Psoriasis Causes Disability That Equals Other Major Medical Diseases

The comparison of psoriasis with other chronic, debilitating medical and psychiatric conditions suggests that, though not life threatening, psoriasis can severely threaten the quality of life. It ranked even more detrimental to quality of life than even angina or hypertension. From the results of this study, it appears that psoriasis can be physically and emotionally debilitating and is not simply a cosmetic nuisance.

Psoriasis interferes with daily functions, generates psychological distress, and disrupts social relationships. The findings of the study confirmed what psoriasis sufferers have long known – psoriasis can cause as much disability as other major medical diseases.

Health-related quality of life (HRQL) is an evaluation of the influences of a patient’s current health status and on their ability to achieve and maintain a level of overall functioning that allows them to pursue valued life goals. The HRQL assesses eight domains of health status: physical functioning, role functioning related to physical status, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning, role functioning related to emotional status, and mental health.

Patients with psoriasis reported reduction in physical functioning and mental functioning comparable to that seen in cancer, arthritis, hypertension, heart disease, diabetes and depression. Some aspects closely associated with a negative impact on the physical dimension of HRQL include burning sensations, joint pain, and how the bones/joints look. "Scales falling off" was predictive of higher physical functioning, indicating that patients who report better physical functioning tend to be bothered more by scales falling off. 

Note from Shirley - I am all too familiar with the debilitating pains of skin disease because I suffered from life long severe eczema. It wasn't until 1998 that I achieved a complete cure with natural means. The reason that a skin disease like eczema and psoriasis can cripple a person's physical and mental aptitude as described above is not understood by most people. Holistic doctors view eczema and psoriasis as symptoms of a "blood disease" which occurs when eliminative organs (liver, kidneys, intestines, etc.) malfunction, causing toxins to accumulate in the blood which can affect mental clarity and aptitude. The body attempts to compensate for faulty eliminative organs by excreting these toxins through the skin which is the largest eliminative organ next to the liver. (In his book, Healing Psoriasis, Dr. Pagano explains how build up of toxicity leads psoriatics to expel toxins through secondary systems, namely the skin.) More on Blood Purifiers

Elimination of the symptom is NOT the same as elimination of the disease. (detail).  I was on cortisone (steroids) for 9 years in an attempt to suppress my eczema. Its side effects nearly killed me in the process. 

The fastest way to restore wellness is to stop putting into the body the things that have caused the physical problem to develop in the first place, and then give the body the nutrients it needs to repair and rebuild itself. The holistic approach treats the whole person, ignites the body's internal healing force and stimulates the body's natural abilities to heal itself.

The two major steps I had to take to ignite my internal healing forces: 

1. Eliminate from my diet and environment all offending elements to which my body was susceptible to. Mainly, I had to eliminate starchy foods from my diet (flour, rice, pasta, potatoes), as well as dairy products and most cooked or processed foods). (see my testimonial for detail)
2. Provide my body with vitally important nutrients that it required to begin the healing process and to strengthen its immune system. Such nutrients include tonic herbal formulas, flaxseed oil and other important oils, marine phytoplankton, wheatgrass and green juices, seaweed, fulvic acid, therapeutic clay, live foods, etc. (detail of my journey into healing my eczema)

---

Alteratives / Blood Purifiers 
Alteratives are herbs which alter (purify) the blood. Most herbs for blood purification promote the cleaning action of the spleen, liver, kidneys and bowels. These herbs should be used over a long period of time, allowing gradual detoxification of the entire blood stream which in turn, will improve digestion, assimilation and glandular secretions. Bad habits and poor diet must be corected to remove the cause of the toxicity of the blood. Infections, cancer, arthritis and skin disease are some of the diseases caused by impure blood.

Persimmon leaf is anti-allergic and anti-pruritic in composition; in other words, an allergy or itching preventive food. Furthermore, research has proven the therapeutic effect of persimmon leaf extract on those suffering from dermatitis. The preventive effect of persimmon leaf extract on the dermatitis was dose-dependent and a continuous intake of persimmon leaf extract significantly decreased its onset and development. As well, studies have shown that supplementation of persimmon leaf improves lipid profiles and suppresses body weight gain in animals that were fed high-fat diets. It is also used topically in some beauty products to help to clarify the skin and eliminate dull and dark areas. 

Persimmon has been cultivated in Japan for at least 1,000 years, where it is considered the national fruit. So it only seems natural that Japanese researchers discovered that the main flavonoid in persimmon—astragalin—inhibits the release of histamine in mice suffering from atopic dermatitis. When the mice were given persimmon extract, they exhibited fewer behavioral symptoms, such as scratching and biting their skin. There was also a reduction of serum IgE, the antibodies produced in response to an allergen. Additionally, tissue samples showed there was less inflammation and thickening of the skin.        Persimmon Leaves are part of Dr. Miller's Iaso Detox Tea Ingredients

Formulated by Dr. Bill Miller, Ph.D. in Nutritional Science,  the Holy Tea is a unique herbal blend of safe, all-natural ingredients designed to promote healing by gently cleansing the digestive tract, detoxifying the body, improving skin condition. The "Holy Tea" name is taken from the traditional name of one of the ingredients, a widely-used medicinal herb known as Holy Thistle or Blessed Thistle, and is not intended to imply any religious significance - although grateful users who experienced remarkable health improvements after drinking Holy Tea often thank God for this gift of healing! learn more

In contemporary herbalism, Blessed Thistle is used to treat liver and skin and mucous congestion, and remove parasites such as worms and flukes from the colon. Dr. Miller's Iaso Detox Tea's primary ingredient is blessed thistle.
 

Cat's Claw Uña de Gato (Cat's Claw) is  known as a cleanser. It supports the digestive system, intestinal tract and helps with bowel functions

Sangre de Drago  is used widely in the Rainforest for its ability to assist in repairing/regenerating healthy body tissue and skin. It is one of the strongest natural antioxidants known. 

Illumination help energize, cleanse, detoxify, strengthen, and revitalize, feeding virtually every organ and system of the body, promoting peak performance in our everyday lives.

Gravizon  circulatory and lymphatic support formula (assist in cleansing the blood)

Fiberzonsupports a healthy colon - Fiberon is a synergistic blend of fibers and botanicals recognized for centuries for their cleansing properties. As an internal cleansing program.

Other Alteratives / Blood Purifiers 

.
Do you have a question or need guidance?  Tamara Gonsor volunteers her time to guide visitors of ShirleysWellnessCafe.com to relevant information.  She can be reached at  602-790-7030 (USA) If you prefer you can click here to contact Shirley .

---

Psoriasis and Your Immune System

"I am a registered nurse, 64 years old and respect what medications can do.  However, prescriptions were not helping my severe allergies or my psoriasis.  Allergic episodes usually resulted in a mega-infection of bronchitis or a sinus infection.  My psoriasis did not respond to either of many medications.  Both of these health problems are in the auto-immune category.  I included 4 capsules of Choice 50 and 3 Transfer Factor in my daily supplements.  Both the allergies and psoriasis have totally disappeared.  Choice 50 and Transfer Factor are a dynamic combination that have truly improved the quality of life."  Doreen Lassiter

"Recent research indicates that psoriasis is likely a disorder of the immune system. This system includes a type of white blood cell, called a T cell, that normally helps protect the body against infection and disease. Scientists now think that, in psoriasis, an abnormal immune system causes activity by T cells in the skin. These T cells trigger the inflammation and excessive skin cell reproduction seen in people with psoriasis. 

No one knows what triggers your immune system to cause psoriasis. It is believed that you must have a genetic tendency to be susceptible to the condition. But once your immune system is triggered, it sends a false alarm to your skin cells, telling them that they’ve been damaged. The skin cells react by attempting to repair this “damage.” They begin reproducing at an accelerated rate (the process that takes roughly 26 days in normal skin now occurs in about 5), rising to the skin surface, dying, and building up there. The skin surface thickens. As blood vessels expand and more blood flows to the skin, it becomes red. The result is the flaky, red patches you know as plaques. Because psoriasis is a condition of the immune system, researchers have turned their efforts toward medicines that target the immune system directly." Learn how to modulate the immune system naturally

Kenneth Bock, MD - "Because transfer factors can function as immune system modulators, they can help to restore immune system balance in many types of clinical situations."Kenneth Bock, MD, best selling author on immune system modulation.

Richard Bennett, PhD - "The immunity provided by transfer factors is long lived and can help all ages who are suffering from a variety of ailments or those who want to stay well. The unfolding events surrounding Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, (SARS) is yet another painful reminder that we live in a crowded world where continents are only a plane ride away. The SARS epidemic is only one of an ongoing series of new emerging diseases. Our best global and personal strategy is to do all in our power to ensure and support our unique abilities of disease resistance and immunity” Dr. Bennett is an Infectious Disease Microbiologist and Immunologist, who is enjoying retirement from a 21-year career with the University of California where he specialized in food and water quality and safety. He received his Doctorate in Comparative Pathology from the University of California, Davis. He has an extensive background in milk quality and disease control, water resource policy, food safety, public policy of natural resources, etc. He has also served as an advisor for the FDA and USDA.

