Four Spices That Fight Psoriasis Inflammation

I’ve been switching up my diet lately to try and combat a recent psoriasis flare-up on my hands. I have guttate psoriasis, and on my hands especially, new guttate spots are preceded by these wicked itchy bumps.

What spices are best for psoriasis?

People have used herbs and spices to treat skin conditions for centuries, and recent research has supported the idea that some herbal treatments may improve psoriasis symptoms.

In the way of spices, I hadn’t thought much about how my spice rack might help me beat inflammation, but why not? Here are four spices they say can turn your next meal into an inflammation-fighting weapon!

Turmeric

Let’s start with the most obvious. Turmeric is perhaps the best-known spice to help reduce inflammation in the body. The active ingredient is curcumin, which has been shown in a number of studies to be anti-inflammatory.

What are some of the best ways to increase turmeric in your life? Curry is the easiest way to sneak turmeric into your cooking, but turmeric lattes are also very popular. Turmeric may cause upset stomach in some, so if you've never used it before try to ease yourself in.

Ginger

I love fresh ginger, but powdered ginger will do in a pinch. The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger have been well studied and are likely attributed to its phytonutrients, like gingerol (which gives ginger its spiciness).

There’s even some evidence that the active ingredients and antioxidants may help fight cancer. Try grating some fresh ginger into your stir fry or curry, making a fresh ginger tea, or even making your own ginger candy.

Garlic

Vampires beware! Garlic, like ginger and turmeric, has anti-inflammatory properties that have been well studied. Be aware though, if you are following a low FODMAP diet then garlic should take a backseat.

What can you put garlic in? Basically everything. Soups, salad dressings, roasts, dips, they’re all fair game. My fave way to prepare garlic is to cut off the top, wrap it in foil, and roast it in the oven.

Cinnamon

We cap off the power four with cinnamon. A spice described as having “mystic powers” by one scientist who reviewed its benefits for his research paper. To date, studies have looked at not only the anti-inflammatory effect of cinnamon but also the potential anti-microbial and cancer-fighting properties.

The easiest way to incorporate cinnamon may seem to be in sweets but if you’re looking to avoid sugar that may not be super helpful. Luckily, cinnamon is a great ingredient for savory cooking too. It adds a super flavor to curries and chilis and pairs well with root vegetables (think butternut squash soup with cinnamon).

Learn what spices are best

On the flip side of spices that may help psoriasis, certain spices may cause irritation. Cayenne, paprika, and chili flakes are all nightshade vegetables, which many of us try to avoid.

While there is no cure for psoriasis, through treatments and natural remedies, spices can help people to manage their symptoms. Many herbs have the potential to reduce inflammation or slow down skin cell growth, which can help with psoriasis symptoms.

Thanks for reading, and let me know in the comments if there are any spices that improve or worsen your psoriasis symptoms.