Psoriasis: natural remedies and the evidence behind them
10 natural approaches to Psoriasis, graded by evidence — including Aloe Vera Topical, Curcumin and Mediterranean Diet.
10 options4 graded B2 graded C4 traditional or ungraded
B
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Start with what sounds familiar.
Choose what sounds familiar, then choose the kind of support you want to explore. HealisticMD narrows the library without presenting the result as personal medical advice.
RCT-supported oral curcumin as an add-on for plaque psoriasis
Why it may be relevant
For those exploring natural remedies, curcumin from turmeric has both a long traditional history for inflammatory skin concerns and randomized-trial support as an add-on for plaque psoriasis.
In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, adding a well-absorbed oral curcumin to standard topical care led to greater improvement in psoriasis severity than topical care alone. It works through anti-inflammatory pathways and is best used as a complement to, not a replacement for, your usual treatment.
Dose or use Trials used a bioavailable (lecithin-formulated) oral curcumin at about 2 g daily with food. Follow product labeling and consult a healthcare practitioner.
Key study Randomized Controlled Trial (2015, PMID 26090395): a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in mild-to-moderate psoriasis vulgaris found that adding bioavailable oral curcumin (2 g/day) to topical steroids improved psoriasis severity (PASI) more than topical steroids alone over 12 weeks.
EvidenceSupported by smaller clinical studies · Centuries of traditional useTime to resultsTypically 8–12 weeksTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: May interact with blood thinners; avoid high doses in pregnancy or with gallbladder issues.
Targeting internal inflammation makes gut-microbiome support relevant, since the gut-skin immune connection plays a role in psoriasis.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found probiotics as a class may reduce psoriasis severity via the gut-immune (gut-skin) axis. P8 is one immune-modulating strain within that class, not the specific strain trialed for psoriasis.
Dose or use Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner.
Key study Systematic review & meta-analysis (2024, PMID 38551321): probiotic supplementation may reduce psoriasis severity. Evidence is for probiotics as a category; strain-specific human data for P8 in psoriasis is limited.
EvidenceLimited human trials so far · Most of the research is laboratory or animal workTime to resultsTypically 4–8 weeks
Caution: Generally well tolerated; consult a doctor if immunocompromised.
Evidence grade not assigned · No traditional record
Emerging NAD+ research; not yet proven
Why it may be relevant
For those focused on internal inflammation, nicotinamide riboside is being explored for the Th17 immune pathway involved in psoriasis, though the evidence is still early.
Early, mechanistic research suggests boosting NAD+ may influence the Th17 inflammatory pathway relevant to psoriasis. Human efficacy for psoriasis is not established, so treat this as experimental.
Dose or use Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner.
Key study Early, mechanistic research only: NAD+ augmentation may affect Th17 (SLIT2/ROBO1) inflammatory signaling relevant to psoriasis. Not yet confirmed in human clinical trials for psoriasis.
EvidenceNot yet assessed · We have not reviewed the literature for this oneTime to resultsTypically 4–12 weeks
Caution: Research is still emerging; discuss with a healthcare provider before use.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Low vitamin D is linked to psoriasis severity
Why it may be relevant
To calm inflammation from the inside, it's worth checking vitamin D — low levels are strongly linked to psoriasis and how severe it gets.
Vitamin D helps regulate skin-cell growth and immune activity, and deficiency is common in psoriasis. Testing and correcting a confirmed deficiency is a sensible internal step.
Dose or use Ask your provider for a blood test (25-OH vitamin D) and correct any deficiency under their guidance.
Key study Vitamin D deficiency is commonly associated with psoriasis and its severity, and vitamin D pathways influence skin-cell growth. This is an observational association, not proof that supplements treat psoriasis.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsWeeks to months to restore healthy levels.Traditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Don't megadose vitamin D on your own; too much can be harmful. Correct a deficiency with provider guidance.
What's your main focus for your psoriasis right now?
I'd like to explore natural and traditional remedies alongside my routine
Soothing topical gel with RCT support for plaque psoriasis
Why it may be relevant
During a flare, aloe vera gel is a gentle topical you can apply to red, scaly patches — and unlike many soothing gels, it has randomized-trial support in mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis.