Recent Advances in Psoriasis: The Role of the Immune System by Barbara S Baker (Imperial College School of Medicine, St. Mary's, London) 

This book presents the evidence for the belief that psoriasis is a disease of abnormal keratinocyte proliferation induced by T cells. The latest approaches to investigating the immunopathogenesis of this disease, and a review of previous findings, are presented to give an overall picture of the current knowledge in this field. Each topic is discussed in detail, clearly illustrated and well referenced. The book should prove invaluable to clinical dermatologists, and researchers in the fields of immunology and dermatology who have an interest in skin diseases. 

The skin frequently gives the first sign that an autoimmune diseases is present. In many of the diseases mentioned, the skin is only peripherally involved, but in others, the skin is the primary site of the disease. One of the foremost is psoriasis.

Autoimmune Diseases  - The word "auto" is the Greek word for self. The immune system is a complicated network of cells and cell components (called molecules) that normally work to defend the body and eliminate infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and other invading microbes. If a person has an autoimmune disease, the immune system mistakenly attacks self, targeting the cells, tissues, and organs of a person's own body. A collection of immune system cells and molecules at a target site is broadly referred to as inflammation. There are many different autoimmune diseases, and they can each affect the body in different ways. For example, the autoimmune reaction is directed against the brain in multiple sclerosis and the gut in Crohn's disease. In other autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus), affected tissues and organs may vary among individuals with the same disease. One person with lupus may have affected skin and joints whereas another may have affected skin, kidney, and lungs. Ultimately, damage to certain tissues by the immune system may be permanent, as with destruction of insulin-producing cells of the pancreas in Type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Autoimmunity (excessive or self-destruction) - when the immune system fails to recognize 'self' as friendly and mounts an attack on itself" Explaining Autoimmune Disease by David Isenberg, PhD and John Morrow,  PhD.

---

TESTIMONIALS

Healing Eczema: A Drug Free Approach - Alternative Medicine
A personal account of successfully healing a most severe case of eczema/psoriasis with omega-3 oils, homeopathy and nutritional supplements and detoxification program.

Dr. Douglas Willen - "It took a colleague of mine over 9 months to convince me to use glyconutrient (saccharides) supplementation in my practice and I only tried it because I had a case that was chronic and extremely difficult, a 7-year old girl with horrible eczema over her entire body, and I was getting nowhere using all my tried and true protocols. Not to mention the fact that this little girl was my daughter's best friend! Well, the glyconutrients proved to be the missing link in that case... Her rapid recovery really got my attention!  I began doing the research and the reading on this subject and was incredibly impressed with the science backing these products. Four out of the last eight Nobel Prize winners won their prizes because of their research in this area called glycobiology, and thousands of new research papers are published each year in the field. Needless to say, I have continued to use this type of nutrition in my practice since."  view before and after  pictures

" I have been diagnosed with severe plaque psoriases over 40 years ago. During that time I have tried all kinds of treatments that have been available. You name the cream, lotion, pill, injection, nothing has worked.   It was very damaging to my self esteem and caused me great emotional damage going through my teen years. Psoriasis was even beginning to show on my face and on my hands. When I was getting medical treatment, the side effects outweighed the benefits. It was very embarrassing to get a haircut, as my scalp was covered and most of my body as well. I never wore shorts or T-shirts in the summertime. Swimming in a public pool was out of the question. I resented the rude questions and stares. All this changed about four months ago, when I was introduced to glyconutrients. I drank it for only two weeks, when the red patches stopped itching, burning and flaking reduced. For the first time in 40 years my skin improved. After one month, the patches began to shrink, my skin felt more calm. I am still improving and happy to see the positive changes in me. Now I am taking it faithfully every day and I never looked this good. This summer I will buy myself my first pair of shorts. I am so impressed with this wonderful product that I will take it as long as I live." Liz, Ontario, Canada

"My daughter, Stef, used to have problem feet. She had severely cracked heels and thick yellow toenails that were difficult and painful for her to trim, as they always grew into the sides of her toes. Two weeks after she started drinking glyconutrients, she asked for me to trim her toenails, and lo and behold, they were absolutely normal! They were easy to trim with no pain, good color; her cracked skin has completely healed. This all in just a couple of weeks." 

"I have had Psoriasis of the scalp since I was about 13 years old. I have had to use vinegar, Biotin and B-12 to keep it under control. I haven't used anything in 2 months now since I've been taking marine phytoplankton and the itching is gone."

Dr. Jerry Tennant, M.D. says that marine phytoplankton contains almost everything one needs to sustain life and to restore health by providing the raw materials to make new cells that function normally. Marine phytoplankton has been called "the most nutritionally dense foods on the planet". Containing a wide range of trace elements, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, chlorophyll, enzymes and cellular materials, marine phytoplankton promotes and maintains optimum health by boosting and supporting all systems within the body. Its antioxidants and unique polysaccharides can halt the genetic mutations that can lead to cancer. Both high levels of saccharides and adaptogens increase energy and stamina by improving our ability to consume and use oxygen. Adaptogens also improve cardiovascular health by strengthening the heart and circulation. Profound Life-Giving Properties of Marine Phytoplankton

Where to buy marina phytoplankton

---

My Triumph Over Psoriasis: Curing Disease Without Medication by Serano Robinson

This book tells a fascinating story of a man who, after 30 years of failed medical  therapy, cured himself of a disease without medication, without skin treatments, and without spending a penny on an expensive cure.

"I got the book, I tried it, and it WORKS - I had psoriasis all over my body, and now after 2 months I only have a few spots on my feet!! The author's ideas about psoriasis are the clearest of any "expert". When I overate all the time and ate crappy foods, my body got rid of alot of this excess waste through my skin, so it's no wonder that my psoriasis never had a chance to heal. And because my body spent all of its energy digesting food, it didn't have a chance to fix any of my psoriasis scales. By stopping the overeating, pacing my meals and eating the right foods, my psoriasis started getting better right away, and kept getting better. The author isn't saying that you have to starve to death to get rid of your psoriasis, just to start changing the way that you eat." an amazon.com reviewer

Josh also triumphed over his psoriasis

When first I met Josh in November 2000, his legs and other parts of his body were covered with a nasty case of psoriasis with intense swelling and flaking. I was all too familiar with the pain andsorrow of skin disease because I had suffered from severe eczema for 50 years and finally achieved a complete cure with natural means. Josh took a similar approach to treat his psoriasis.  I  have witnessed first-hand the incredible transformation that he has achieved to cure his skin condition. Several months after having met Josh,  I was amazed when he showed me his skin—this time almost 100% psoriasis-free! Upon my request, Josh agreed to write a testimonial of his journey into health. Shirley

Josh's leg several months later

Josh's leg before the treatment
 

Here is Josh's Testimonial: healing psoriasis naturally

I was about six or seven when I first noticed a small amount of flaky patches on my scalp. It was summertime and my hair had been cut quite short, but at this point the psoriasis was still very unnoticeable. Several years later my mom began PUVA treatments (UVA radiation and cyclosporine) for her own recently diagnosed psoriasis and thus began my first ‘clinical’ contact with the disease. I would be well into high school before my own condition would move beyond the annoying ‘dandruff’, to small patches on my knees and elbows that would soon require a host of different topical steroids. Even still, this was really nothing more than an inconvenience and didn’t bother me particularly. However, by my second year of college, things really took a turn for the worst. 

Like any normal college kid I was beginning to encounter greater amounts of stress, supplemented by generous helpings of alcohol and junk foods. My psoriasis was spreading along my legs and torso and was often inflamed, itchy and causing me to shed skin throughout the dormitory. It was both embarrassing and unsightly. Nevertheless, I tried to remain a good sport about it and hoped that the doctors could offer me some sort of solution. It was at this time that I first began receiving UVB radiation exposure. It wasn’t that difficult, but did require a significant commitment; visits to the dermatologist 3 times a week and twice a day applications of different steroid and salicylic acid ointments. The good news: it worked. The bad news: it never worked well enough to completely clear me, and if I stopped the psoriasis would rebound even worse in only a matter of weeks.

At this point I began to question if there wasn’t perhaps a nutritional answer or holistic approach that might be missing. The answer from physicians was categorically ‘No. There is no significant medical evidence that nutrition is implicated.’ I wasn’t satisfied with this answer, however, would embark for the next several years on an exploration of numerous ‘alternative approaches’ to trying to tackle the disease, while periodically resuming ‘conventional’ treatments with my dermatologist. In those few years, I tried everything from Chinese herbs and acupuncture to Ayurvedic medicine and special mineral baths. What I learned in those few years never led to a really significant clearing, but it did lay the foundation for understanding my own body better, as well as noticing what sorts of things made my skin worse.

