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Q. I read about using turmeric for psoriasis in your column. I was having an outbreak at the time and decided to try it. I am absolutely amazed at the results.
My psoriasis comes and goes, but when it hits it drives me crazy with itching. I scratch until my skin bleeds.
I bought 300 mg turmeric capsules and started taking four spaced throughout the day. After the first day the redness, heat, and itching started to abate. It has been five days since I started taking it and the symptoms are gone! Over the last 30 years I have used a couple of prescribed medications, but they didn't work nearly as well as the turmeric.
A. Turmeric is the yellow spice in curry and yellow mustard. It has anti-inflammatory properties and has long been used in both Chinese and Indian traditional medicine (Archives of Physiology and Biochemistry, April, 2008). Many other people with psoriasis have reported similar success, though we don't know how long the benefits will last.
We suggest you inform your physician about this treatment. New research suggests that regular use of curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, could have a significant impact on other medications (Annals of Pharmacotherapy, June, 2010). Some of the drugs that could be affected include acetaminophen, Ambien (zolpidem), melatonin and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn). We have also heard from people who found turmeric interacted with warfarin (Coumadin) to make bleeding more likely.
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What kind of psoriasis do you have?
Also they should be careful with the liver. Turmeric can be used on food (must have oil to be able to mix) meats, vegetables, rice, fish etc.
Have eczema. Would turmeric be effective treatment for that? And what strength? Ken
Would the turmeric react with Ambien - making the Ambien stronger and keeping a person sleepy/tired all day? That is my problem and I take turmeric and Ambien both.
Turmeric clearly reduces inflammation. I wonder if it could be effective on the inflammation that causes atherosclerosis? I have had psoriasis most of my life until recently, always on my left side. Turmeric cured it. Recently I had plaque removed from my left carotid and a stent installed in my left kidney artery, due to stenosis. Is there a connection between the left side psoriasis and the left side atherosclerosis?
Turmeric's( curcumin) effect on psoriasis helps for as long as you use it, and maybe a little afterwards. My 6 year daughter had severe palmoplantar pustulosis on her feet for 2 years which was not responding to any treatment. A topical application of curcumin powder mixed with Vaseline worked incredibly, but did stain. It has never recurred. She now takes oral curcumin, 3 to 4gm daily. She is not on, nor likely to be on the drugs mentioned above.
In fact, she previously used naprosyn for an autoimmune arthritis type illness associated with psoriasis, but hasn't needed any since being on curcumin. This work was done by Prof Madelene Heng, Dermatology Professor at LA Veterans Hospital. She is the inventor of a topical skin gel called Psoriagold which you can order form www.psoriagold.com. Her product works well and doesn't stain. It inhibits a key enzyme phosphorylase kinase, involved in psoriasis. You could substitute this topical gel for the oral treatment.
AS WELL: research and some trials have already been done on the effects of oral curcumin 4gm a day preventing a precursor of bone cancer MGUS turning into Multiple Myeloma (MM.) A trial was done in Australia and found to help (Diamond and Golombick et al). There is a American MGUS/MM sufferer living in Italy who takes 8 gm a day and that has stopped her from having to have chemotherapy, even when her MGUS reverted to MM.
There is so much research on curcumin's use in inflammatory, autoimmune disorders and cancer. A lot of work was done by Prof B Aggarwhal who works at the Anderson Cancer Centre. A lot is available on the internet or at www.pubmed.com
It is amazing that a natural substance like curcumin may be the answer to several illnesses.
AND by the way, yesterday, I read of a study where cinnamon was used in diabetics to help control blood glucose.1 gm a day was found to decrease HbA1C over a period of time. These natural remedies, previously used effectively by many in the community, and scorned by doctors, have now been tested by medical researchers and found to be effective.
You could say those in the "natural remedies" community have been vindicated. This is all the more important in this new age where medication will be expensive and will be rationed with the new healthcare bill. I am a retired GP and I am fed up with modern doctors who have closed minds and prescribe sometimes dangerous medications onto their patients.
Does Turmeric work for seborrhea keratosis?
Joe and Terry, could you please explain the interaction you mentioned when using turmeric along with Ambian and melatonin. I have been taking turmeric for over a year, two 720 mg capsules per day. Initially for joint pain, knees and thumbs, I am now able to walk and run for up to 6 miles with no problem.
I'm a 55 year old female, in great shape. I've used melatonin for several years now, but still couldn't sleep through the night. I recently tried Ambian and have discovered that I can take 1/4 of a 10 mg. Ambian along with one 3 mg. melatonin. It works great, I sleep really well now, and can wake up when I need to. (I only take the Ambian 4 or 5 nights per week) Before I started the turmeric I had to take aspirin every day because I tend to form blood clots in my legs, (superficial thrombosis) once I started the turmeric I stopped the aspirin and have not had any more blood clots.
PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: THE INTERACTION IS DUE TO AN EFFECT ON INTESTINAL ENZYMES. IF YOU ARE DOING WELL WITH THIS COMBINATION, YOU PROBABLY DON'T NEED TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT IT.
I have a friend that treats her psoriasis by taking heavy doses of vitamin D. She takes 10,000iu/day plus an additional 50,000iu once a month. She says that her formerly severe psoriasis is now in total remission.
PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: WE HOPE THAT SHE IS UNDER MEDICAL CARE. THIS MUCH VITAMIN D COULD BE TOXIC.
For several month I tried taking the turmeric for psoriasis, but in my case it didn't work for me.
I like the idea of using bromelain and turmeric (as used by another reader). I am to the point where the docs are beginning to suggest methotrexate. I will try the natural alternative first.
I really appreciate the input read on the site. Thanks!
I have severe psoriasis symptoms, although two biopsies indicate that it's not psoriasis. Am being treated for it, however. Have had it for 8 months now, and after 6 dermatologists, at least 10 different medications/ointments and light therapy 3x per week, it's become progressively worse... covers maybe 90% of my body, and is painful. My skin itches and burns at the same time.
I just started taking Soriatane 25mg capsules once a day with dinner. Although I'm concerned about side effects, and the fact that it's supposed to become worse before it gets better, I decided I had to do something. Now I'm reading about turmeric, and wonder if I could take that along with the Soriatane?
Hi,
Your recent response indicated that curcumin and melatonin interaction is due to an effect on intestinal enzymes. I have two questions:
1 If you wanted to take orally both; would you recommend taking curcumin from morning to evening, waiting 4 hours, and taking melatonin before going to sleep? Would that avoid the "effect on intestinal enzymes"?
2) If you wanted to take topically (on the skin) both; would you recommend the same separation in time of when you put the different creams on the skin?
Sincerely,
M.S.