Psoriasis Care - Aromatherapy

Psoriasis like many skin conditions can be affected by stress. Aromatherapy is an ideal drug-free, non-invasive way to tackle stress-related problems and can be very effective. The other way in which aromatherapy can help is in hydrating and moisturising the skin to reduce itchiness and restore suppleness, helping to prevent skin breaks.

If your psoriasis is in anyway stress-related I recommend the following essential oil blends to help calm and relax:-

• Bergamot, Cedarwood and Green Mandarin either in a diffuser/oil burner or on a ribbon on a domestic fan (for males)
• Geranium, Ylang Ylang and Lime as above (for females)

For Anti-itch hydration for the skin, combine the following and apply to the affected area:-

• Almond Oil 2 tablespoonfuls (ultra moisturising the pure and natural way)
• Tea Tree 6 drops (infection control and to soothe itching)
• Frankincense 2 drops (protects and restores skin)
• Chamomile 2 drops “natures steroid” (dampens down the itch response)

A super boost for when your condition is at its worst (particularly good for hands and nails that are affected):-

• Apply the above mix to your skin so that it lies on the skin wet. Place a small piece of cling film over the top of the affected area (or for hands, place in sandwich bags). Cover with towels for 30 minutes or until heat builds (on hands you can rest them on a microwave wheat bag for extra heat).
• Remove the cling film and massage in the remaining oil and tissue off any excess if necessary.
• Repeat weekly.

For the Scalp:-

• Aloe Vera and Lavender Gel with 6 drops of Tea Tree added.  Apply liberally to the scalp (with dry hair) and leave for 20 mins. Shampoo off using a Tea Tree shampoo.  Apply a small amount of the anti-itch hydration above to finger tips and massage into scalp.  If your hair is thick you should be able to leave it in. if not the residue can be shampooed out again with Tea Tree Shampoo.

Potions & Possibilities produce the finest therapeutic health and wellbeing products using premium essential oils and 100% gentle ingredients including organic plants, oils and herbal infusions. Our formulations are designed and naturally created to avoid SLS, synthetic parabens and other undesirable chemicals and we do not test on animals. The products, which range from soaps, bath oils and essential oils, to restorative balms and creams including an organic skincare range, are all developed and produced in England by trained and qualified aromatherapist, Julie Foster. We also offer training in beauty and complementary therapies.

Advice courtesy of aromatherapist, Julie Foster, of Potions & Possibilities