In a randomized, double-blind trial in mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis, topical aloe vera cream reduced skin severity at least as much as a topical steroid over 8 weeks. It is a low-risk, soothing option for calming psoriatic patches.
Dose or use Apply pure aloe vera gel to affected skin 1-3 times daily.
Key study Randomized Controlled Trial (2010, PMID 19686327): in 80 patients with mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis, topical aloe vera cream reduced psoriasis severity (PASI) at least as effectively as 0.1% triamcinolone (a topical steroid) over 8 weeks.
EvidenceSupported by smaller clinical studies · Centuries of traditional useTime to resultsSoothing relief is often quick; measurable improvement over about 8 weeks.Traditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Use plain aloe without added fragrance or alcohol, and patch-test first, as some people react to aloe.
RCT-supported oral curcumin as an add-on for plaque psoriasis
Why it may be relevant
For those exploring natural remedies, curcumin from turmeric has both a long traditional history for inflammatory skin concerns and randomized-trial support as an add-on for plaque psoriasis.
In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, adding a well-absorbed oral curcumin to standard topical care led to greater improvement in psoriasis severity than topical care alone. It works through anti-inflammatory pathways and is best used as a complement to, not a replacement for, your usual treatment.
Dose or use Trials used a bioavailable (lecithin-formulated) oral curcumin at about 2 g daily with food. Follow product labeling and consult a healthcare practitioner.
Key study Randomized Controlled Trial (2015, PMID 26090395): a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in mild-to-moderate psoriasis vulgaris found that adding bioavailable oral curcumin (2 g/day) to topical steroids improved psoriasis severity (PASI) more than topical steroids alone over 12 weeks.
EvidenceSupported by smaller clinical studies · Centuries of traditional useTime to resultsTypically 8–12 weeksTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: May interact with blood thinners; avoid high doses in pregnancy or with gallbladder issues.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use recognised
Explored via the gut-inflammation (gut-skin) axis
Why it may be relevant
For a natural-remedy approach, berberine is an exploratory option — used mainly for metabolic and gut health and studied for inflammation via the gut-skin axis rather than as a skin remedy.
Berberine has documented anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and metabolic actions. Any role in psoriasis is exploratory and works through gut and systemic inflammation, not an established skin-specific tradition.
Dose or use Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner.
Key study Used traditionally for metabolic and digestive health; its use for psoriasis is exploratory and has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
EvidenceNot yet assessed · We have not reviewed the literature for this oneTime to resultsTypically 4–8 weeksTraditional useRecognised traditional use
Caution: Not recommended during pregnancy; may interact with certain medications — consult a healthcare provider.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Acupressure point traditionally used for skin
Why it may be relevant
If you're exploring traditional remedies, LI11 is an acupressure point used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for inflammatory skin conditions.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, LI11 (Quchi) is used to help clear heat and calm inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis. This is a traditional practice, not a clinically proven treatment.
Dose or use Find the point at the outer end of the elbow crease; press firmly for 1-2 minutes on each arm.
Key study Traditionally used in acupressure for inflammatory skin conditions; this use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsVaries; used as an ongoing complementary practice.Traditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Acupressure is a complement, not a replacement for medical care; avoid pressing on broken or inflamed skin.
What's your main focus for your psoriasis right now?
I'm building lasting diet and lifestyle habits to keep flares away
Anti-inflammatory eating pattern for long-term control
Why it may be relevant
A lifestyle-focused approach maps directly onto the Mediterranean diet's role as a sustained dietary strategy shown in an RCT to benefit psoriasis patients.
The MEDIPSO randomized clinical trial supports this eating pattern — rich in vegetables, olive oil, and fish — for reducing psoriasis severity over time.
Dose or use Follow a whole-food pattern: emphasize vegetables, legumes, fish, olive oil, and whole grains daily.
Key study RCT (2025, PMID 40991259): Mediterranean Diet and Patients With Psoriasis: The MEDIPSO Randomized Clinical Trial.
