Ayurvedic medicine is being used as an anecdotal solution for its potential role in managing Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW), but there is minimal evidence of its efficacy. Ayurvedic medicine is one of the oldest and most complete medical systems in the world. It originated in India more than 3,000 years ago and is based on the belief that good health and wellness depend on a balanced mind, body, and spirit. TSW is a complex illness and more research is required around the efficacy of Ayurvedic medicine.
Topical steroid withdrawal is a complex health phenomena that can be described as a series of symptoms associated with the gradual or abrupt cessation of topical corticosteroid use. Symptoms of TSW can include red, itchy, and inflamed skin, as well as fatigue, anxiety, and depression. There is no known cure for TSW, but throughout Facebook groups and online communities, some people are suggesting that Ayurvedic medicine can help to relieve the symptoms. Please keep reading before you attempt to use Ayurvedic medicine to assist with Topical Steroid Withdrawal.
Ayurvedic medicine for Eczema and Psoriasis
Eczema and Psoriasis are the most common underlying skin conditions of people with Topical Steroid Withdrawal. Although it is difficult to separate the symptoms of TSW from Eczema and Psoriasis, communities online are suggesting the use of Ayurvedic medicine to potentially improve their symptoms.
What is Ayurvedic medicine?
Ayurveda, the ancient Indian medical system, is based on prehistoric literature that emphasizes a “natural” and an all-encompassing approach to physical and mental health. Ayurveda is Sanskrit for “the science of life.”
The foundation of Ayurvedic medicine is the idea that wholeness and good health depend on a harmony of the mind, body, and spirit. Ayurveda practitioners use diet, exercise, and herbal remedies to cleanse the body and balance the mind.
According to the practice of Ayurveda, each person is thought to have three energies, or doshas. These three doshas are called vata, pitta, and kapha. Each dosha is in charge of particular body processes. Your doshas must be balanced, according to Ayurvedic medicine, to sustain good health.
Ayurvedic medicine is still widely practiced in India and is gradually gaining popularity in the West. In the United States, Ayurvedic medicine is considered a form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).
What are the benefits of Ayurvedic medicine for eczema?
Ayurvedic medicine has been used to treat a variety of skin conditions for centuries. It is only recently, however, that eczema has begun to gain recognition as a condition that may be treated with this ancient form of medicine.
There are a number of different Ayurvedic treatments for eczema, but the most common is the use of herbs. Herbal remedies can be taken orally or applied topically to the affected area. Some of the most commonly used herbs for eczema include:
- Turmeric: This spice is commonly used in Indian cuisine, but it also has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine. Turmeric is thought to be effective in treating eczema because of its anti-inflammatory properties
- Neem: Neem is a tree that is native to India. The leaves of the neem tree have been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Neem is thought to be effective in treating eczema because it helps to reduce inflammation and soothe the skin.
- Bitter gourd: Bitter gourd is a vegetable that is commonly used in Indian cuisine. It is also known as karela in Hindi. Bitter gourd is thought to be effective in treating eczema because it helps to reduce inflammation and itchiness.
Ayurvedic medicine is not just limited to the use of herbs. Other common Ayurvedic treatments for eczema include:
- Dietary changes: Ayurvedic medicine often recommends making dietary changes in order to treat eczema. These changes may include avoiding foods that are known to trigger eczema flare-ups, such as dairy, wheat, and eggs.
- Stress reduction: Stress is thought to be a major trigger for eczema flare-ups. As such, Ayurvedic medicine often recommends stress-reducing techniques, such as yoga and meditation, in order to treat eczema.
- Massage: Massage is another common Ayurvedic treatment for eczema. Massage is thought to be beneficial because it helps to promote circulation and reduce stress.
There is a growing body of evidence that suggests that Ayurvedic medicine may be an effective treatment for eczema. If you are interested in trying Ayurvedic medicine, it is important to speak with a qualified practitioner.