In September of 2001, I was back in the dermatologists’ office, receiving yet another regimen UVB when I had a very discouraging conversation. I had been getting the light treatments for a while and the doctor felt that I wasn’t seeing the kind of benefit worth risking the potential skin damage that might result if I were to continue for much longer. It was his suggestion that I consider using Soriatane, an oral medication, similar to Acutane. I was concerned and frustrated. I could see that the topical steroids were beginning to take their toll and I certainly didn’t want to get skin cancer trying to fix my psoriasis. Still, I was suspicious of the drug because I had heard it had side effects and that I would be required to have blood tests to ensure that I wasn’t damaging my liver. Still, I trusted and liked this doctor a great deal and decided to consider it for a few days. I went home and began researching more about the drug. Some of the of the side-effects included both hair loss and badly chapped lips. What’s more, many of the people on it seemed less than satisfied with the results they were getting. This was a real crossroads for me. On one hand I wanted desperately to fix my skin. On the other, the potential drawbacks of taking this drug were more than I wanted to cope with. What’s more, the doctor, as nice as he was, really refused to acknowledge what I knew, which was that when I would eat a certain way or avoid certain foods, I would get somewhat better. With this in mind, I called the doctor the next day, thanked him for all his help, and told him I would not be returning. What followed was the worst ‘rebound’ of psoriasis I ever had. It was also the best thing I could have done . . .

Over the next several months I would spend nearly $1,500 on different holistic ‘cures’ for psoriasis. I would log countless hours on the internet exploring for any information possible information that might lead me to some undiscovered answer. While a great deal of this was fruitless, ultimately I was able to find a handful of different adjuncts that contributed to clearing my psoriasis to near zero levels by February of 2002. I write to you a year and half after that initial clearing and I’m happy to report that, despite several very small and fluctuating patches, I am still nearly psoriasis-free!

1. Adjuncts and Approaches

What follows is a description of some of the products and approaches that may be useful for others to look into. Some of these may be more useful than others depending on the specifics of how different people respond. Psoriasis is a very individual condition. I’ve distilled this down to a handful of things that I feel can be truly helpful, rather than a list of all the numerous and supposed ‘cures’ that I encountered.

Special Diets and ‘Flare Foods’

One of the more helpful things to begin looking at is the response that one has to certain kinds of foods. I call these ‘flare’ or ‘trigger’ foods because they will often bring about a worsening of the condition, sometimes immediately, sometimes cumulatively. The predominant ones among psoriatics are sugar, alcohol, citrus, and nightshade vegetables (tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, peppers and tobacco). As well, some of the more common food allergens like wheat, milk, soy, and nuts may also cause problems because generally psoriasis occurs when there is an increase in allergic inflammation. Also excess consumption of meat, dairy, refined flours and junk foods may lead to a worsening of the condition. 

In some people, certain allergenic foods can trigger eczema or make it worse. The mostly likely culprits are cows' milk, eggs, soy, wheat (glutten), nightshade vegetables (tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, peppers and tobacco) and  shellfish.   It is now apparent that there are groups of people who cannot tolerate nightshades in their diets, wish to avoid them anyway or find that eliminating them helps alleviate a variety of mental, emotional and physical problems. The following groups of people avoid nightshades. Facts on the harmful effects of potatoes and other nightshade plants.

There are a couple of specific dietary regimens such as the Pagano diet and The Zone diet which are also worth investigating. 

The Pagano diet, as detailed in the book Healing Psoriasis by chiropractor John Pagano, uses the idea of restoring a healthy digestive track to solve the problem of psoriasis. The implication is that the build up of toxicity leads psoriatics to expel toxins through secondary systems, namely the skin. Pagano suggests a regimen of herbal teas, apple-fasting, spinal adjustments, colonics and a suggested dietary ratio of 80% fruits and veggies to 20% starches and protein. While some have found regimen to be a bit ‘extreme’ or ‘unworkable’, Pagano does provide excellent information on many ‘flare foods’ and offers a number of pictures and testimonials, suggesting that some of his recommendations can be quite valuable.

"The book Healing Psoriasis perceives psoriasis, as well as eczema, as having its origin in The Intestinal Tract. Viewed from the inside-out, rather than from the outside-in, a whole new approach to the disease evolves.This concept, first promulgated by the late Edgar Cayce, identifies the problem as a build-up of toxins (poisons) in the system making their way through the skin, but not originating in the skin. He sites a primary cause as being due to thin, porous, intestinal walls allowing these toxic elements to "seep" through (now referred to as "The Leaky Gut Syndrome"). He further emphasizes that a proper DIET and adequate ELIMINATIONS are a major part of the solution. This book proves the efficacy of this theory by documented case histories, patient affidavits and striking before and after photographs."(read the reviews at amazon.com - further down that page)

Psoriasis, Healing from the Inside Out by Heather J. Ferris 

"Psoriasis covered up to eighty percent of my body for almost thirty years. I gave up fighting the disease and became intimately aware of what was triggering it. This is the story of my awakening to health and to life." Heather J. Ferris

Essential Fats / TheraflaX

Psoriasis is hormonal!? That’s right. Many people don’t realize that our body produces all sorts of hormones in response to what we eat and how we are living. The skin system in particular relies on a number of different hormones; eicosanoids and prostaglandins, to regulate inflammation, produce new cells and support healthy cell membranes. I believe this is one of the most powerful bits of knowledge for psoriatics, because it exhibits directly that balancing these hormonal responses can bring about profound changes in the production of new skin cells. But how does one regulate these hormonal responses? Aside from following an overall healthy diet, the answer is Fat. More specifically, essential fatty acids (EFAs). EFAs are a category of fats that are crucial to the completion of all sorts of different cellular functions. Unfortunately, many people do not receive the proper levels of EFAs in their regular diet and so supplementation is often necessary. Paying particular attention to ratio of Omega-3 to Omega-6 EFAs, and providing adequate levels of the specific nutrients (vitamins B3, B6, C, E, Magnesium and Zinc) involved in converting EFAs into the desirable hormones, increases our ability to produce healthy skin. (more on essential fats and Theraflax)

There’s one EFA supplement in particular, TheraflaX, that I whole-heartedly recommend! It’s also the only brand name which I will endorse here our discussion. The reason for this is three-fold. Firstly, using this product marked a real turning point for me personally. Secondly, it’s the only EFA product that I know of that’s been patented and studied purposely for use with psoriasis. And lastly, the creator of the TheraflaX, a scientist from South Africa, researched and developed the formula for members of his own family who were psoriasis sufferers.

The chia seed is one of the richest source of omega-3 oil and other essential nutrients for a healthy skin.  They were the power food of the ancient Aztecs. According to Spanish manuscripts, the Aztecs ate the Chia seeds to improve their endurance - they called it their "running food" because messengers could purportedly run all day on just a handful. more
 

Probiotics

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria such as acidophilus, bifidus, and lactobacillus and are essential for a healthy digestive system. When there is an abundance of these fundamental intestinal flora, the body will most effectively absorb all the beneficial nutrients from the healthy foods we are consuming. It’s been said that ‘the skin is a direct reflection of the state of the colon.’ Taking probiotics is one critical part of restoring the health of the entire gastro-intestinal system. Probiotics supplements can be found in capsules and powders and should generally include a high number, 1 billion or more, c.f.u. (colony forming units) per dose. Probiotics can also be consumed from various cultured foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut and fermented vegetables. (more on probiotics)

Green Foods / Juices

These include things like barely and wheat grass juices, as well as powdered spirulina, chlorella, and blue-green algae. There is a quite a bit of debate about which of these are better. My personal suggestion is to try a few of them. Personally I’m partial to the fresh juices, as I feel like they are more vital and provide a more immediate effect. Green foods and juices are good because they can purify the blood and stimulate the production of various enzymes, which can be used to properly break down foods. Green foods also help by increasing overall immunity. (more on the amazing healing power of green juice)

Topicals

I really don’t believe that consistent or long-lasting clearing can occur from any topical approach, holistic or conventional. However, having endured countless days and nights itching, chapping, and flaking, I fully recognize the need to gain some relief wherever possible. The following are a few of the more effective and safe topicals that may be able to soothe the symptoms of psoriasis.

Bentonite clay has been used historically and cross-culturally for both internal and external healing. The clay makes an excellent poultice. Even better, one full cup of powdered bentonite in a warm bath can do wonders for relieving some of the heat, itching and inflammation from psoriasis. Bentonite is available in small quantities from health and beauty stores and in larger quantities, for use in baths, from ceramic clay suppliers. One important point: If you plan to use bentonite in bath water, it’s essential that it be very finely milled, so that it can’t clog the plumbing!

There are a host of different oils that may be able to moisturize inflamed skin and reduce the flaking. Two of the more popular ones that are often suggested for psoriasis are emu oil and neem oil. 

Emu oil is derived from the large ostrich-like birds, you may have encountered at the zoo. The oil is highly permeable and absorbs into the skin very easily and quickly. One drawback of Emu oil is it’s high price, often $7 to $10 per ounce. Also, some people are uncomfortable with idea of applying animal fat directly to their skin. 

Neem oil on the other hand is derived from the seeds of the neem plant. In India neem has been used extensively for thousands of years and has a history in Ayurvedic medicine of being used for skin problems like eczema and psoriasis. Unlike emu oil, neem oil is fairly inexpensive about $2 to $4 per ounce. Unfortunately neem has a very strong and distinctive smell and so some people may find this prohibitive for everyday use.

