Introduction:
Is turmeric actually good for psoriasis? – One of the most frequently given pieces of advice to psoriasis patients seems to be:
“Start taking turmeric.”
“Drink turmeric milk daily.”
“Put a turmeric paste on your psoriasis patches.”
“Turmeric will cure psoriasis naturally.”
By the time patients come to see me, a lot of them have already tried turmeric in one form or another. Some people have taken turmeric milk every day for some time. Others have put extra turmeric into their meals or even homemade turmeric paste onto their skin. And then they ask me: “Doctor, is turmeric really useful for psoriasis?”
Having treated thousands of patients with chronic skin diseases in almost 39 years in medical practice, I have noticed two extremes, where some patients think that turmeric cures psoriasis completely, while others have rejected this possibility, confirming that turmeric does not work.
From my experience, the truth is somewhere in the middle. Turmeric is very well researched for its anti-inflammatory properties but it is very important to understand what it can do, what it cannot do and why it should be considered neither a good nor bad idea to replace normal psoriasis treatment with it.
What makes turmeric a favourite for psoriasis?
For centuries, turmeric has been utilized in traditional diets and healing practices. Due to its active component curcumin, turmeric has gained the scientific community’s interest owing to its potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.
So, considering that psoriasis is an inflammatory condition mediated by the immune system, it is logical that people wonder if turmeric might be beneficial. The reasoning is straightforward: “If psoriasis is caused by inflammation and turmeric has anti-inflammatory effects, then turmeric should treat psoriasis.”
That said, treating psoriasis is not so easy. Psoriasis is complex, and it involves complex interactions of the immune system. In other words, reducing inflammation is one part of the equation; proving the efficacy of a specific ingredient in treating a chronic skin condition is a totally different issue. That is why we need to take a more in-depth approach to understand how turmeric has earned its popularity.
Recognising the fact that psoriasis is more than a skin issue
When talking about turmeric, there is something I always make clear to my patients: “Psoriasis does not equal dry or irritated skin.” It is a chronic and immune-related inflammatory disorder. The immune system is responsible for the excessive turnover of skin cells as well as continuous inflammation.
The red, dry and scaly spots that we observe on the skin are the result of a purely physiological response of the body. That is why I would never say things like the following to a patient: “Use just this herb or food, and your psoriasis will be solved.”
What is the research evidence on turmeric and psoriasis?
Turmeric contains an active ingredient called curcumin that has been the subject of several studies regarding its influence on inflammation. Some studies have provided optimistic results about curcumin and inflammation, which is why the researchers currently want to see if curcumin could possibly work for other conditions such as psoriasis. But this is where patients need to be careful about the information that is accessible to them. The fact that there are good results from investigations does not necessarily mean that curcumin can be used as a treatment.
Currently, the evidence available is not enough to treat psoriasis with curcumin or turmeric, because that would mean making these substances a primary course of treatment.
Some studies indicate possible advantages of these compounds, but more studies need to be conducted to understand:
- If turmeric is worth taking for psoriasis
- Which curcumin form could be beneficial
- What dose of curcumin should be used
- Who should take curcumin
- How to combine its use with medications.
Thus, those who claim that turmeric cures psoriasis are misinformed.
Turmeric in daily food
For many individuals, turmeric can definitely fit into a healthy, balanced diet. There is no reason to consider it as a medicine every time you have it. Turmeric can be naturally added to different types of food:
- Regular home-cooked meals
- Vegetables
- Dal and lentils
- Soup
- Curious
- Turmeric milk, or tea, if you prefer that
Keeping your expectations grounded is the most essential factor here. Turmeric can certainly contribute to a healthy lifestyle, but it should not be perceived as a magical remedy that can cure you of psoriasis.
Is it safe to use turmeric paste on psoriasis?
Social media is filled with videos recommending homemade turmeric pastes for nearly every skin ailment. This may sound harmless, but exercising caution is advisable. While it’s true that turmeric can do several things, it also has the potential to do the following:
- stain skin
- stain any clothing or bedding
- cause irritation
The problem with homemade remedies is that they can prove to be anything but standardised. You might not know how your skin will react when you’re dealing with a psoriasis patch that’s already sore or inflamed. Nonetheless, natural ingredients are not always safe for all skin conditions.
The biggest blunder I observe is counting solely on home treatments Throughout my career, I have encountered patients who wasted several months in pursuit of home remedies. They would switch from one remedy to the next, trying different spices, herbs, or oils, each time believing that it could work.
The main issue here is not that home remedies don’t work from time to time, but rather that people avoid seeking medical assistance and delay their diagnosis. Nowadays, people wait for too long before contacting professionals, making them struggle with recurrent problems and failing to understand what is going on with their bodies. Therefore, I like to tell my patients: Using alternative therapies could be a great idea, as long as we don’t forget about the need to be diagnosed properly.