EvidenceSupported by smaller clinical studiesTime to resultsTypically 8–16 weeks
Caution: Check with your healthcare provider before starting, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take prescription medication, or manage a chronic condition.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Low vitamin D is linked to psoriasis severity
Why it may be relevant
To calm inflammation from the inside, it's worth checking vitamin D — low levels are strongly linked to psoriasis and how severe it gets.
Vitamin D helps regulate skin-cell growth and immune activity, and deficiency is common in psoriasis. Testing and correcting a confirmed deficiency is a sensible internal step.
Dose or use Ask your provider for a blood test (25-OH vitamin D) and correct any deficiency under their guidance.
Key study Vitamin D deficiency is commonly associated with psoriasis and its severity, and vitamin D pathways influence skin-cell growth. This is an observational association, not proof that supplements treat psoriasis.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsWeeks to months to restore healthy levels.Traditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Don't megadose vitamin D on your own; too much can be harmful. Correct a deficiency with provider guidance.
What's your main focus for your psoriasis right now?
My skin is flaring right now — I want to soothe the red, scaly, itchy patches
Soothing topical gel with RCT support for plaque psoriasis
Why it may be relevant
During a flare, aloe vera gel is a gentle topical you can apply to red, scaly patches — and unlike many soothing gels, it has randomized-trial support in mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis.
In a randomized, double-blind trial in mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis, topical aloe vera cream reduced skin severity at least as much as a topical steroid over 8 weeks. It is a low-risk, soothing option for calming psoriatic patches.
Dose or use Apply pure aloe vera gel to affected skin 1-3 times daily.
Key study Randomized Controlled Trial (2010, PMID 19686327): in 80 patients with mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis, topical aloe vera cream reduced psoriasis severity (PASI) at least as effectively as 0.1% triamcinolone (a topical steroid) over 8 weeks.
EvidenceSupported by smaller clinical studies · Centuries of traditional useTime to resultsSoothing relief is often quick; measurable improvement over about 8 weeks.Traditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Use plain aloe without added fragrance or alcohol, and patch-test first, as some people react to aloe.
Evidence grade C · Traditional use not yet assessed
Topical cream that soothes flaring, scaly skin
Why it may be relevant
When your skin is actively flaring, a topical you apply directly can calm irritation and slow the fast skin-cell turnover behind scaly patches.
Topical vitamin B12 (cobalamin) cream has been studied for psoriasis, where it helped slow excessive skin-cell turnover and soothe irritation.
Dose or use Apply a thin layer of a cobalamin (B12) cream to affected areas as directed on the product.
Key study Clinical study (Clinical Interventions in Aging, 2021): topical vitamin B12 (cobalamin) cream helped slow excessive skin-cell turnover and soothe irritation in psoriasis.
EvidenceLimited human trials so far · Most of the research is laboratory or animal workTime to resultsOften within a few weeks of regular use.
Caution: For external use only; patch-test first if you have sensitive skin, and stop if irritation worsens.
Anti-inflammatory eating pattern for long-term control
Why it may be relevant
A lifestyle-focused approach maps directly onto the Mediterranean diet's role as a sustained dietary strategy shown in an RCT to benefit psoriasis patients.
The MEDIPSO randomized clinical trial supports this eating pattern — rich in vegetables, olive oil, and fish — for reducing psoriasis severity over time.
Dose or use Follow a whole-food pattern: emphasize vegetables, legumes, fish, olive oil, and whole grains daily.
Key study RCT (2025, PMID 40991259): Mediterranean Diet and Patients With Psoriasis: The MEDIPSO Randomized Clinical Trial.
EvidenceSupported by smaller clinical studiesTime to resultsTypically 8–16 weeks
Caution: Check with your healthcare provider before starting, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take prescription medication, or manage a chronic condition.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Low vitamin D is linked to psoriasis severity
Why it may be relevant
To calm inflammation from the inside, it's worth checking vitamin D — low levels are strongly linked to psoriasis and how severe it gets.
Vitamin D helps regulate skin-cell growth and immune activity, and deficiency is common in psoriasis. Testing and correcting a confirmed deficiency is a sensible internal step.