Finally, a good moisturizing lotion is often required for most psoriasis sufferers and some prove to be better than others. In general a very basic moisturizer is probably best. After all, no one wants to risk further inflaming their skin from any potential reactions to strong perfumes or extracts. One common suggestion is lotion with colloidal oatmeal in it, such as Aveeno Lotion which can be found in supermarkets and drugstores.  Most colloidal oatmeal lotions are only slightly more expensive than regular moisturizers and may be more beneficial than plain lotions.

III. A Recipe for Clearer Skin

When it comes to psoriasis, one size doesn't fit all. What works for one person, will not necessarily work for everyone. Anyone who is really committed to solving this condition needs first and foremost to pay attention to their own body and how they respond to certain treatments. That being said, the following is a short work sheet, in order of importance, of my suggestions for proceeding with a natural psoriasis regimen. Remember, holistic healing is often a slow process, and so it’s important to commit to trying something for at least 1-2 months before reevaluating whether to continue or not.

1. Identify and Reduce ‘Flare Foods’

.
One of the best ways to do this is to rotate certain suspect foods out of the diet for several weeks at a time. If you notice improvements in absence of that food or an increase in inflammation when the food is reintroduced, then you have probably identified a trigger-food. The bad news is that these tend be the foods that we are the most attached to, the good news is that as you begin to have some success in combating the psoriasis you may notice later an increased tolerance for these foods. As a general rule, it’s best to keep consumption of heavily refined foods to a minimum. The more processes involved in getting it to your plate, the worse it probably will be for you. However, it’s important to maintain balance with this. ‘Sainthood’ is not required but moderately health-conscious eating habits may prove to be crucial in your search for healthy skin. (more on the healing power of raw food)
 
2. EFA Regimen / TheraflaX

.
As mentioned above, daily consumption of a good essential fatty acid supplement can assist in balancing the hormonal conditions that give rise to psoriasis. These supplements are available in most health food stores and should be combined with a vitamin profile rich B3, B6, C, E, Zinc , and Magnesium. Once again, if it’s available to you, I recommend TheraflaX as an ideal EFA supplement for people with psoriasis.   Theraflax is currently out of stock and unavailable. Josh will  try to import more from South Africa)
 
3. Probiotics Daily

.
Intestinal health is a vital part of overall well being. Without proper absorption in the GI track, your body cannot properly get the nutrition it needs to function properly and support health skin production. Probiotics should be taken in one form or another at least once, if not three times per day. Those using food forms such as yogurt or sauerkraut, should pay special attention to avoid pasteurized products which will have killed off all of the beneficial bacteria before it can be consumed.
 
4. Try Some Green Foods

Whether it’s a daily shot of wheat grass or a teaspoon of spirulina mixed juice, incorporating ‘green foods’ into your diet is simple and can be quite effective. Not only will you likely see an improvement in the texture and glow of your skin, but most people report an increase of both energy and overall health.  It’s my hope that other people suffering with this incorrigible condition can find some use for the information, I’ve offered here. If nothing else, I present it as evidence that clearing from psoriasis through natural means is possible! I encourage everyone with psoriasis not to give up searching for answers. Leave no stone unturned in your own quest to get clear. . . 

Shirley, I want to thank you for being such an excellent resource to myself and so many others looking for answers to our health questions. Your commitment to providing independent and thorough information about all sorts of wellness issues has been a real source of inspiration for me in my quest to understand and clear my psoriasis. I hope my testimonial can be of help any of your readers who might be contending with the same difficulties as I did.

Be Well,
Josh .Wheeler - gojdub@yahoo.com - Los Angeles, California = July 1, 2003

Learn how Jesse cured his lifelong psoriasis, naturally

Do you have a question or need guidance?  Tamara Gonsor volunteers her time to provide guidance and support in your quest to find relevant information.   She can be reached at  602-790-7030 (USA) If you prefer you can click here to contact Shirley .

---

Testimonial of healing psoriasis with castor oil
Email Pegi  metashankara@gmail.com
Date: 10 Jan 2005

I had really bad psoriasis about a year ago (and since I was a small child and I am 38 years old) and last April I began massaging castor oil on my liver after each shower (daily) and I have seen a 90% reduction in my psoriasis since that time.  I didn't have the patience to do the packs so I just do the daily massage and have seen amazing results. I put about a dime size amount in my hand and without having dried the area of my abdomen after my shower so that it is still moist, I massage in the oil.  I don't massage it for any real length of time - no more than the time I spend massaging in other lotions into my skin. After a  couple weeks of 30 degree temperatures I have had a little psoriasis pop up, but the amount is so minimal in comparison to what I have experienced in the past that I am unconcerned and undaunted. I have also struggled with endometriosis and have had physicians want to do surgery on me for the condition.  I do a full abdomen massage with the oil and my endometriosis symptoms have greatly reduced as well.  Castor Oil is also suppose to help soften scar tissue.  I have had 2 c sections and after 8 months of using the castor oil, once was once a nasty thick and solid scar is now almost imperceptible.

Oil Packs (for external use)

The Oil That Heals by William A. McGarey, M.D. 
A fascinating analysis of a medical doctor's research on and verification of the healing properties of castor oil packs, first recommended by the noted psychic Edgar Cayce as an adjunct for many ailments that resist traditional medical treatment. 

This natural oil  has amazing healing properties. It has been used in virtually every major civilization since antiquity for the cure of normally fatal disabling conditions. In India, they called it erand. In ancient Greece it was known as kiki. It is mentioned in the Bible and in the most ancient Egyptian papyrus yet found. In Europe, in the Middle Ages, it was used by some to cure the plague. They called it the "palma christi" or the "hand of Christ." This extract of the castor bean is a safe, gentle, easy to use remedy for virtually any illness - when it is used externally. 

Castor oil (cold pressed)

---

Leaky Gut Syndromes: Breaking the Vicious Cycle 
Leo Galland M.D

Leaky Gut Syndromes are clinical disorders associated with increased intestinal permeability. They include inflammatory and infectious bowel diseases, chronic inflammatory arthritides. cryptogenic skin conditions like acne, psoriasis and dermatitis herpetiformis, many diseases triggered by food allergy or specific food intolerance, including eczema, urticaria, and irritable bowel syndrome, AIDS. chronic fatigue syndromes [Rigden, Cheney, Lapp, Galland, unpublished results], chronic hepatitis, chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis and pancreatic carcinoma. Hyperpermeability may play a primary etiologic role in the evolution of each disease, or may be a secondary consequence of it which causes immune activation, hepatic dysfunction, and pancreatic insufficiency, creating a vicious cycle. Unless specifically investigated, the role of altered intestinal permeability in patients with Leaky Gut Syndromes often goes unrecognized. more

The Effects of Cat's Claw Herbs on Intestinal Permeability  (Leaky Gut Syndrome) 
After using cat's claw in working with approximately 150 patients between 1988 and 1992, Dr. Brent Davis reports that "Uncaria tomentosa has the ability to break through severe intestinal derangements that no other available products can touch." He refers to the herb as "the opener of the way" because of its remarkable ability to cleanse the entire intestinal tract and help patients suffering from many different stomach and bowel disorders including leaky bowel syndrome. irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, diverticulitis, hemorrhoids. fistulas. gastritis, ulcers, parasites and intestinal flora imbalance. 

By cleansing the intestinal walls, cat's claw enables the body to better absorb nutrients, thus helping to correct nutritional imbalances created by digestive blockages. Many doctors today believe that cat's claw may have a "profound ability to get rid of deep-seated infection lodged in the bowel and perhaps even the mesentery, which can derange the uterus and associated anatomic parts: the prostate, liver, spleen, kidneys, thymus and thyroid, for starters." Davis calls cat's claw "a world class herb which has the power to arrest and reverse deep-seated pathology allowing a more rapid return to health...'' 

(References: Steinberg, Phillip N., C.N.C., "Uncaria Tomentosa (Cat's Claw) a Wondrous Herb from the Peruvian Rain Forest," Townsend Letter for Doctors, May, 1994.and Sanchez, Don, D.C., "Cat's Claw," New Editions Health World, Dec., 1995, p.40-45. )

Cat's Claw Uña de Gato (Cat's Claw) is  known as a cleanser. It supports the digestive system, intestinal tract and helps with bowel functions

Other important herbal formual to assist in healing: 

Sangre de Drago  is used widely in the Rainforest for its ability to assist in repairing/regenerating healthy body tissue and skin. It is one of the strongest natural antioxidants known. 
EnvirozonAssists the body's natural ability to cleanse and restore balance after exposure to environmental impurities.
Gravizon  circulatory and lymphatic support formula (assist in cleansing the blood)
Fiberzonsupports a healthy colon - Fiberon is a synergistic blend of fibers and botanicals recognized for centuries for their cleansing properties. As an internal cleansing program.

I Was Poisoned By My Body: The Odyssey of a Doctor Who Reversed Fibromyalgia, Leaky Gut Syndrome, and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity - Naturally!  by Gloria, Ph.D.

This book is the first of its kind to directly connect the causes of autoimmune disorders, allergies, inflammatory diseases, and multiple chemical sensitivities with colon and digestive disorders. It offers safe, alternative, natural choices to drug therapy.

