It is believed that the herb sarsaparilla helps people with psoriasis by binding toxins in the intesting and halting the production of polyamines. Sarsaparilla was used for hundreds of years as a treatment for all sorts of skin problems.

An article in the New England Journal of Medicine, which stated that sarsaparilla was “dramatically” effective in curing psoriasis, was an instrumental factor in doctors still using this herb even int he 1940’s.  But there has been practically no research on sarsaparilla and psoriasis since then, though herbalists still believe in its benefits.

Other herbs that can halt the production of polyamines are psyllium, berberine and bitter melon, which is a Chinese plant that is related to a cucumber.

It seems that psoriasis responds to treatment with herbs that improve a sufferers immune system and liver function.  Burdock root and bupleurum have been recommended for not only psoriasis, but also eczema.

A popular herb for liver function known as milk thistle can help psoriasis.  Another herb used for both liver and skin problems is gotu kola.  There are French studies that show compounds of gotu kola have been used to heal broken skin quickly.

A suprising treatment for many types of skin conditions is licorice root.  It also improves liver health and is useful in treating stress and allergies.  This is important since stress seems to play a role in many skin disorders.  More than a third of the population with psoriasis claim to have had their initial outbreak right after a stressful event in their lives.  These stresses included exams at school, pressure at work and even visits from family members.

As stated, there are numerous herbs that have proven success in alleviating the symptoms of psoriasis.   Some herbs, such as primrose oil and chamomile are more effective in soothing the skin irritation of psoriasis than cortisone shots.