Psoriasis management is not just a matter of one link
One thing that I believe each psoriasis sufferer should understand is: Psoriasis management is not about a key ingredient. Neither a herb, nor food, nor vitamin, nor diet will explain the reasons why psoriasis gets better for one person and worse for another person. Some of the reasons are numerous influences of the following factors:
- Immune system functioning
- Stress
- Sleep
- Habits
- Eating
- Family candidates
- Seasons
- Personal reasons
This is why the experiences of different people suffering from psoriasis can differ considerably. While one person may notice a flare-up during the period of time when he/she is stressed out, another person may find that lack of sleep influences their state. And one more person may notice the difference after getting sick or making a drastic change in his/her life. This is why instead of asking: “What should I take?” It is better to ask: “What factors influence my condition?”
The importance of a customised approach
Each patient has a unique case. During meetings, I do not only consider how the patch looks. Instead, I focus on trying to understand the person. Factors I take into account can include:
- The onset of psoriasis
- How frequent flare-ups are
- Stress levels
- Sleep habits
- Lifestyle choices
- Any previous treatments received
- Triggers for a specific patient
- The development of the condition
For one person stress can be the main cause of the problem. For another, sleep troubles can be affecting overall health. For the third person, other factors may be responsible for his/her condition such as infections, changing seasons, etc. Remember that knowing your own pattern is often more useful than searching for the next miracle cure.
Conclusion
So, is turmeric good for psoriasis? Looking at the research on turmeric and its active compound, curcumin, turmeric certainly has its potential role in an anti-inflammatory diet for many individuals. But there is not enough evidence out there yet to support the idea of turmeric being a suitable standalone cure for psoriasis.
The issue here is expecting one single natural remedy to fix a complicated long-term problem. Psoriasis is a disease that depends on a multitude of factors such as the immune system, level of stress, hours of sleep, lifestyle, personal triggers, and other elements of health.
So, the correct approach to treating psoriasis is to treat a person as a whole rather than focusing on one particular food, spice, or natural remedy. As I like telling my patients: “You can eat healthy foods, but don’t expect your psoriasis to be treated with just one ingredient.” Turmeric could definitely be a part of your diet, but proper diagnosis, awareness of triggers, medical treatment, and tailored approaches to treatment are much more valuable.
Thus, when it comes to treating psoriasis, it is better to seek a balanced multi-faceted approach rather than rely on miracles.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Is turmeric scientifically proven to cure psoriasis?
No. Current research suggests that turmeric’s active compound, curcumin, has anti-inflammatory properties that may support overall health. However, there is currently no strong scientific evidence to prove that turmeric alone can cure psoriasis. Psoriasis is a complex immune-mediated condition that requires a comprehensive and individualised treatment approach.
2. Can eating turmeric help reduce psoriasis flare-ups?
Turmeric may be included as part of a healthy, balanced diet, and some people choose to consume it regularly because of its anti-inflammatory properties. However, turmeric should be considered a supportive dietary ingredient rather than a standalone treatment for psoriasis. Individual responses may vary.
3. Is it safe to apply turmeric directly to psoriasis patches?
Applying homemade turmeric paste directly to psoriasis plaques is generally not recommended without professional guidance. It may stain the skin and clothing, and in some individuals, it can cause skin irritation. Before trying any topical home remedy, it is advisable to consult a qualified healthcare professional.
4. Should turmeric replace my prescribed psoriasis treatment?
No. Turmeric should never replace a treatment plan recommended by your healthcare provider. While it may be used as part of a healthy lifestyle, psoriasis management usually requires proper diagnosis, individualised treatment, lifestyle modifications, and regular follow-up.
5. What is the best way to include turmeric if I have psoriasis?
For most people, turmeric can be safely included in normal culinary amounts through daily meals such as vegetables, soups, lentils, or other home-cooked dishes. If you are considering turmeric supplements or high-dose curcumin products, consult your healthcare provider first, especially if you have other medical conditions or take prescription medications.
Written by –
This article is written by Dr. R. S. Sonawane.
M.D. (Homeopathy), DI (Homeopathy), London
Psoriasis Specialist Doctor in India
Dr. R. S. Sonawane is India’s first Homeopathic Psoriasis Specialist, with over 39 years of dedicated experience in treating psoriasis and related chronic skin conditions using a holistic, patient-focused approach. He holds advanced training in homeopathy and has helped tens of thousands of patients achieve long-term relief from psoriasis through personalized, immune-balancing treatment plans designed to address the root cause of the condition rather than just symptoms.
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