A 2014 study published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment found that topical application of raw honey was more effective than steroids (hydrocortisone cream) at improving psoriasis symptoms after four weeks.
We have all suffered from dry and itchy skin. The worst part is when we get a rash or a red patch on our arms or legs that just won’t go away. Psoriasis is one of the most common autoimmune diseases, affecting over 125 million people worldwide. It can affect anyone regardless of age or gender but is more common with women than men by about 2:1.
Although there are many different types of psoriasis, plaque psoriasis is the most common form affecting about 80% of patients with this condition. Plaque psoriasis occurs when abnormal skin cells build up just under the surface layer called epidermis where they form thick patches which are red in appearance due to capillaries being closer to the surface than normal which causes them to look purplish-red when viewed under magnification using an electron microscope.
What Is Psoriasis And What Causes It?
Psoriasis is an autoimmune inflammatory disease that occurs when the immune system mistakenly sends out faulty signals that tell the skin cells to grow too quickly. A person's genetic makeup, environmental factors and current health can influence the development of psoriasis. It commonly affects the scalp, elbows, knees and lower back.
If you are suffering from itchy, flaky, dry and red patches of skin you may have a condition known as psoriasis.
When you have psoriasis, your immune system attacks healthy skin cells by mistake, causing them to grow too quickly and form thick patches called plaques (psoriasis vulgaris) or scaly spots (psoriatic arthritis). This can result in skin lesions which may be itchy and painful for some people.
Psoriasis is not contagious; however, it's sensible to take care of coming into close contact with others, by sharing clothing or towels stained with psoriatic scales or flakes.
The good news? There are several ways you can treat this disease naturally without using prescription medications or steroid creams.
The Research
Raw organic honey contains hydrogen peroxide which influences certain enzymes that inhibit bacterial growth and infection. In fact, raw honey has been used in bandages for wound care for over thousands of years.
Raw organic honey has been shown to be effective in reducing redness, scaling, itching and severity of symptoms in people with mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis.
A 2014 study published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment found that topical application of raw honey was more effective than steroids (hydrocortisone cream) at improving psoriasis symptoms after four weeks.
Another study published by The Cochrane Library showed similar results – that topical application of raw honey tincture (an alcoholic extract) reduced symptoms associated with psoriasis when compared other medications available over-the-counter or by prescription.
How To Treat Psoriasis
While treatment options vary depending on the severity of each case, one thing remains consistent: there's no single cure for psoriasis. However, there are many treatments to help ease symptoms and reduce flare-ups.
The most common type of treatment for psoriasis is the use of prescription medications such as oral or topical corticosteroids or immunosuppressants like methotrexate which are usually used along with other treatments like vitamin D analogues such as calcipotriene (Dovonex) or phototherapy (light therapy). This can cause discomfort with itching, burning and pain. Due to psoriasis being more than a cosmetic issue, more and more patients are looking for natural treatments they can use in addition to prescription medication.
Chronic autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis, eczema and asthma are sometimes the result of unresolved childhood trauma lingering in the body.
Trauma therapy such as EMDR treatment to heal childhood trauma has been shown to provide permanent relief to chronic autoimmune diseases. The therapy reduces the load on the nervous system, which in turn addresses the root cause of the disease.
One natural treatment that has shown promising results is raw organic honey. Raw honey contains hydrogen peroxide, which influences certain enzymes that inhibit bacterial growth and infection. It also helps to reduce scale formation as well as inflammation and redness.
Drinking raw organic honey water three times a day before mealtimes helps nourish the body with nutrients which it uses to relieve psoriasis symptoms.
Warm a glass of water, add a teaspoon of raw organic honey and drink it 30 minutes before breakfast, lunch and dinner. Always in water, always on an empty stomach before meals.
Raw organic honey can be applied to the affected area directly from the source by using a clean cotton cloth or gauze pad soaked in a mixture of one part apple cider vinegar to three parts water.
Topical application of raw organic honey has been found to reduce scale formation, inflammation and redness.
Raw organic honey is a natural remedy that contains a high sugar content, which makes it ideal for psoriasis relief. Honey’s anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties help to reduce itching and scaling while promoting healing of the skin.
In addition to its use on the skin, raw organic honey can also be ingested internally to improve systemic health. Honey contains anti-fungal properties that inhibit Candida overgrowth in your gut (a major contributor to gut inflammation), as well as antiviral properties that support healthy immune function by boosting white blood cell production and reducing viral replication in your body.
Along with raw organic honey, taking one teaspoon of cod liver oil and sprinkling flaxseed on food can help immensely due to their high Omega-3 and vitamin D content.
It is also important to minimise your intake of refined sugars and processed foods, as these have a negative impact on your skin.
Only use real honey, not fake honey:
Remember that the honey you use must be real honey. Commercially processed cheap honey such as that found in supermarkets has lost most of its properties. It is no better than sugar in water.
Only use raw organic honey. Raw means the honey is unpasteurised and has not been heat treated. Organic means the honey is independently certified to be free of chemicals and antibiotics harmful to humans.
For the best and fastest results, we recommend using 20+ ACTIVE Raw Organic Coffee Bean Honey From Mexico due to its high antibiotic activity which is essential when dealing with such a serious chronic condition.
This treatment must be done consistently to maintain good results. Depending on the severity of your condition it can take saveral months to be completely free from psoriasis symptoms.
