Oregon Grape Root
Oregon grape root is also an excellent treatment for placque psoriasis, an inherited systemic inflammatory disease of immune dysfunction whose most obvious visible characteristic is elevated, inflamed skin cells. Used topically, Oregon grape root “can be used in skin washes to deter the over production of skin cells that occurs in placque psoriasis.” More than one study has concluded that Oregon grape root is more effective for psoriasis than pharmaceutical preparations. A study published in American Journal of Therapeutics, focusing on the topical use of Oregon grape root, showed that the herb was not only effective but had fewer (and less harmful) side-effects. “The results indicate statistically significant (P < 0.05) improvements in [Psoriasis Area Severity Index] and [Quality of Life Index] in the Mahonia-treated group, compared with the control group. The side effects reported were infrequent, < 1% and minor; the most frequent side effects were rash, a burning sensation when applying the cream, and clothing stain. These data indicate that Reliéva, a proprietary [extract] of M. aquifolium, is effective and well tolerated in patients with mild to moderate psoriasis.”