"Shame on the medical profession for ommitting this most valuable diagnostic and treatment information from the training of doctors. Again, it comes down to the fact that no pharmaceutical company or patent holder stands to become rich from such simple health care. Instead, millions of people grope desperately as their lives disolve around them, all because no one has understood the effective diagnosis and treatment as outlined in this book.I spent 25 years trying to find these answers - and when I did - reading this book gave me the personal and medical ammunition to turn my health around immediately. Although it will be several months before I completely recover - (what's a couple of months after 25 years!) - I feel better after less than a few weeks." Amazon.com reviewer

"As a sufferer from Multiple Chemical Sensitivity for 11 years, I found this book to be extremely enlightening on the subject of healing from this condition based on correcting the colon disorder that is underlying it. This book does not just help the reader learn how to treat symptoms, but instead shows how to correct the REAL problem so that true healing can then take place - I believe if we give our bodies half a chance, they will recover, as shown by this book. The book is very easy to understand, which is great for people like me with chemically-induced "brain fog"! I highly recommend this book to anyone suffering from MCS, CFS, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, or any of the autoimmune disorders!" Amazon.com reviewer
 

---

Psoriasis and Homeopathy Cure from deep within
External medication serves to provide only temporary relief from the itching and the eruptions almost always re-appear as soon as they are stopped. Homeopathic medicines are virtually safe completely and there are hardly any chances of side effects even if the medication is taken for a few years. Homeopathy can offer a lot by way of treatment for psoriasis. Through prescribing a correct constitutional homeopathic medication most of which is internal a lasting solution can be found.

The modern system of homeopathy treats Psoriasis without using any local cream or lotions. The wisdom in the treatment of Psoriasis lies in stimulating the healing process from within.This website is devoted to the sufferers of psoriasis and brings them a new ray of hope through homoeopathy. 

Learn more about homeopathy
See before and after pictures

---

Detoxifying from Amalgam Poison

Detoxification is a normal body process of eliminating or neutralizing toxins through the colon, liver, kidneys, lungs, lymph and skin.

Naturopaths who hold that illness can be healed by the natural processes of the body are the most vigorous supporters of detoxification, since they believe that the primary cause of disease is the accumulation of uneliminated wastes. When the body's natural cleansing systems are no longer up to the task, proponents of detoxification say everyone should detoxify at some point. 

Detoxification Methods - Learn about the various types of detoxification methods used: fasting, urine therapy, homeopathy, wheatgrass juice, rawfood, therapeutic clays, and other natural methods.  more

---

Fish Oil: The Natural Anti-inflammatory
by Joseph Maroon, Ph.D.

Did you know that the root cause of serious chronic diseases such as heart disease, Alzheimer's disease, cancer, arthritis, and asthma has been identified as chronic inflammation? Although numerous studies have confirmed these findings, few physcians are aware of or consider the fact that the battle against inflammation is at the forefront of the fight for health and well-being of the global population. Authors Joseph Maroon and Jeffrey Bost have set out to reverse that trend with "Fish Oil: The Natural Anti-Inflammatory." Ultra-Refined Fish Oil

Pharmaceujtical companies have spent billions of dollars in an attempt to understand the bio-chemistry of inflammation. Unfortunately, pharmaceutical anit-inflammatories such as Celebrex, Vioxx, and Bextra have been shown to greatly increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and uncontrollable gastric hemorrhage, with potentially fatal consequences. Is there a safer alternative? Absolutiely! The answer lies in the power of the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil, undeniably the most under-recognized and also the most petent natural anti-inflammatory available. With compelling arguments and the results of thousands of clinical studies to support them. the uathors explain in plain and simple terms; How the inflammation process works and how it can evolve into a chroninc condition that is the cause of many diseases; How fatty acids work in the body; Why supplementtion with omega-3 fatty acids can restore the body's balance and mitigate the effects of inflmmatory factors; and why fish oil is the best source of omega-3 fatty acids, and how to identify good-quality fish oil supplements. 

Joseph C Maroon. M.D.,is a professor and vice chairman of the Department of Neurological Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He is also a Heindl Scholar in Neuroscience as well as the team neurosurgeon to the world-champion Pittsburgh Steelers. His publications numbr more than 250, and he is a reviewer on five medical journals and an editorial board member of "Neurological Research." Jeffrey Bost is a neurosurgical physician assistant and clinical instructor in the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. He has coauthored many presentations, articles, and grants exploring the use of omega-3 fatty acids.

Dr. Stoll's book The Omega-3 Connection. He is a Harvard psychiatrist who has done a great job compiling evidence supporting the use of fish oils.

Fish oil - A team of researchers from Austria, the Czech Republic, the Slovak Republic, Germany, and Poland now report that intravenous infusions of a fish oil emulsion is quite effective in ameliorating the symptoms of chronic plaque-type psoriasis. more

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA. Fish oil supplements containing EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) have an anti-inflammatory effect and may benefit people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. This beneficial effect is significantly reduced when the diet is high in linoleic acid. A seven week controlled experiment involving 30 male volunteers was recently completed in Australia. The participants were given 1.6 gram EPA and 0.32 gram DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) daily. Half the volunteers were kept on a diet high in linoleic acid by using margarine as a spread and polyunsaturated oils for cooking. The other half used butter and olive oil which are low in linoleic acid. The experiment clearly showed that the incorporation of fish oil is enhanced by a diet containing butter and fish oil. Margarine and polyunsaturated oils had an inhibiting effect and should therefore be excluded from the diet in order to obtain maximum benefit from fish oil. Cleland, Leslie G., et al. Linoleate inhibits EPA incorporation from dietary fish-oil supplements in human subjects. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 55, February 1992, pp. 395-99

Flaxseed Oil and Other Life Giving Oils - Despite all the concern about fat in our diet, the body does require fat to function. The problem is that most people are getting the wrong kinds of fats in their diet and are lacking the good fats in their diets. The human body cannot function properly without two polyunsaturated fats - linoleic and alpha-linolenic acid. These fatty acids, which are found in Flaxseed Oil are truly to normal cell structure and body function. Flaxseed may prove useful in the nutritional management of patients with autoimmune diseases. Some Conditions Improved by Omega-3 Oils: High Cholesterol Levels - Prevention of Strokes and Heart Attacks - Angina - High Blood Pressure - Arthritis - Multiple Sclerosis - Psoriasis and Eczema - Cancer Prevention and Treatment - Allergies - Asthma - Calmness Under Stress - Vitality"

Where to purchase flax oil and other healthy oils

Liquid Gold Flax oil with Lignan Certified Organic 24 fl oz Organic with Lignans.

Fish oil - A team of researchers from Austria, the Czech Republic, the Slovak Republic, Germany, and Poland now report that intravenous infusions of a fish oil emulsion is quite effective in ameliorating the symptoms of chronic plaque-type psoriasis. more

Psoriasis (Natural Way Series)  THE NATURAL WAY WITH PSORIASIS by Hilary Bower

Explores the connection between a person's health as a whole and the skin and offers safe and gentle alternative treatments. (read the reviews at amazon.com - further down that page)
 

Eczema and Psoriasis : How Your Diet Can Help (Nutritional Health Guide)
Explains the facts about eczema and psoriasis, which foods to eat, which foods to avoid, and the benefits of vitamins, minerals, herbal, and other nutritional supplements. (read the reviews at amazon.com - further down that page)
 

The Psoriasis Cure: A Drug-Free Guide to Stopping and Reversing the Symptoms of Psoriasis by Lisa Levan

Hope is offered to those who suffer from this debilitating systemic disease, introducing a drug-free, nutritional approach to treatment. (read the reviews at amazon.com - further down that page)
 
 

---

Combination of Allopathic Treatments Harms Psoriasis Patients - What happens when cyclosporine is given to patients with psoriasis, whose prior treatments, such as PUVA, are known to also cause cancer? Could it make a difficult situation even worse by increasing even further the risk that the psoriasis patients already face? The answer is yes. Psoriasis patients using cyclosporine have a dramatic increase in the number of squamous cell cancers of the skin. In a study reported in The Lancet, (Vol. 358, No. 9287: 1042-1045), Isabelle Marcil, MD, and Robert Stern, MD, from the department of dermatology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, Mass., followed 1,380 patients who had received PUVA therapy from 1975 through 1976. A total of 844 patients were available to be part of the present study. Of that group, 31 patients had received cyclosporine treatment between 1975 and 1998. When the researchers compared the psoriasis patients who received cyclosporine to those who did not, they found that any use of cyclosporine increased the risk of developing squamous cell skin cancer about three times. If the drug was taken for more than three months the risk was increased four times.

Steroids (Cortisone) - Cortisone creams, ointments, and lotions may clear the skin temporarily and control the condition in many patients. Side effects include thinning of the skin, dilated blood vessels, bruising, and skin color changes. Stopping these medications suddenly may result in a flare-up of the disease. After many months of treatment, the psoriasis may become resistant to the steroid preparations. more on the side effects of steroids
 

Do you have a question or need guidance?  Tamara Gonsor volunteers her time to provide guidance and support in your quest to find relevant information.   She can be reached at  602-790-7030 (USA) If you prefer you can click here to contact Shirley .