Dose or use Ask your provider for a blood test (25-OH vitamin D) and correct any deficiency under their guidance.
Key study Vitamin D deficiency is commonly associated with psoriasis and its severity, and vitamin D pathways influence skin-cell growth. This is an observational association, not proof that supplements treat psoriasis.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsWeeks to months to restore healthy levels.Traditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Don't megadose vitamin D on your own; too much can be harmful. Correct a deficiency with provider guidance.
What kind of help feels like the best fit for you?
Evidence-backed daily supplements I can take by mouth
RCT-supported oral curcumin as an add-on for plaque psoriasis
Why it may be relevant
For those exploring natural remedies, curcumin from turmeric has both a long traditional history for inflammatory skin concerns and randomized-trial support as an add-on for plaque psoriasis.
In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, adding a well-absorbed oral curcumin to standard topical care led to greater improvement in psoriasis severity than topical care alone. It works through anti-inflammatory pathways and is best used as a complement to, not a replacement for, your usual treatment.
Dose or use Trials used a bioavailable (lecithin-formulated) oral curcumin at about 2 g daily with food. Follow product labeling and consult a healthcare practitioner.
Key study Randomized Controlled Trial (2015, PMID 26090395): a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in mild-to-moderate psoriasis vulgaris found that adding bioavailable oral curcumin (2 g/day) to topical steroids improved psoriasis severity (PASI) more than topical steroids alone over 12 weeks.
EvidenceSupported by smaller clinical studies · Centuries of traditional useTime to resultsTypically 8–12 weeksTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: May interact with blood thinners; avoid high doses in pregnancy or with gallbladder issues.
Targeting internal inflammation makes gut-microbiome support relevant, since the gut-skin immune connection plays a role in psoriasis.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found probiotics as a class may reduce psoriasis severity via the gut-immune (gut-skin) axis. P8 is one immune-modulating strain within that class, not the specific strain trialed for psoriasis.
Dose or use Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner.
Key study Systematic review & meta-analysis (2024, PMID 38551321): probiotic supplementation may reduce psoriasis severity. Evidence is for probiotics as a category; strain-specific human data for P8 in psoriasis is limited.
EvidenceLimited human trials so far · Most of the research is laboratory or animal workTime to resultsTypically 4–8 weeks
Caution: Generally well tolerated; consult a doctor if immunocompromised.
Soothing topical gel with RCT support for plaque psoriasis
Why it may be relevant
During a flare, aloe vera gel is a gentle topical you can apply to red, scaly patches — and unlike many soothing gels, it has randomized-trial support in mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis.
In a randomized, double-blind trial in mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis, topical aloe vera cream reduced skin severity at least as much as a topical steroid over 8 weeks. It is a low-risk, soothing option for calming psoriatic patches.
Dose or use Apply pure aloe vera gel to affected skin 1-3 times daily.
Key study Randomized Controlled Trial (2010, PMID 19686327): in 80 patients with mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis, topical aloe vera cream reduced psoriasis severity (PASI) at least as effectively as 0.1% triamcinolone (a topical steroid) over 8 weeks.
EvidenceSupported by smaller clinical studies · Centuries of traditional useTime to resultsSoothing relief is often quick; measurable improvement over about 8 weeks.Traditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Use plain aloe without added fragrance or alcohol, and patch-test first, as some people react to aloe.
Evidence grade C · Traditional use not yet assessed
Topical cream that soothes flaring, scaly skin
Why it may be relevant
When your skin is actively flaring, a topical you apply directly can calm irritation and slow the fast skin-cell turnover behind scaly patches.
Topical vitamin B12 (cobalamin) cream has been studied for psoriasis, where it helped slow excessive skin-cell turnover and soothe irritation.
Dose or use Apply a thin layer of a cobalamin (B12) cream to affected areas as directed on the product.
Key study Clinical study (Clinical Interventions in Aging, 2021): topical vitamin B12 (cobalamin) cream helped slow excessive skin-cell turnover and soothe irritation in psoriasis.
