Treating Psoriasis with Essential Oils

By Gaye Levy

One day, a few years ago, I happened to notice that my husband Shelly was wearing a long sleeved shirt on a hot summer day.  When I questioned him, he gave be a funny look then rolled up his sleeve to show me a large, unsightly, and extremely crusty patch of something on his elbow.  Not knowing what it was, I suggested some heavy duty moisturizer and left it at that.

When this dry, itchy patch on his elbow did not go away, it was time for a trip to the doctor who diagnosed psoriasis and prescribes a prescription steroid cream. Mind you, this was before I became a total convert to natural remedies and the use of essential oils for health and wellness.

The bottom line is this:  at the time, little did I know that we would be able to succeed at treating psoriasis with essential oils.  But, in truth, that is exactly what happened.

Conquering the Woes of Psoriasis With Essential Oils

I will let Shelly aka the Survival Husband tell you the story in his words:

A number of years ago I was diagnosed  with a case of plaque psoriasis on my right elbow.

There are multiple types of psoriasis with the most common being plaque psoriasis. Psoriasis is a disease of the immune system.  What happens is that the immune system over produces inflammatory cells. These skin cells build up, rise to the surface, and form raised red patches often with silvery scales know as plaque.

There is no cure and the recommended treatment is a prescription drug ENBREL.  This drug has major side effects so I chose not proceed with this remedy.  After discussing this with my doctor I was prescribed a steroid prescription ointment which didn’t do much to control the psoriasis.

What I didn’t realize is that any stress can exasperate the condition.

Enter Gaye my wife aka “Survival Woman”.  In late November of 2013, she  started applying oregano essential oil and her Miracle Salve to my elbow and I started to get immediate results. I began applying it twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening.  This seemed the control it somewhat.

Since then, Gaye has put the oregano essential oil in a small container with a rollerball and the Miracle Salve in a small container so I can apply this remedy during the day a couple of times in addition to my morning and night ritual. By doing so, I have greater control and don’t have the unsightly visual usually identified with psoriasis.

Needless to say, I have become a advocate in the healing properties of essential oils.

There are many uses for essential oils; do your research and find out for yourself.

I should note that Shelly wrote this over a year ago but, for one reason or another, I did not share it here on the website.  Then, in January of this year, more than one reader sent an email asking if I had an EO solution for psoriasis.  Boy did I!

Using the Psoriasis Buster on 05-25-2015

Over time, I have refined the formula that Shelly uses to control his psoriasis.  It has worked well for him and except for one brief period of a few days last fall, the psoriasis on his elbow is in total remission and has not shown up elsewhere on his body.

The Essential Oils Psoriasis Buster

Here is the two part protocol for using essential oils to conquer psoriasis.

Psoriasis Roller Ball Formula

• 36 drops Oregano essential oil 
• 5 drops Patchouli essential oil 
• Fractionated Coconut Oil (like this)

Add your oils to a 10ML roller ball bottle.  Top with fractionated coconut oil.  Apply on affected areas once or twice a day.

Psoriasis Salve

• 3 teaspoons DIY Miracle Healing Salve 
• 32 drops Bergamot essential oil

Mix together in a small jar.  After applying the roller ball formula, layer some psoriasis salve over the affected areas to seal it in.

This is a two-part formula.  You start with the roller ball then layer the salve on top.  This will add moisture plus it seals in the more liquid roller ball formula.

You can download a printable version here.  In addition, a recipe to make the DIY Miracle Healing Salve is here.

Note:  When I started out using essential oils, I was very exact in my measurements but these days? Not so much. Keep in mind that often times more is not better and everyone’s body may react differently to a particular formula.

How and Why Does this Work?

Two of the oils, oregano and patchouli, are powerful anti-fungals.  I don’t know the science behind it, but my guess is that the anti-fungal properties play a role in the success in busting through plaque psoriasis.  As far as the bergamot, I knew that it was a terrific stress reliever and felt that the added boost would be beneficial.  I proved to be right, in Shelly’s case, at least.

Here is a brief description of each oil and its health benefits, excerpted from the Organic Facts website (a good one to bookmark if you are interested in natural remedies).

Oregano:  Some of the most impressive and important health benefits of oregano include its ability to protect the immune system, prevent the onset of chronic disease, improve digestion, detoxify the body, strengthen the bones, improve heart health, increase energy levels, and even protect against diabetes.

Patchouli:  The health benefits of Patchouli Essential Oil can be attributed to its properties as an antidepressant, antiphlogistic, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, astringent, cicatrisant, cytophylactic, deodorant, diuretic, febrifuge, fungicide, insecticide, sedative and tonic substance.

Bergamot:  The health benefits of Bergamot Essential Oil can be attributed to its properties as a deodorant, vulnerary, vermifuge, antibiotic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, sedative, analgesic, antidepressant, disinfectant, febrifuge, cicatrisant, and digestive substance.

More information about Oregano essential oil can be found in the article 25 Ways .to Use Oregano Essential Oil for Health and Wellness.

Here are instructions for DIY Miracle Healing Salve. (Don’t worry, it’s easy.)

A Word About Essential Oils and Roller Ball Bottles

When selecting the oils to use in these Psoriasis formulas, be mindful that you want to use 100% pure, undiluted, essential oils.  I get mine from Spark Naturals because I feel that they are the best quality I can buy at a reasonable price.  If you are interesting in giving them a try, you will enjoy an extra 10% by using coupon code BACKDOORSURVIVAL at checkout.

Resource:  Oregano Essential Oil, Patchouli Essential Oil, and Bergamot Essential Oil

I get my roller ball bottles from both Spark Naturals (my essential oil vendor of choice) and Amazon. You can probably find them at craft stores but since there are none close to where I live, I must purchase them online.

Resource:   Cobalt Blue Glass Roller Bottles – Pack of 6

You will find it useful to know that 10ML is approx. 1/3 oz or 2 tsp. In a pinch, you could probably use one of those small travel bottles that are ubiquitous. Instead of rolling it on, you could dab it with your finger.

The Final Word

As with all things related to essential oils and natural remedies, what works for one person may work differently for another.  That said, I have provided samples of these formulas to friends and it has worked for all of them.

If you or someone you know suffers from the woes of psoriasis, I hope you will give this a try.  Feel free to experiment by using one formula or the other, or do as Shelly does and use both.  And definitely – report back with the results.

Enjoy your next adventure through common sense and thoughtful preparation!