---

Childhood vaccination can trigger eczema

Philip Incao, M.D. - "...routine childhood vaccinations may directly contribute to the emergence of chronic problems such as eczema, ear infections, asthma, and bowel inflammations. In this field, we regard childhood vaccinations as anything but routine; rather, we consider them in most cases to be suspect, dangerous, and worthy of exceedingly rigorous review. Generally, we try to avoid giving most vaccinations and rely instead on alternative, more natural ways of helping the child cope with what we contend are the necessary and beneficial illnesses of childhood." more

What Every Parent Should Know BEFORE Their Childen Are Vaccinated! Why are a growing number of parents and health care professionals around the world questioning vaccination? The controversy stems from the thousands of deaths and permanent disabilities attributed to vaccination annually, as well as the many published medical studies, government statistics, congressional testimonies, and other credible sources that directly contradict commonly held assumptions about vaccine safety and effectiveness.
 

More pictures of vaccine damage available to view at the CDC website

 
 "Bart Classen, a Maryland physician, published data showing that diabetes rates rose significantly in New Zealand following a massive hepatitis B vaccine campaign in young children, and that diabetes rates also went up sharply in Finland after three new childhood vaccines were introduced." Nicholas Regush ABCNEWS.com

  

This child (below) died as a result of vaccines (CDC website)

 

In fall 1997, two influential professional magazines featured articles asking the question: Has the decrease of infectious diseases in childhood through the mass use of vaccines been replaced with an increase in chronic diseases such as diabetes and asthma? The Economist, a prestigious international magazine read by world leaders in government, business and public policy, and Science News, a magazine read by both health care professionals and the general public, explored the reported links between vaccines and chronic diseases in their November 22, 1997 issues. Learn more about vaccine and diabetes connection --- asthma and vaccine connection --- SIDS and autism and vaccine connection --- "Shaken Baby Syndrome": the vaccination link 

Congressman is calling for criminal penalties for any government agency that knew about the dangers of thimerosal in vaccines and did nothing to protect American children. Congressman Dan Burton (R-Indiana) during Congressional Hearing: "You mean to tell me that since 1929, we've been using Thimerosal, and the only test that you know of is from 1929, and every one of those people had mennigitis, and they all died?" For nearly an hour, Burton repeatedly asked FDA and CDC officials what they knew and when they knew it. (Thimerosal contains a related mercury compound called ethyl mercury. Mercury is a toxic metal that can cause immune, sensory, neurological, motor, and behavioral dysfunctions.) 

Please get informed!Enter the vaccine information site 

Homeopathy can be used successfully to prevent and treat smallpox, measles, whooping cough, chickenpox, and other ailments.

Would you allow big brother to enforce vaccinations on your kids? Government Enforced Vaccinations Vaccination Tracking Registry - Government programs that limit your choices -and your rights- in health care when it comes to mandatory vaccination. These mandates last for 40 or so years and they're impossible to repeal. Also, learn about Legal Requirements and Exemptions

Are Vaccines Damaging Our Pets?
Routine Vaccination: Is it really safe and effective? Most recently, an article appeared in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association entitled "Are We Vaccinating Too Much?"

---

Need support? Motivation? Feedback? Free Discussion Group
Join the Eczema/psoriasis Discussion group  Learn about the success that others have experienced with holistic eczema/psoriasis cures, exchange ideas, give or receive motivation and advice. Anyone can join for support and friendship. It's easy. Just click on the link. You can view the archive of the Eczema-Psoriasis Support Group

Learn how Jesse cured his lifelong psoriasis, naturally   (Jesse lives in Sydney, Australia - he is eager to share his knowledge and help others. He can be reached at +61 40 243 3844)

---

External treatments to soothe itchy spots

Anti-inflammatory Herbs. A blend of herbs and oils to help soften, cleanse and reduce swelling of the skin.  Olive Oil extracts of Poke Root, Violet Leaves, Walnut Hulls, Red Clover Flowers, Chaparral Leaves, Pau D'Arco Bark, Comfrey Root and Castor Oil. 

Natural herbal remedies for eczema and psoriasis for external or internal usage

Eczema and Dermatitis Treatment Kit from a natural health store that offers free shipping.

Additional external soothing treatments tips from the email bag
In  the Fall of 2000, I  learned about the wonderful health benefits of sesame oil (rich in anti-inflammatory plant sterols), lecithin, slippery elm tea, and castor oil packs for eczema/psoriasis sufferes. details

I also discovered a wonderfully effective and simple external treatment to soothe the itch. It is not a cure, it only soothe and relieve the itch for several hours or a whole day.  Believe it or not, cayenne pepper, especially the hottest pepper, habanero, made into a  tincture with apple cider vinegar, can do wonders for the most severe itch. When first applied to the itchy spot, it may slightly burn or sting for a few minutes, but within 10 to 15 minutes after the application, I experience a complete relief of the itch along with a deep sense of well being, relief and relaxation.  I make the tincture as follows: a handful or two of fresh, dried or powdered habanero peppers in the blender with raw, unfiltered, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar, enough to allow complete pulverization or blending. Pour the mixture into a bottle and shake once a day for a couple of weeks. Can be stored at room temperature indefinitively. Before using on my skin, I dilute the tincture with water, to make an appropriate strength.. Shirley
 

Do you have a question or need guidance?  Tamara Gonsor volunteers her time to provide guidance and support in your quest to find relevant information.   She can be reached at  602-790-7030 (USA) If you prefer you can click here to contact Shirley .
 

---

Impact of Evening Primrose Oil on Skin's Health

Our bodies desperately require fats - the proper fats - for ultimate skin beauty, especially as we age. But too many women have cut dangerous to their beauty quest out all fats - and that's dangerous to their beauty quest.

Evening  Primrose Oil

Prostaglandins, which strongly influence skin health, are the body's chemical messengers, governing many processes, including inflammation. They are not stored in the body but must be constantly synthesized from essential fatty acids (EFAs) that are taken in from the diet. The best dietary sources of EFAs include flax, seafood and evening primrose oils. 

Yet while fish and flax oils supply omega-3 fatty acids, evening primrose oil is one of nature's richest sources of an even rarer fatty acid: gamma-linolenic acid. The exceptionally high gamma-linolenic acid content of evening primrose oil makes it critical to skin health. That is because two key enzymes-Alpha6 desaturase and Alpha5 desaturase-involved in metabolizing many of the EFAs and making them useful to the skin are absent in skin itself. However, the skin does not require either of these enzymes to convert gamma-linolenic acid into favorable compounds required for mod-erating inflammation. 

But, the skin requires the continual formation of gamma-linolenic acid from precursor compounds by the liver, and then depends on the blood for transport to the skin. Although the body can convert other EFAs into gamma-linolenic acid, it may be more beneficial to provide a constant supply of already-formed gamma-linolenic acid from evening primrose oil. That is because the body's capacity to convert the more common linoleic acid to gamma-linolenic acid decreases with age, increasing the body's requirements. Also, the activity of ?6 desaturase is inhibited by many environmental influences such as diet, stress, and aging. Thus, supplying already-formed gamma-linolenic acid enables the skin to use EFAs more efficiently to fight off disease and quell inflammation. -  Where to buy evening primrose oil
.
Where to purchase flax oil and other healthy oils

Liquid: Cold Pressed flax oil high lignans 16 oz Cold Pressed 100 % Organic with Lignans 

Liquid: Black Cumin Seed Oil cold-pressed from the Black Seed herb rich source of essential fatty acids for a wide variety of health conditions. (psoriasis, eczema, dry skin, asthma, arthritis, immune system).

Evening Primrose oil  100 % pure cold pressed Evening Primrose Oil, rich in Gamma Linolenci Acid (GLA). Comes in Softgels or liquid in a 4 ounce bottle. (I take one to three teaspoons liquid EPO per day. Shirley)

Borage seed oil Borage has the highest GLA content of any plant source. Studies show borage oil to be beneficial in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, atopic eczema,  and diabetic neuropathy, as well as in the reduction of cholesterol levels. 

Hemp seed oil softgel, capsules, or liquid form. (more information about the health benefit of hemp oil)..

Fish oil - A team of researchers from Austria, the Czech Republic, the Slovak Republic, Germany, and Poland now report that intravenous infusions of a fish oil emulsion is quite effective in ameliorating the symptoms of chronic plaque-type psoriasis. more

More about Radiant, Healthy Skin, The Natural Way Basic beauty begins with the glow of good health, which shines from within. The skin often mirrors the health of the whole body. A radiant clear complexion begins with proper nutrition, efficient digestion and assimilation of nutrients by the body and regular elimination. Skin problems are a reflection of internal health and are often a reflection of overall body and blood toxicity and/or stomach problems. Almost anything that cleanses the blood or intestines will also show a result on the skin. Skin problems can also be as a result of allergies, hormone imbalances, nutrition or dehydration.

