Aug 20, 2010Aimee Larsen Stoddard

Flax Capsules May Reduce Psoriasis Symptoms – Aimee Larsen StoddardFlaxseed oil supplements, which are high in omega 3 fatty acids and have anti-inflammatory properties, have shown some benefits for treatment of psoriasis.

Psoriasis sufferers may benefit from the use of flaxseed, which contains omega 3 fatty acids, as a supplement. Psoriasis, an autoimmune skin disease marked by red and inflamed skin covered with scaly patches, is difficult to treat. Currently, no cure for the skin condition exists. Many people who have the disease find some relief from using alternative home remedies.

Flaxseed Properties and Medicinal Uses

Flaxseed comes from the flax plant, which is an annual herb. according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the flax plant probably originated in Egypt, and Egyptians used the seeds of the plant as medicine.

Flaxseed is made up of four basic components – fiber, oil, protein, and lignans. Flaxseed is high in soluble fiber and a gummy substance called mucilage. It is also rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential fatty acid, and lignans, which are antioxidants.

Flaxseed is thought to be good for a variety of ailments and diseases. the University of Maryland Medical Center says that the oil in flaxseed “appears to be beneficial for heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis, and a variety of other health problems.”

The National Institutes of Health’s National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine notes that flaxseed might be effective as a laxative, may lower cholesterol, may reduce cancer risk, and might reduce hot flashes in post-menopausal women. However, there has not been enough research to conclusively confirm or deny these benefits.

The essential fatty acids in flaxseed has also shown promise in improving skin health and helping with skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis.

Flaxseed for Psoriasis

Psoriasis can be treated with prescription medications and home remedies. Many of the prescription drugs, including steroids and other topical medications, used to treat psoriasis have negative side effects, so some psoriasis sufferers look for alternative natural remedies.

To read about the use of natural aloe vera for psoriasis, see article Psoriasis and Aloe.

The omega 3 fatty acids in flaxseed appear to reduce inflammation associated with psoriasis. Flaxseed also “can act as an emollient, helping to seal moisture into the skin,” according to OrganizedWisdom.com. Psoriasis plaques are frequently dry and itchy, especially in the cold and dry winter months, so extra moisture is helpful.

Flaxseed’s use as a treatment of psoriasis has not been extensively studied, though it does show promise. Currently the most compelling evidence for its effectiveness at lessening the symptoms of the disease comes from people who have psoriasis.

There is a section on the National Psoriasis Foundation’s website that is devoted to tips from psoriasis sufferers themselves. several members of the website describe how flaxseed has helped them manage their condition.

One member of the site writes, “I tried everything from creams and lotions, to salt baths and everything in between. I read about a mother who gave her 11-year-old daughter flaxseed oil – within two months the girl was completely clear. I have been taking the flax oil for a month and approximately half of my body is clear now with the other half not producing plaques. I wish I had been told of this years ago.”

To read about the section of the National Psoriasis Foundation’s site called “It Works for me,” see article Personal Psoriasis Treatment Tips.

Flaxseed Oil and Psoriasis

Unfortunately, there is still no cure for psoriasis, so people who suffer from the skin condition must do what they can to manage their dry, scaly, itchy, and inflamed patches of skin.

Flaxseed has shown some benefits for psoriasis sufferers. the omega 3 fatty acids in flax seem to help reduce inflammation and dryness associated with the skin disease. more research is needed to confirm the benefits of flaxseed for psoriasis.

People who choose to use a flaxseed oil supplement should let their doctor know because the supplement can interfere with the absorption of some medications.

Readers might also be interested in reading about model CariDee English’s struggle with psoriasis.

Sources:

BodyBuildingForYou.com, “Flax Seed Oil – Benefit of Flax Seed Oil Supplements” (August 20, 2010).

HealthCentral.com, “Banish Psoriasis with Flaxseed Oil” (August 20, 2010).

nccam.nih.gov, “Flaxseed and Flaxseed Oil” (August 20, 2010).

OrganizedWisdom.com, “Psoriasis and Flax Seed Oil” (August 20, 2010).

UMM.edu, "Flaxseed" (August 20, 2010).

• Flax Capsules May Reduce Psoriasis Symptoms – Aimee Larsen Stoddard