Cinnamon for Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that occurs on the elbows, scalp, groin, knees and lower back.

This is a chronic condition that can appear, disappear and reappear over the same areas.

Dead skin cell buildup causes psoriasis which manifests itself as reddish-pink raised silvery scales with red borders.

Other signs of psoriasis include oozing blisters, itchy skin, joint pain and thickened, discolored toenails or fingernails. This is not a contagious disease.

Causes could be obesity, emotional stress, streptococcal infection, sunburn, excess alcohol consumption, smoking, cold, dry air or certain drugs.

There are many treatment options available for patients with psoriasis-like topical lotions and creams, UV light therapy, change in diet, exercise and vitamin supplements.

NSAIDs are a popular treatment to reduce inflammation.

Some nutritional supplements which could help are fish oil and folic acid.

Herbs taken as teas, capsules or powders could also help.

Cinnamon for Psoriasis

Psoriasis is not life-threatening.

However, it can have a long term psychological impact on the sufferer since it affects one’s appearance.

Psoriasis arthritis can also be a painful condition. Psoriasis occurs when T-cells (white blood cells) become overactive.

These cells then invade the bloodstream in search of antigens. When T-cells encounter such pathogens, they release enzymes to combat them.

This triggers an immune system response telling the messenger proteins (cytokines) to increase production of skin cells.

This abnormal functioning of the immune system leads to an overproduction and reproduction of excess skin cells causes them to thicken and cause an aggregation of dead cells resulting in psoriasis lesions.

The main treatment aim for psoriasis is therefore to block the cytokines, preventing activation of T-cells. Most psoriasis medications work to inhibit T-cell functioning.

Cinnamon contains volatile oils cinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl alcohol, and cinnamyl acetate which offer anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antibacterial benefits.

One of the oils in cinnamon – eugenol – blocks the functioning of inflammatory cytokine NF-kappaB. The activation of NF-kappaB is linked to many inflammatory diseases which include arthritis, skin conditions, Alzheimer’s, atherosclerosis, etc.

Phytochemicals found in various spices have been found to block this inflammatory pathway.

In another study, it was found that eugenol could also inhibit 5-lipoxygenase enzyme in polymorphonuclear leukocytes of humans which are specialized white blood cells used by our immune system to fight infection.

This enzyme causes inflammatory disorders such as psoriasis.

Herbalists have suggested that cinnamon could also be an effective herbal treatment for psoriasis.

It is suggested that a person with psoriasis consume a tablespoon of raw apple cider vinegar with a dash of cinnamon and honey three times a day.

This could ease symptoms of psoriasis.

Cinnamon contains hydroxycinnamaldehyde that when used as a food or taken as a supplement could reduce inflammation caused by psoriasis.

Topical application of cinnamon and honey could help with wound healing and help with recovery from psoriasis lesions.

Cinnamon and honey took internally over antiviral and antibacterial benefits and strengthen blood corpuscles which protect the immune system.

Dosage

As with most herbal supplements, there is no real established dose of cinnamon.

Others recommend ½ tsp (2-4g) of cinnamon powder a day.

It is great to include cinnamon in your daily diet as a spice etc. This is one of the best ways to take it.

Precaution

Cinnamon taken in food amounts does not cause any side effects.

Patients taking blood-thinning or blood glucose lowering medications must be careful when using cinnamon. Cinnamon also has estrogenic and anti-estrogenic effects.

Hence, those with hormone-sensitive diseases like breast cancer must be careful when using cinnamon products.

Use of cinnamon toothpaste, cinnamon gum or mints could cause mouth sores, inflammation of the tongue, etc.