CBD for Psoriasis: Can CBD Help Curb Your Symptoms?

CBD has risen to fame in recent years, especially with the windfall of new research to support its therapeutic potential. Unlike its psychoactive cousin THC, CBD does not produce the intoxicating effects typically associated with marijuana. Many people around the globe use CBD for a variety of conditions such as pain, anxiety, and insomnia, but can CBD be used as an effective treatment for psoriasis symptoms?

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a skin disorder that causes skin cells to multiply faster than normal, leading to a buildup of cells on the surface of the skin. This results in bumpy dry red patches covered with itchy white or silvery scales. The rash can grow anywhere on the body, but is most prevalent on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back.

Psoriasis is thought to be an auto-immune system deficiency, where the immune system causes too many skin cells to develop, which then builds up on the surface before they are mature. Furthermore, the National Psoriasis Foundation says that up to 30 percent of people with psoriasis can develop psoriatic arthritis, which leads to stiff and inflamed joints.

Conventional Treatments for Psoriasis

There is currently no cure for psoriasis, but the right treatment can help people manage their symptoms and quality of life. Treatment for psoriasis typically aims to remove scales and stop skin cells from growing so quickly.

Triggers for psoriasis flare-ups can include infections, stress, and cold temperatures. Therefore, alleviating the symptoms of psoriasis can sometimes be promoted on our own with a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle, moderate exposure to the sun, as well as minimizing stress as much as possible.

Taking special care of the skin is also a method to reduce outbreaks. Using gentle soaps and lotions and occasional oil baths can be beneficial. Regular application of natural topical products such as butters and oils that support skin renewal and restoration can greatly help psoriasis sufferers.

For more serious cases, medical intervention may be necessary. Many dermatologists will prescribe corticosteroids, which are very powerful anti-inflammatory drugs, but long-term use can unfortunately cause very serious negative effects in the skin and body.

What is CBD?

CBD stands for cannabidiol.  CBD is a natural plant-based compound found in the cannabis plant. CBD is only one of 100+ cannabinoids found in cannabis that all offer their individual benefits. When consumed together, CBD and other minor cannabinoids can be a powerhouse treatment for various health conditions.

CBD oil interacts with our endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is comprised of a series of cannabinoid receptors throughout our bodies that produce their own cannabinoids which help regulate many of the functions that retain our physical and mental well-being.

CBD oil helps our ECS promote homeostasis and brings balance between bodily functions by reducing inflammation, regulating pain, and promoting a more relaxed demeanor. The ECS also plays a fundamental role in maintaining the health of the skin.

What is a CBD Salve?

Herbal salves have been around for thousands of years. A salve is essentially an ointment, cream, or balm that you apply to your skin for its healing properties.

Salves are extremely versatile and multi-purpose products especially beneficial for the treatment of easing symptoms such as rashes, dry patches, scrapes, wounds and other minor skin mishaps.

Salves are made with a combination of waxes and oils to produce a semi-solid consistency. Salves do not contain any liquid, so they tend to remain thick and stable, and do not need to be refrigerated.

Coconut oil is a popular base for salves as it contains saturated fats that help keep the skin moist. Beeswax or other waxes are commonly used to bind salves together and give it a more solid consistency. The more wax that is added, the stiffer the salve, which is good for products such as deodorants or lip balms.

Many salves are infused with various herbs, essential oils, and plant-based medicinals to enhance their healing properties. For example, Tessera Naturals CBD salve includes Lavender, which helps promote relaxation, and is also great for healing burns, bites, rashes, as well as relieving muscle and joint pain.

What the Research Says on Using CBD for Psoriasis 

CBD research is still in its infancy, but there has been an increasing amount of studies recently on the effects of CBD for skin conditions such as psoriasis, dermatitis, and eczema. The exact nature of how CBD works to help treat psoriasis remains unknown, but the results are showing promise.

A 2007 study by Nottingham University found that cannabinoids are anti-inflammatory and have inhibitory effects on the proliferation of a number of tumorigenic cell lines and that cannabinoids inhibit keratinocyte proliferation, which therefore supports a potential role for cannabinoids in the treatment of psoriasis.

A study in 2009 from the  University of South Carolina found that some cannabinoids found in cannabis may help regulate the immune system and reduce inflammation, which is the main cause of psoriasis outbreaks.

More recently in 2019, researchers in Italy showed that applying topical CBD-enriched ointment on psoriatic skin did help to reduce psoriasis symptoms.

While CBD has not been proven to cure psoriasis, it can be used as a natural treatment or as a complement to other therapies for easing psoriasis symptoms. If you do decide to give CBD a try for psoriasis, we advise choosing a test site and check for irritation or allergic reactions before applying to larger areas of the body.

More research is definitely needed to study the effects of CBD for psoriasis, so we advise speaking with your dermatologist before altering any treatment course you’re currently on.

Most importantly, psoriasis sufferers should only purchase products from reputable brands and sellers. Always ask for a certificate of analysis (COA), which confirms the potency of cannabinoids in the product as well as ensuring there are no harsh chemicals or other contaminants.

Tessera Naturals is a leader in the CBD industry and has always focused on improving the health and wellness of our customers.  We pride ourselves on our strict manufacturing processes and will always strive for excellence in everything we do.

All Tessera Naturals products are THC free and 3rd party tested for potency and safety.  We stand by our products 100% and offer a 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied for any reason.

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Takeaways

• Psoriasis can be a debilitating skin condition that could severely impact quality of life.
• Conventional medical treatments for psoriasis often carry serious adverse side effects.
• Natural treatments for psoriasis include a balanced diet, overall healthy lifestyle and natural skin products such as butters and oils.
• CBD has shown promise for relieving pain and inflammation and regulating the immune system function, which could provide benefits for psoriasis patients.
• CBD will not cure psoriasis, but may be beneficial as a complementary all-natural treatment.
• As with any new treatment, people considering CBD for psoriasis should consult with their doctor.