Raw Honey for Psoriasis: A Natural Skin Remedy?

Psoriasis is a common skin condition affecting millions of people worldwide. It presents as red, scaly patches on the skin that can be itchy and painful. While there are various treatments available, many come with undesirable side effects. This has led to natural remedies being explored, such as raw honey.

What is Raw Honey?

Raw honey is honey that has not been processed or pasteurized in any way. It contains all the natural enzymes, vitamins, and minerals that bees produce when making it from flower nectar.

Read more: Raw Honey and ACV: A Powerful Health Combo?

Natural raw honey offers several benefits to psoriasis patients due to its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to stimulate wound healing.

How Does Raw Honey Help Psoriasis Patients?

  1. Reduces Inflammation: The anti-inflammatory properties of raw honey help in reducing inflammation caused by psoriasis.
  2. Moisturizes Skin: The humectant nature of raw honey helps lock moisture into the affected areas keeping them supple and hydrated.
  3. Fights Bacteria: Several studies have shown that unprocessed/raw honey contains antibacterial properties that fight against harmful bacteria on affected areas helping prevent secondary infections.
  4. Stimulates Wound Healing: Due to its high concentration of natural sugars, amino acids, antioxidants, enzymes and other bioactive compounds – applying raw honey topically stimulates wound healing which is beneficial for treating psoriatic lesions.

How To Use Raw Honey For Psoriasis

Before using raw honey for psoriatic treatment you should first patch-test a small area on your inner forearm or elbow crease – if after 24 hours there’s no reaction/side-effect then it’s safe to use regularly:

Topical Application Method:

  • Step 1: Cleanse the affected area(s) gently using warm water; pat dry with soft cloth afterwards.
  • Step 2: Apply a thin layer of raw honey onto the affected area(s), rubbing gently in circular motions.
  • Step 3: Let it stay for 20-25 minutes before rinsing off with warm water
  • Step 4: Pat dry and moisturize with an all-natural moisturizer (shea butter, coconut oil, etc).

Honey Bath Method:

If you have psoriasis on multiple parts of your body – a honey bath should be considered. Here is how to go about it.

Read more: Raw Honey Syrup: A Healthier Sugar Alternative?

  • Step 1: Add two cups of unprocessed/raw honey into your bathtub filled with warm water.
  • Step 2: Stir the mixture until completely dissolved.
  • Step 3: Soak in the tub for at least twenty-five minutes making sure that every affected area is submerged underneath water.
  • Step 4: Rinse off afterwards using clean running water without soap; pat dry and apply an all-natural moisturizer.

Raw Honey Precautions

Even though raw honey has numerous health benefits, some people might experience allergic reactions to pollen particles found in pure/unpasteurized/organic varieties. Therefore, if you’re prone to seasonal allergies or are unsure – consult your doctor first before using it as a treatment option.

Additionally, never use raw honey on open wounds or burns as there’s risk of contamination by spores found in soil which can cause botulism poisoning when absorbed through dead skin cells.

Conclusion

Raw honey has been used topically for centuries due to its excellent wound-healing properties, antibacterial activity and anti-inflammatory effects – making it one remedy worth considering if you’re struggling with psoriasis symptoms. However always confirm its safety by consulting with a medical professional prior to usage especially if pregnant/prescribed medications/allergic/etcetera.

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