---

My Triumph Over Eczema: a cure without medication
This is the story how I suffered from severe eczema all over my body for 49 years, since the age of one year old. No creams, potions, salves, or anything else cured my condition. It wasn't until I turned 50 that I finally discovered how to cure this terrible condition by igniting my own internal healing force. Ironically in the process of curing my eczema my overall health and vitality improved dramatically. If you expect to find a magic bullet cure here, you'll be disapointed. In a nutshell, I credit my cure to homeopathy, natural rawfood diet, special oils, uropathy, and herbal remedies.

---

Read other inspiring testimonials I received in my email from people who wanted to share their success of healing themselves and their animals without drugs, surgery or radiation. I received permission from each person to publish their testimonial and to include their email address to facilitate personal contact for support.

Site map
 
 
 

Home: ShirleysWellnessCafe.com (aka: MyWellnessHouse.com) is a free educational site site dedicated to help promote holistic health for you, your family, and your animals.
 
 

Shirley was once a victim of the never-ending flow of propaganda from the medical establishment who wants to maintain a monopoly on the word "cure" and who wants us to believe that we have no control over our own health and that our only hope to get "well" is with drugs, surgery and radiation.  You can read an account of Shirley's journey into health without drugs, surgery or radiation.
 
 

Healing Eczema Naturally A personal account of successfully healing a most severe case of eczema with omega-3 oils, nutritional supplements, homeopathy, and a detoxification program.

Eczema/psoriasis can be triggered by routine childhood vaccination
 

Do you have a question or need guidance?  Tamara Gonsor volunteers her time to provide guidance and support in your quest to find relevant information.   She can be reached at  602-790-7030 (USA) If you prefer you can click here to contact Shirley .
 
 
 

Leaders in Washington are working to restrict your access to dietary supplements - including the safe, effective, and affordable vitamins, minerals, and herbs you depend on for your health. Your hard-won natural health freedoms as guaranteed by the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994 have come under attack by the political allies of pharmaceutical interest groups!" Watch the Whistleblower doctors free videos

Prescription for Disaster  in-depth investigation into the relationships between the pharmaceutical industry, the FDA, lobbyists, lawmakers, medical schools, and researchers, and the impact this has on consumers and their health care. 
 

Tell Your Congressperson to Co Sponsor the Health Freedom Protection Act, H.R. 2117 This bill will stop the FDA & FTC longtime efforts of censorship and restriction to access supplements and educational information.
 

The National Health Federation is an international consumer education, health-freedom organization working to protect individuals' rights to choose to consume healthy food, take supplements, and use alternative therapies without government restrictions. 

The Natural Solutions Foundation (NSF) is a non-profit corporation devoted to protect, preserve and defend our right to make our own health choices based on what we, not the government, believe are the best choices for ourselves.
 
 

The Truth About the Drug Companies : How They Deceive Us and What to Do About It    "The medical establishment works closely with the drug multinationals whose main objective is profits, and whose worst nightmare would be an epidemic of good health. Lots of drugs MUST be sold. In order to achieve this, anything goes: lies, fraud, and kickbacks. Doctors are the principal salespeople of the drug companies. " Guylaine Lanctot, M.D. 
 
 
 
 

Dr. Lorraine Day, M.D. - "How One Wicked Nation Can Kill Billions Around the World With One Lie" Learn the "truth" behind the so-called bird flu pandemic! 
 
 
 
 
 

Most Popular Products..
 
 
 

 

Dr. Jerry Tennant, M.D. says that marine phytoplankton contains almost everything one needs to sustain life and to restore health by providing the raw materials to make new cells that function normally. These nutrients improve mental function, and memory. They reduce depression, harmful effects of stress, and mood swings. Profound Life-Giving Properties of Marine Phytoplankton
 
 
 
 
 
 

A growing number of holistic doctors, pediatricians and veterinarians use transfer factors  as an alternative to, or in conjunction with conventional medicine for their acute and chronic cases, including cancer and other serious health conditions, with excellent outcome. 
Dr. Rob Robertson, MD  - "There is no other product in a nutritional substance, nor a drug, that has this kind of power and ability to affect our immune system. With the increase of killer viruses, mutated germs, super-resistant germs, and food contaminations, our only hope and defense, must lie within our own immune system."   Transfer factors and the immune sytem
 
 
 
 
 
 

Dr. Jimmy Gutman, MD  - "Clinical evidence links low glutathione levels to the most common illnesses of our time as well as newly emerging diseases. Glutathione levels diminsh as we age and many diseases normally associated with aging have been linked to glutathione deficiency." learn more...
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

MagnesiumTherapy Magnesium helps maintain normal muscle and nerve function, keeps heart rhythm steady, and bones strong. Dr. Sidney Baker - "Magnesium deficiency can affect virtually every organ system of the body. With regard to skeletal muscle, one may experience twitches, cramps, muscle tension, muscle soreness, including back aches, neck pain, tension headaches and jaw joint (TMJ) dysfunction." more
 
 
 
 
 
 

Teas Are One of The Most Effective Ways to Benefit from Nature's Healing Herbs
Teas can help fight depression and anxiety, heal skin conditions and gastrointestinal disorders, regulate hormone imbalances, improve your sex life, prevent illness, and  help you heal faster.  Many diseases and conditions for which we turn to modern medicine can also be treated naturally with healing herbs. These treatments can be safer, less expensive and possibly even more effective than traditional methods. Dr. Myklebust, MD: "Teas are rich in antioxidants called polyphenols which are plant chemicals that may help prevent cancer, heart disease, and other diseases" More
 
 
 
 
 

Chia Seeds: The "Aztec" Wonder Food with Healing Power. The ancient Aztec civilization used Chia seed to provide them with radiant health, endurance, and boundless energy.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Dr. Paula Baillie-Hamilton, M.D., Ph.D. reveals the evidence linking diseases and obesity to health damaging chemicals which can upset the balance that helps maintain healthy body weight. Learn about simple, natural, inexpensive and effective approach to cleansing and weight loss programs.
 
 

Do you have a question or need guidance?  Barbara volunteers her time to guide visitors of Shirley's Wellness Cafe to relevant information.  She can be reached at  206-338-6285 or 970 264 0882  (USA) or  .
 
 
 

More at Shirley's Wellness Cafe:

Holistic Animal Health
Natural Health for Children
Natural Health for Women
Natural Health for Men
Steroids' Side Effects - Anti-Inflammatory Diet and Natural Remedies 
The acid-alkaline balance's impact on health
Arthritis Conditions - Natural Treatment
Eyesight Conditions - Natural Solutions
Diabetes Alternative Medicine 
Health Issues: Consumer Alert!
Alternative Cancer Therapies
Gulf War Syndrome Causes and Illnesses
Chia Seeds: The Wonder Food with Healing Power
Antibiotic Resitance Crisis - The Prebiotics and Probiotic Revolution
The New Healing Science of Glyconutrients
What is Homeopathy?
Urine therapy: medically proven natural cure
Toxic Environment - Toxic Cosmetics
Detoxification for Optimum Health: Chemicals and toxins are the primary cause of disease and obesity
Glutathione's role in health, aging and cancer
Tonic Herbs for Longevity, Rejuvenation, Immunity
Raw Food and Juice Therapy
Therapeutic Fasting
Healing with Herbs and Other Natural Remedies
Water: the great healer
Clay Therapy - Our Earth, Our Cure
Bee Pollen: healing from the hives
Magnesium Medical Miracles
Marine plants to enhance health
Profound Life-Giving Properties of Marine Phytoplankton 
Guide to natural treatments for Fibromyalgia
Immune system: the body's defense department
Sunlight to restore health
Cayenne Pepper: the great healer
Allicin, The Heart of Garlic - Mother Nature's Defender
Wheatgrass juice: nectar of health and rejuvenation
Healing Earth: Fulvic Acid and Shilajit
Stem Cell Physiology -  Supporting Bone Marrow Adult Stem Cell Release Naturally
A healing crisis: what is it?
Transfer Factor for people and animals
Overcoming stress naturally
Overcoming The Sugar Blues and Getting Off Prozac
Healing shingles/herpes zoster naturally and rapidly
Flaxseed Oil The Wonder Healer
Cholesterol Myth - Fats that Heal, Fats that Kill!
Salt Deficiency: the cause of many serious disease
Radiant, healthy skin: the natural way
Words Of Wisdom Follow Your Dreams!
Dangers of Modern Medicine: Iatrogenic Diseases
Healing asthma: a drugless approach
Alzheimer's Disease: There is Hope! 
Healing eczema: a drugless approach
Healing psoriasis: a drugless approach
Parasites Infections: Symptoms and Natural Treatment (humans and  pets)
Basic Healing Principles
AIDS/HIV/AZT: truth behind the propaganda
The bitter truth about nutrasweet
Canola oil: how toxic is it?
Bovine Growth Hormones in your milk
Beware of Genetically Engeneered Foods
Radiation Emergencies: Protecting The Thyroid Gland
Weight Loss: natural and healthy solutions
West Nile Virus - what the media won't tell you
Most Popular Natural Health Products Safe and Effective Remedies  for People and Pets
About the author of this website

most popular health products
 
 