EvidenceLimited human trials so far · Most of the research is laboratory or animal workTime to resultsOften within a few weeks of regular use.
Caution: For external use only; patch-test first if you have sensitive skin, and stop if irritation worsens.
RCT-supported oral curcumin as an add-on for plaque psoriasis
Why it may be relevant
For those exploring natural remedies, curcumin from turmeric has both a long traditional history for inflammatory skin concerns and randomized-trial support as an add-on for plaque psoriasis.
In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, adding a well-absorbed oral curcumin to standard topical care led to greater improvement in psoriasis severity than topical care alone. It works through anti-inflammatory pathways and is best used as a complement to, not a replacement for, your usual treatment.
Dose or use Trials used a bioavailable (lecithin-formulated) oral curcumin at about 2 g daily with food. Follow product labeling and consult a healthcare practitioner.
Key study Randomized Controlled Trial (2015, PMID 26090395): a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in mild-to-moderate psoriasis vulgaris found that adding bioavailable oral curcumin (2 g/day) to topical steroids improved psoriasis severity (PASI) more than topical steroids alone over 12 weeks.
EvidenceSupported by smaller clinical studies · Centuries of traditional useTime to resultsTypically 8–12 weeksTraditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: May interact with blood thinners; avoid high doses in pregnancy or with gallbladder issues.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use recognised
Explored via the gut-inflammation (gut-skin) axis
Why it may be relevant
For a natural-remedy approach, berberine is an exploratory option — used mainly for metabolic and gut health and studied for inflammation via the gut-skin axis rather than as a skin remedy.
Berberine has documented anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and metabolic actions. Any role in psoriasis is exploratory and works through gut and systemic inflammation, not an established skin-specific tradition.
Dose or use Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner.
Key study Used traditionally for metabolic and digestive health; its use for psoriasis is exploratory and has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
EvidenceNot yet assessed · We have not reviewed the literature for this oneTime to resultsTypically 4–8 weeksTraditional useRecognised traditional use
Caution: Not recommended during pregnancy; may interact with certain medications — consult a healthcare provider.
Evidence grade not assigned · Traditional use long-standing
Acupressure point traditionally used for skin
Why it may be relevant
If you're exploring traditional remedies, LI11 is an acupressure point used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for inflammatory skin conditions.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, LI11 (Quchi) is used to help clear heat and calm inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis. This is a traditional practice, not a clinically proven treatment.
Dose or use Find the point at the outer end of the elbow crease; press firmly for 1-2 minutes on each arm.
Key study Traditionally used in acupressure for inflammatory skin conditions; this use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.
EvidenceCenturies of traditional use · Human evidence not yet assessedTime to resultsVaries; used as an ongoing complementary practice.Traditional useLong-standing traditional staple
Caution: Acupressure is a complement, not a replacement for medical care; avoid pressing on broken or inflamed skin.
Evidence grade not assigned · No traditional record
Emerging NAD+ research; not yet proven
Why it may be relevant
For those focused on internal inflammation, nicotinamide riboside is being explored for the Th17 immune pathway involved in psoriasis, though the evidence is still early.
Early, mechanistic research suggests boosting NAD+ may influence the Th17 inflammatory pathway relevant to psoriasis. Human efficacy for psoriasis is not established, so treat this as experimental.
Dose or use Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner.
Key study Early, mechanistic research only: NAD+ augmentation may affect Th17 (SLIT2/ROBO1) inflammatory signaling relevant to psoriasis. Not yet confirmed in human clinical trials for psoriasis.
EvidenceNot yet assessed · We have not reviewed the literature for this oneTime to resultsTypically 4–12 weeks
Caution: Research is still emerging; discuss with a healthcare provider before use.
Evidence grades describe the strength of published research for Psoriasis, not a promise of results. A higher grade is not a personal recommendation. Nothing here is medical advice — talk to your clinician before starting anything, especially alongside prescription medication.
Related pressure points
Hands-on options you can try yourself.
Acupressure is a comfort measure, not a treatment for Psoriasis itself. Each page shows where the point is and how to press it.
