a toothpick to mix. I applied the salve to affected skin at least twice daily. This has also worked great for at least 3 of my skeptical friends who have tried it.

2. I tried the remedy mentioned in the testimony where the person used your Golden Salve with Pain-X added, and it brought me much relief. I use it liberally (that's why I purchased the larger size!), and make sure to apply when I go to bed and when I wake up. I have also become very conscious about keeping my body alkalized - I think the psoriasis is caused (or at least greatly aggravated) by an acidic body. Restricting grains and eliminating sugars is a big factor for me also.

3. I've suffered with terrible psoriasis for over 30 years but have finally found relief with Sandalwoods Substitute Blend applied undiluted directly on affected areas of my skin. I also add Sandalwoods to my bath water. My skin is clearer than I can remember it ever being, and I smell absolutely divine :-).

4. I first noticed the itchy psoriasis rash when I graduated from high school. I had been raised to think "naturally," so I did some research and decided to try Lavender, Bergamot and Tea Tree essential oils. I blended these up and applied them directly to my rash at least every night, and more as I felt led to. I still have some light pink spots, but all the raised, flaky lesions are gone for good.

5. I use your Cleansing for my psoriasis issues, and for the most part, it just vanishes.

6. We used your DermaSoothe blend (diluted) for my son who has the issue with the flaking in his eyebrows. We pray and apply it directly to the area twice a day. From the first application there has been no more itching or flaking! We are amazed. He comes to me twice a day asking for it. That is amazing for an autistic young man.

7. I read an article in the newspaper where a man who had been plagued with severe psoriasis found considerable relief by eating high levels of raw cilantro. I found the article online: Accidental Discovery Eases Psoriasis

8. I'm truly amazed how Helichrysum Substitute Blend has helped my son. He has had flaky skin all his life since a newborn. I had to hide his legs when we went out (and he was born in August) because of all the hurtful comments that were made about his bloody flaky skin. I didn't take him to a pediatrician for three and a half years because I was honestly afraid of being accused of child endangerment; his skin was that bad. I finally took him to our family dermatologist when he woke me in the middle of the night (he did this every single night) scratching his head. It was then that I realized his skin condition was what was interrupting his sleep (and mine!). The doctor was not alarmed by my response to his awful skin and treated him with many topical ointments and treatments. He diagnosed him with extreme psoriasis on his scalp and eczema all over his body. I purchased Helichrysum Blend for my husband's tinnitus and read that it was also noted for eczema, so I applied on the bottoms of our son's feet at bedtime. Never before has he had normal skin like he does after using this blend!! No more nasty dandruff flakes in his hair. No more 'lizard legs'. The Helichrysum Blend from Hopewell Essential Oils is the first product to truly deal with his awful psoriasis and eczema. I am very grateful. Thank you so very much for how you've helpd our family with your oils! - Sheri H.

9. I have struggled with psoriasis for over a year. I eliminated all grains, sugar and dairy out of my diet and this helped a little. I tried colloidal silver cream, bee venom cream and at least ten other salves. Then I read the testimonies here, so I gave decided to try Sun-Kissed. I smeared a small amount on the affected area. It didn’t just help - the next morning the psoriasis was gone! The ringworm patches I have had for two years were also gone! The skin looked normal!!! I have continued to apply Sun-Kissed once a day to be sure this stuff stays gone. I also have started using this on boils. Usually they take weeks to heal, and then they turn into Keloid scars. With Sun-Kissed they heal up in two days. - E.N. 

10. I have struggled with scalp psoriasis for years. I've tried every shampoo out there. Three years ago I went gluten free and it helped a lot for my gut, but very little for my scalp. What does work the best is a solution I made for myself in a spray bottle. I learned that scalp psoriasis is a form of yeast, so I keep this in the shower.
In the 2oz spray bottle, I add first the following:
1 tsp witch hazel
2 drops each of Lavender, Peppermint and Geranium, and then 
3 drops of Rosemary
1 TB  warm water
1 tsp of fine, pink Himalayan sea salt
Shake well to mix.
I fill the rest of the bottle with organic Apple Cider Vinegar (this is the most important part!), then I shake to mix well again. After I shampoo my hair, I shake well and spray this all around my scalp very close the roots of my hair and use my fingertips to massage it into my scalp. I let it soak in for a few minutes before rinsing out. When I use conditioner, I will put just a little at the ends of my hair at the same time and then rinse all together. My hair is long, so I use a clip to hold it up while I wait. This has been the only thing that makes my scalp feel like a normal person's must feel like. It's clear and feels amazing! - Christine
 
11. I made up some of Christine's scalp solution (testimony #10 above) for my daughter's scalp psoriasis. It works SO well! Her flaky, itchy, red scalp is now soothed, white and no flakes. We ran out and she started to have the symptoms return. I'm making some more up today. I am going to put it in a squirt bottle this time. The spray pump kept getting clogged/stuck in the 2 oz. bottle. Thank you so very much for sharing what worked for you! - Sunny

12. An allergist said the rash I had was psoriasis, not eczema. I cleared it up with Staff Comfort spray. It took 9 months to a year, but I am totally clear. I used the spray twice a day, and as it cleared up, once a day. I use it now a couple times per week as maintenance. - Rachel

13. I've been using Staff Comfort to get my period back on schedule. I know it's the geranium in it that is helping. I spray this all over my legs each day as it is also helping with my psoriasis. - Rachel

14. We have used the Tender Tissue LOTS and have lent some to a family who's daughter suffers from eczema/psoriasis. It worked so well they bought it from us. - S.W.

References
Schnaubelt Ph.D., Kurt, The Healing Intelligence of Essential Oils: The Science of Advanced Aromatherapy, Inner Traditions/Bear & Company 2011, page 156-157.
Schnaubelt, Kurt, Medical Aromatherapy: Healing with Essential Oils, North Atlantic Books, 1999. 
Tisserand, Robert, Essential Oils for Healthy Skin class: Barrier Function, Juy 2020. [Studies about Copaiba, Sandalwood, Black Cumin Seed and Olive oil]
 



Calendula Infused Olive Fruit Oil
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(Calendula officinalis + Olea europaea) Organically grown; unrefined
Supports healthy skin and is soothing for inflammation, scars, adhesions and bruises.

DermaSoothe
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Supports healthy skin and may ease symptoms due to eczema and other problematic skin issues and rashes.
 

Sandalwoods Substitute Blend
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Support healthy breathing, soothes minor skin issues, eases stress and promotes restful sleep.  
 
Staff Comfort
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Supports the body's natural effort to soothe skin stressed by staph, burns or abrasions.

Tender Skin Spray
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A gentle moisturizing spray that nourishes delicate skin and may be used for baby's diaper area, minor skin irritations and to soothe stretched skin.

Tender Tissue Spray
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Formulated for tender/sensitive areas to soothe, lubricate and ease symptoms associated with minor irritations.

 

Golden Salve
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Soothing salve for minor skin irritations, cuts and abrasions. *Improved formula ~ Nov. 2020

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May the Lord guide you continually, preserving your health and watering your life when you are dry. May you be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring full of hope for your future in His care.
From Isaiah 58:11 & Jeremiah 29:11