Essential oils to relieve skin problems
- Aromatherapy for psoriasis
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease characterized by the flaking of thick patches of skin. These patches most commonly appear on the elbows, knees, and scalp, leaving areas of red skin. This disease affects about 2 to 4% of the western population. In addition to hereditary and psychological causes, psoriasis is caused by a too rapid rate of multiplication of the cells of the epidermis, at the rate of a renewal every 3 to 6 days, rather than every 28 or 30 days, causing an accumulation layers of skin.
How can essential oils relieve psoriasis?
A 2012 study 1 investigated the benefits of tea tree essential oil ( melaleuca alternifolia ) on psoriasis. The anti-inflammatory properties of terpinen-4, its main compound, are believed to reduce the symptoms of psoriasis.
Lavender essential oil ( Lavender officinalis ) would also relieve psoriasis thanks to its antiseptic properties 2 .
Other essential oils are indicated in the treatment of psoriasis, such as the essential oil of cajeput ( melaleuca leucadendron ) with its antiseptic properties, associated with the essential oil of lavender ( Lavender officinalis ) and geranium ( pelargonium graveolens ) diluted with equal parts in vegetable oil, for external use 3 .
However, be aware that this is a chronic disease that at best presents periods of remission. Stress management, the use of non-irritating cleaning products, regular exposure to the sun are among other habits to be adopted to minimize the risk of new outbreaks.
Sources
s Pazyar N, Yaghoobi R, Tea tree oil as a novel antipsoriasis weapon, Skin Pharmacol Physiol, 2012 N. Purchon, Essential oils - instructions for use, “Lavande”, Marabout, 2001 N. Grosjean, Le grand livre de l ' Aromatherapy, “Cajeput”, Eyrolles, 2013
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