Free Google Videos. Doctors and parents expose how vaccines are crippling our children. 
Dr. David Ayoub, M.D. lectures on Vaccines, Mercury, Autism and other disease

Vaccines: deception and tragedy
Vaccines and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
Shaken Baby Syndrome or Vaccine-Induced Encephalitis?
Misdiagnosed Shaken Baby Syndrome: A Criminal Consequence of Vaccine Injury
AUTISM: is there a vaccine connection?
Criminal Consequence of Vaccine Injury
Anthrax Vaccine Facts and Gulf War Syndrome
Government Enforced Vaccinations: Vaccination Tracking Registry
How To Legally Avoid Unwanted Immunizations Of All Kinds
Vaccine Support Groups and Organizations
Animals: chronic dis-ease caused by vaccines
Nosodes: alternative to conventional vaccines
Library: Vaccine Controversy books
 

Holistic Children's Health :
Holistic Pediatrics (general)
Nutrition for Babies and Children
Attachment Parenting
Ear infections: alternative to tubes and antibiotics
Pshychiatry - betraying and drugging children for profit
Childhood vaccinations: are they really safe and effective?
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome: astonishing facts
Autism: is there a vaccine connection?
The Circumcision Decision: what I wish I had known...
Understanding your baby's needs
Natural Birth and Home Birth
Ritalin Free Kids: Helping Children, Not Drugging Them
Homeopathy for Children and Infants
Forced Drugging of Children Parents  facing jail over compulsory drug orders.
No longer blind: the story of Shirley's baby born blind and brain-injured
 

Holistic Animal health
Do You Really Know What's In Your Pet's Food? by Dr. Jane Bicks DVM
Why RAW food?
Food Unfit For Pets
All Natural Healthy Pet Food
Animal Nutritional Therapy
Natural Animal  Health
Homeopathy for animals
Renal Failure - Urinary Tract condition
Animals Messengers of Love and Wisdom
Pet Allergies, skin problems, obsessive biting self, chewing paws
Rearing healthy pups and kittens
Saving Shasta's life: a holistic approach
Sample RAW pet food recipes
Toxic environment and your pet's illness
Alternative to antibiotics
Testimonials of amazing animal healing.
Preventing and Healing Animal Cancer without drugs or surgery
Holistic Health for Horses
Feline Holistic Health
Natural diet for pet birds
Vaccinosis: chronic dis-ease caused by vaccines
Nosodes: alternative to conventional vaccines
List of holisitic veterinarians
Managing flea bites and hotspots naturally
Improving your animal's health with kelp
Books and video: holistic animal health
Training Shasta for personal protection
Non-toxic health products and supplies for your pets
 

The acid-alkaline balance of the body has an enormous impact on a person’s health. When the pH of the body gets out of balance (too acidic), we may experience low energy, fatigue, excess weight, poor digestion, aches and pains, and even more serious disorders. When the body is excessively acidic, vital organs and individual cells are subject to damage or destruction. This condition, known as acidosis, can be a cause, an effect, or even a symptom of almost any health condition. By balancing the body's acidity levels, this simple plan can help toward curing various medical conditions, including arthritis, hepatitis, insomnia, alcoholism, and kidney disease.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The Native Americans call it "Ee-Wah-Kee" meaning  "The-Mud-That-Heals". In addition to the role it plays as a potent detoxifier, therapeutic clay has also been used extensively in the treatment of pain, open wounds, colitis, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, stomach ulcers, intestinal problems, acne, anemia, and a variety of other health issues. more
 
 
 
 

The Healing Power of Original Himalayan Crystal Salt  For centuries, the energy/information content, in the form of  vital mineral elements locked away within these perfectly formed crystals of mineral rich salt, were utilized by doctors for treating most every disorder known to humans, and with unfailing success. Recently. this ancient knowledge was once again uncovered by biophysicists and brought to light in the acclaimed book, Water and Salt, The Essence of Life , by Dr. Barbara Hendel and biophysicist Peter Ferreira
 
 

 Share this information - send this page

If you have friends that you would like to recommend this page to, or if you just want to send yourself a reminder, this is an easy way to do it!  (You will automatically be returned to this page)
 

Raising Public Awareness
Most modern maladies are caused by prolonged exposure to a combination of negative lifestyles and toxic environmental factors, including junk food and malnutrition, pesticides, antibiotics, microwaves, chemical pollution of food, water and air, lack of exercise and chronic stress. These factors are further aggravated by the failure of modern medicine to recognize them as agents of dis-"ease" and death and the consequent failure to take preventative measures against them. more
 
 
 
 

Possible Causes of Mysterious, Massive Death of Bees

Albert Einstein said:  "If the bee disappeared off the surface of the globe, then man would only have four years left to live."
 
 
 
 

The future of the Internet is up for grabs. Large and powerful corporations are lobbying Washington to turn the World Wide Web into what critics call a "toll road," threatening the equitability that has come to define global democracy's newest forum. "The genius of the Internet was that it made the First Amendment a living document again for millions of Americans," says Robert McChesney, a media scholar and activist and co-author of OUR MEDIA, NOT THEIRS. "The decisions that we're going be making ... are probably going to set our entire communication system, and, really, our entire society, on a course that it won't be able to change for generations." learn more on PBS: The Net at Risk

Urge your representative to support the "Internet Freedom Preservation Act."
Tell the FCC to save our airwaves for an open internet
Conference for Media Reform Video Minneapolis, June 7, 2008. 
 
 

Subscribe to Dr. Mercola's Free Natural Health Newsletter for the latest natural health news and one of the best natural health solutions! 
 

Shirley's newsletter archive
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

At India Herbs, you will find the highest quality natural medicine based upon 5,000 Year Old Ayurveda Medicine and formulated by a team of doctors with extensive clinical experience to help with a wide range of health conditions. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Alternative to Ear Tubes Stop Your Child's Ear Infections Naturally Without Antibiotics
 
 
 
 
 
 

Natural Skin Care from the Rainforest
Recent discoveries of beneficial compounds in Rainforest plants give new hope for fresh young looking skin. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Natural herbal remedies  for a Healthy Heart  -  Hypertention  -  High Cholesterol
 
 
 
 

Natural Remedies for Headaches
 
 
 
 

Natural Remedies for Sleeplessness
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The Ugly Side of Cosmetics Make-up and body care products have been linked to allergic reactions, birth defects, and even cancer. It is a medically recognised fact that our body absorbs significant amounts of what we put on our skin. With Certified Organic food rapidly becoming the nutrition of choice by the health conscious amongst us, why would you accept any less for your skin?.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Smoking Dependency and Nicotine Addiction Natural supplements and herbal remedies to help relieve the craving for nicotine.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Shirley's Wellness Cafe's recommended natural health products.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Home-base Income opportunity
Share with others nature's gifts that assists us on our journey to optimal health and wellness.
 

• Do You Really Know What's In Your Pet's Food?
• Healing animals without drugs.
• Vaccinations adverse effects.
• Skin problems, pet allergies, fleas
• Cancer: protecting and healing your animals.
• List of holistic veterinarians

Holistic Health for Horses, for dogs, for Pet Birds, for Ferrets and for Cats

and much more... 
Enter Holistic Health for Animals

Natural Health for Women:

• Candida: Conquering Yeast Infections: The Non-Drug Solution
• Infertility and Miscarriage
• Treating Menopause Naturally.
• Autoimmune low-thyroid can cause fatigue, depression, excess weight.
• Estrogen's Deadly Truth: a story of deception, betrayal, hidden agendas, propaganda and misinformation.
• Lifting the Curse of PMS
• Beating Breast Cancer with Nutrition

.
Enter Holistic Health for Women

Natural Health: Men's Sexual Functions:

• Optimal Prostate Health and Prevention Measure to prostate enlargement.
• Prostate Cancer: a drugless approach
• Homeopathic approach to impotence, bladder infections, prostate problems etc.
• The Male Andropause (like menopause)
• Male Herbs for Impotence

and more...

Enter Holistic Health for Men

• Alternatives to steroids, antibiotics, and ear tubes
• Homeopathy for children and infants
• Do you know what happens during circumcision?
• Health hazard and adverse effects of vaccines 
• Forced drugging of children: parents may face jail over compulsory drug orders
• Attachement parenting
• Resources for Children With Special Needs: the Holistic approach
• ADD/ADHD Helping Children, Not Drugging Them: In 1996 the World Health Organization warned that Ritalin over-use has reached dangerous proportions. Learn about alternatives to ritalin and other drugs 

 

Peter R. Breggin, M.D - "The drugging of children has gotten so out of hand that America is waking up to this. This is a national catastrophe." more

Julian Whitaker M.D - "Class action lawsuits have been filed in Texas, California and New Jersey charging Swiss pharmaceutical giant Novartis, maker of Ritalin, with conspiracy to create the psychiatric disorder known as ADHD in order to fuel the market for their product."

 
Ailment Guide A-Z

Search for Conditions and Ailments (listed in alphabetical order along with natural treatments) 

"We can solve well over 90% of the all chronic diseases with simple, inexpensive natural therapies." Dr. Mercola

---

or....

Search ShirleysWellnessCafe.com