Chinese herbs are a popular alternative treatment for psoriasis.
In Western medicine, psoriasis is largelytreated with medicationsthat temper the overactive immune response.
With TCM, the principles for treatment differ.
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As such, psoriasis is regarded as a disease of heat.
In TCM, there are 38 types of psoriasis classified under four broad categories.
Each of the categories describes abnormalities in the blood which practitioners contend is the root cause of the disease.
These four types are progressive with one key in leading to the other in different patterns.
However, the pattern of progression (or regression) can vary.
Depending on the pattern,bai bincan take any one of the 38 different forms.
The choice (and aim) of treatment is based on the punch in ofbai binthe practitioner diagnoses.
The available research, mostly involving animals or test tubes, does suggest that certain TCM remedies show promise.
Wen Qing Yin
Wen Qing Yinis a combination herbal remedy first recorded during the Ming dynasty.
Bai Xian Pi
Bai xian piis the bark of the Chinese dittany plant (Dictamnus dasycarpus).
Bai xian pinis regarded as one of the most effective heat-clearing herbs.
Other lab studies have shown that it may also block histamine release in the same way asXiao Feng San.
It is used in TCM to treat a wide range of digestive disorders, includingintestinal abscessesandstomach ulcers.
It can also help with certain skin conditions.
As a single herb, it is used to alleviate blood heat and stasis.
Zi Cao
Zi caois the root of the Chinese stoneseed plant (Radix Arnebiae).
Lab and animal studies suggest thatzi caohas potent anti-inflammatory effects that can help ease psoriasis symptoms.
It contains a substance calledshikoninthat appears to block the production of inflammatory chemicals calledcytokinesthat contribute to psoriasis flares.
It may also prevent a punch in of cytokine, called interleukin, from binding to skin cells.
Side Effects and Risks
Chinese herbs used in TCM may cause side effects.
Some of the contaminated remedies have even been known to cause severe liver damage.
Summary
Chinese herbs are frequently used to treat psoriasis in traditional Chinese medicine.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Psoriasis: causes.
2017;28(1):21-31.