Can Ayurvedic medicine help with psoriasis?
Ayurvedic medicine aims to restore balance and prevent disease by using a variety of techniques, including dietary changes, massages, and herbal remedies. Some people with psoriasis find that these approaches help relieve their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Dietary changes are a key component of Ayurvedic medicine. Ayurvedic practitioners believe that certain foods can trigger or aggravate psoriasis. They recommend avoiding these foods and eating more of others that they believe will help heal the skin.
There is some scientific evidence to support the idea that diet can affect psoriasis. For example, a study published in 2017 discovered that 36% of people suffering with psoriasis adhered to a gluten-free diet to relieve their symptoms. 53% of those who avoided gluten said their symptoms significantly improved after doing so.
Herbal remedies are another key component of Ayurvedic medicine. There are a number of herbs that Ayurvedic practitioners believe can help treat psoriasis. Some of these herbs include:
- Boswellia: Also known as Indian frankincense, boswellia is a tree resin that has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Guggul: This herb is derived from the sap of the commiphora mukul tree. It’s been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to treat a variety of conditions, including psoriasis.
- Turmeric: This yellow spice is a popular ingredient in Indian cuisine. It contains curcumin, a compound with powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
- Neem: This herb is derived from the Azadirachta indica tree. It’s been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to treat a variety of skin conditions.
- Also, there was a study published in 2014 explaining that a cream containing Boswellia serrata extract was effective in reducing psoriasis symptoms.
However, there is still not enough scientific evidence to support the use of Ayurvedic medicine alone for the treatment of psoriasis. If you are considering trying Ayurvedic medicine for psoriasis, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional first. This is because some Ayurvedic remedies can interact with other medications you may be taking.
How to get treated using Ayurvedic medicine?
If one is interested in exploring Ayurvedic medicine for treatment of health conditions, a visit to an Ayurvedic practitioner is required.
Ayurveda is regarded as a form of medical care in India, along with conventional Western medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, naturopathic medicine, and homeopathy. Ayurveda practitioners in India get institutionalized, state-recognized training. There is no national standard for Ayurvedic training or certification, and Ayurvedic practitioners are not currently permitted to practice in the United States. Ayurvedic schools have, however, been given the go-ahead in several states to operate as educational institutions.
Does Ayurvedic medicine help with Topical Steroid Withdrawal?
Ayurvedic medicine has not been specifically studied or proven to assist in people with topical steroid withdrawal (TSW). Although anecdotally, some people suggest it may help with TSW, we are collecting information to understand if there is a trend of success with Ayurvedic medicine.
Topical Steroid Withdrawal is a highly complex health condition caused by an adverse reaction to the cessation of prescribed steroid creams. Because TSW is an iatrogenic illness, currently there is no known cure, standardized medical treatment, or support for sufferers. Many people suffering with Topical Steroid Withdrawal are turning to online groups and Facebook forums to try an array of products, therapies and solutions to manage their inflammation of their skin during this withdrawal period from topical steroids. The challenge we are seeing is that there is no tracking of the efficacy of Ayurvedic medicine and other anecdotal solutions.
At TSW Assist, we are aiming to discover the collective efficacy of anecdotal recommendations from the TSW community. We hope to identify trending solutions that may be helpful in assisting with the symptoms experienced during topical steroid withdrawal.
Learn more about the crowd-sourced solutions and treatments for topical steroid withdrawal that are trending as helpful.
More research is required to understand the benefits of Ayurvedic medicine for TSW
If you are considering using Ayurvedic medicine for Topical Steroid Withdrawal, it is important to understand that more research is needed to understand its efficacy. Although some people may have success with Ayurvedic medicine in treating their eczema or psoriasis, further clinical studies are required for TSW.
Through the TSW Assist website, we hope to share crowd-sourced information on the efficacy or inefficacy of Ayurvedic medicine in helping TSW, as well as other solutions that may help.
