How to Treat Psoriasis with Tamanu Oil

Psoriasis is a skin disease affecting around 8-9 million people in the United States, according to the National Institutes of Health. It is a non-contagious, chronic skin disease characterized by red patches on skin due to excessive skin cell growth and a silvery covering of dead skin on top of it.

It is an autoimmune response of the skin to a particular stimulus. Elbows, knees and scalp are mostly affected by psoriasis, though it can appear in any part of the body. The most common form of this condition is the Plaque psoriasis.

This disease can be triggered in any individual regardless of age. Even infants can develop this skin disease. Tamanu oil is known to be useful for its treatment. Before getting into the details of how tamanu oil can be used for the treatment of psoriasis, let us see what are the causes behind it.

The actual cause of psoriasis is not established. Contraction of this disease may be due to genetic pre-disposition of a person and the individual's immune system. External stimulus may trigger this reaction in the skin. Some known external triggers are medications like lithium, quinidine, etc., infections like streptococcal infections, injury and stress.

Psoriasis can be treated using over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs or phototherapy. Many people prefer natural treatment for psoriasis, as it is a skin infection and people find natural therapy more appealing than drug therapy to treat this condition. There are several natural remedies and tamanu oil is one of them.

This oil is scientifically referred to as Calophyllum inophyllum. It is a tropical, evergreen tree found indigenously in Southeast Asia. The oil is obtained from the kernels of the tree which are collected once they fall off naturally from the tree. These kernels are dried for around two months.

On drying, oil is released from the kernels. The dried kernels are subjected to cold pressing and filtration, and the oil obtained is marketed on the shop floor.

There are several uses including usage as a local medicine traditionally, as it has antimicrobial and antiviral property. It promotes new tissue formation and helps in healing the skin. It is regarded as one of the best oils for skin rejuvenation. All these properties of tamanu oil help in fighting psoriasis. Antibacterial property of the oil controls the bacteria causing infection, and maintains skin moisture thus preventing development of serious infection.

Before using the oil for psoriasis treatment, a skin sensitivity test must be conducted. This test helps in identifying any unwanted and allergic reaction due to the oil on the individual's skin. An allergic reaction would render the oil unsuitable for that person.

Tamanu oil is applied on the affected skin area using a soft cotton cloth. The oil is dabbed on the affected area twice daily for good results.

Sometimes, use of this oil may result in excessive dryness in the area. It is better to stop the use of oil for time being and apply cocoa butter to recover from dryness. Once dryness subsides, the oil can be applied again.

Psoriasis is a condition that keeps on aggravating, if proper treatment is not started immediately. It is not easy to recover from this disease. It is advisable to get in touch with a doctor when one observes psoriasis on the skin. He is the right person to guide you on various treatment options.

Seek the permission of the doctor prior to using tamanu oil for treatment. Mild cases can be treated using the oil, but moderate to severe cases may require drug therapy.

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, psoriasis covering 3-10% of the body is considered as moderate and anything above 10% is severe. Now that it is understood that tamanu oil is beneficial for treating psoriasis, take your doctor's permission and let it heal your problem.