Psoriasis is an auto immune disease that causes itchy, dry, flaky, red and inflamed patches on the skin. This condition often can be seen on your arms, neck, scalp and knees. More than 2.6 % of population is being suffered with this condition every year in USA.
The sad truth is, psoriasis cannot be cured completely, but it can be controlled and treated by using number of natural remedies. One of such natural ingredient which is effective in treating psoriasis is coconut oil.
This article will help you to know everything about coconut oil and how we can use coconut oil for complete cure of psoriasis.
How Does Coconut Oil Helps In Treating Psoriasis?
Coconut oil is loaded with numerous vitamins and proteins which help in treating psoriasis. Here are some proofs with scientific explanations.
1. Penetrates Deeply When Compared With Other Oils:
Extra virgin coconut oil contains fatty acids that are similar to human cells. So, it has the capability to penetrate deeply in to skin and increases the moisture and smoothens and loosens skin flakes. It even prevents the skin from getting excessively dry.
2. Anti Inflammatory Properties:
The anti inflammatory properties in coconut oil decreases the inflammation caused by psoriasis when applied topically. It also helps to maintain skin healthier, younger and nourished.
3. Combat Free Radicals:
The anti oxidant properties present in coconut oil helps in removing free radicals from the skin and even repair the cells of DNA.
4. Prevents Skin Infections:
Coconut oil is rich in antimicrobial and antiseptic properties that reduce viral and fungal infections that can aggravate condition of psoriasis.
5. Protects Your Skin:
The fatty acids present in coconut oil have the capability to restore fatty acid levels in the skin cells. It helps to maintain balance between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids and prevents the skin damage from sun rays and aging.
How To Use Coconut Oil For Psoriasis?
They are many ways to use coconut oil especially for treating psoriasis. Some of them include:
#1 Coconut Oil:
Consumption of coconut oil on regular basis will balance saturated and unsaturated fatty acids in the body and strengthens immune system.
Topical application of coconut oil regularly will smoothens the affected skin and loosen the flakes.
What You Need To Do:
- Consume 2-3 table spoons of coconut oil regularly by including it in smoothies, juices and special dishes.
- Alternatively, apply little amount of coconut oil on the affected skin and allow it to dry completely.
#2 Coconut Oil With Apple Cider Vinegar:
Apple cider vinegar acts as disinfectant agent and can easily reduce the swelling and dryness on skin when combined with coconut oil.
What You Need To Do:
- Mix 2 parts of coconut oil with one part of apple cider vinegar and apply this mixture on the affected area of your skin.
- Leave the mask for 30 minutes and rinse with water, and then pat dry.
- Repeat the process for at least 2 times in a day. You can also add honey for extra benefits.
#3 Coconut Oil With Turmeric:
Turmeric contains anti microbial and anti inflammatory properties that restricts your immune system which results in psoriasis flare-ups.
What You Need To Do:
- Mix one table spoon of coconut oil with ½ table spoon of turmeric and spread this mixture on the affected area.
- Leave the application for 20 minutes and wash with clean water.
- Repeat the application regularly to get rid of psoriasis completely.
#4 Coconut Oil With Neem:
Neem often called as Indian lilac can treat any kind of skin disease including psoriasis. The anti bacterial, anti fungal and anti septic properties in neem easily help to prevent psoriasis.
What You Need To Do:
- Burn some neem bark seeds until they turn in to ashes.
- Mix this ash with little amount of coconut oil until it forms like a paste.
- Spread this paste on the psoriasis affected areas and leave it for few minutes before rinsing it off with water.
- Do it regularly to see effective results.
#5 Coconut Oil With Aloe Vera:
Aloe vera moisturizes the skin and reduces inflammation and swelling caused by psoriasis. It even strengthens immune system and nourishes the skin cells.
What You Need To DO:
- Combine one tea spoon of coconut oil with one table spoon of freshly extracted aloe vera juice.
- Mix well and apply it on the psoriasis affected skin. Gently massage the affected areas in circular motion for few minutes and leave it overnight.
- Rinse it off with clean water in the morning and repeat the process regularly.
- You can even add lavender and peppermint oil to mixture for extra benefits.
Tips And Precaution:
- Don’t forget to do patch test before applying it on the affected skin.
- Don’t use coconut oil if you’re allergic to it.
- Avoid scratching on the affected areas, because it can worsen the condition.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
- Exercise regularly to strengthen the immune system and eat healthy.
