10 Best Essential Oils for Psoriasis (and How to Use Them)

There is no known cure for psoriasis. Those who suffer from the skin condition typically look to medications and creams to ease symptoms. Treatment can be costly and time-consuming. Thankfully, there are essential oils for psoriasis that can help reduce symptoms.

Using essential oils for psoriasis is a choice to those suffering with the condition. Essential oils can help ease symptoms brought on by psoriasis. Further, they can prevent complications caused by the condition.

The following oils are all options recommended by Connie and Alan Higley in their Quick Reference Guide for Using Essential Oils.

Use the oils:

• Topically, as an ointment combined with carrier oil
• In a DIY recipe to make a bulk cream at home
• In a diffuser to help with depression and stress brought on by the condition

What Causes Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is an auto-immune disease caused by genetic factors. Symptoms include red, scaly patches of skin. The skin condition most commonly appears on the elbows, knees, scalp, back, face, palms and feet of the body. It can take many different forms and may be quite severe.

The life of a skin cell is typically 2-3 weeks and changes with age. Skin regeneration is much quicker in infants and slows down with age ¹.

In psoriasis, the life cycle of your skin cells greatly accelerates. The cells multiply up to 10 times faster that those of normal skin. This leads to a buildup of old skin cells resulting in red, itchy, scaly patches of skin ².

Top 10 Best Essential Oils for Psoriasis

Many oils for psoriasis have a variety of properties. Each essential oil has its own unique constitution and that gives you options. There are many different types of psoriasis and associated conditions, too. Understanding the properties of the oils can help you make an informed decision on how each oil can help you with your own unique needs. Let’s explore the options by looking at why these are great essential oils to use for psoriasis:

1. Helichrysum

Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum) is an European herb native to France, Italy, and a few neighboring countries. It’s has wonderful anti-inflammatory properties that are popular in skin care of all kinds. Due to its more scarce availability, it is a bit more costly. But unlike other essential oils which have a short shelf life, you can store this oil can for a very long time.

Key health benefits of this essential oil for psoriasis include:

• Relieves inflammation
• Heals scars
• Inhibits microbial growth
• Can heal wounds and skin irregularities
• Maintains cell health
• Prevents fungal infections

2. Thyme

Thyme essential oil (Thymus Vulgaris) is a strong antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, plus a natural pain reliever. A Japanese study found that thyme oil may help to stop the body’s pain producing response to inflammation ³.

Key health benefits of this essential oil for psoriasis include:

• Reducing inflammation
• Kills germs in open lesions on the skin

3. Bergamot 

Bergamot (Citrus Bergamia) is one of my favorite essential oils. It comes from the skin of the Citrus Bergamia fruit, which is an orange-like fruit. The essential oil has a pleasant odor, making it great for use in a diffuser or diffuser blend. Bergamot works great as part of a psoriasis bulk cream recipe, or to add to a bath. This oil can soften and soothe the skin. Bergamot oil supports healing of scars and acne marks. Emotionally, it reduces pain and anxiety, depression and stress.

Key benefits of this essential oil for psoriasis include:

• Alleviating stress and depression caused by fare-ups
• Treatment of scarring on the skin from lesions

4. Cedarwood Atlas

Cedarwood Atlas essential oil (Cedrus atlantica) is another one of my favorite essential oils. In a diffuser, the negative ions in this oil help to bring balance to your home on a hot day. It is great for skin and hair, and smells amazing. Apart from its rich smell, Cedarwood has an impressive variety of health benefits. It has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and anti-fungal properties. You can use it to repel bugs, reduce skin irritations, or as a sedative and antispasmodic.

Key benefits of this essential oil for psoriasis include:

• Treatment of scarring on the skin from lesions
• Reduces inflammation on the skin and under the skin
• Kills bacteria and fungus
• Prevents organisms from being attracted to an area
• Alleviates depression and anxiety symptoms brought on by flare-ups

5. Lavender

One of the most versatile of all the essential oils, lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia) is on the list as an essential oil for psoriasis. Keep this one in the front of your medicine cabinet. Lavender essential oil smells good – it alleviates stress and anxiety almost instantly. Not only is great for your mental health, it is amazing on your skin. It has anti-flammatory, antifungal, antidepressant and detoxifying properties. It is easy to use due to its gentle, non-abrasive smell and constitution.

Health benefits for using lavender essential oil for psoriasis include:

• Reduces inflammation caused by the skin condition
• Reduces inflammation under the skin
• Can alleviate fever symptoms caused by flare ups
• Aids anxiety and depression that can be caused by flare ups
• Cleans lesions and alleviates itch and pain

6. Tea Tree

Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) is a powerful antiseptic. It is used in many natural household cleaners. It has a strong odor but is an effective cleanser and promotes healthy immune function. Since psoriasis is an auto-immune disease, tea tree essential oil is great for it as it can reduce flare ups from happening in the first place. It also pairs well with other essential oils to make effective recipes for psoriasis. It’s included in a few recipes below.

Health benefits for using tea tree oil for psoriasis include:

• Cleanses and rejuvenates skin
• Promotes healthy immune function
• Great as a cleaner for your home

7. Patchouli

Patchouli essential oil (Pogostemon cablin) is a nourishing and restoring essential oil. It is an excellent treatment for psoriasis to get those flare-ups in check! The oil encourages any inflamed or irritated areas of the skin to calm down. Patchouli is especially effective on aging or blemished skin, and can help with the elimination of redness and swelling. Since it is a heavier oil, it works well for topical applications such as a body butter or moisturizing oil.

Using patchouli essential oil for psoriasis works because:

• Reduces inflammation on the skin
• Prevents infection
• Aids skin cell regeneration
• Great as a cleaner for your home

8. Roman Chamomile

Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile or Anthemis nobilis) is one of the most assuring, calming essential oils. When used for skin care, it brings those properties with it. But Roman Chamomile is also used for grounding and calming the nervous system. If your Psoriasis is triggered by stress, include Roman Chamomile in your topical skin care or diffuser blend. You can support both your skin, and your nervous system, together. It’s also a good oil to use if you have sensitive skin, as it does not irritate. Please make sure to pick the right kind of Chamomile as therre are many Chamomile’s available. Look for a match in the latin name.

Key benefits of using Roman Chamomile for psoriasis include:

• Helps fight stress and anxiety that may be a trigger to your psoriasis condition
• Aids in creating a feeling of relaxation and being uplifted
• Soothes skin irritations
• Calms inflammation

9. Juniper Berry

Juniper Berry (Juniperus communis) grows in mountainous regions and has a fresh, spicy and herbal note. It is a beautiful oil to use for skin-related problems such as acne, oily skin, eczema or psoriasis.

As part of the pine family, Juniper Berry essential oil contains Terpineol, terpinene and pinene. These chemical constituents in the essential oil are the reason why it can be helpful in treating skin infections.

Key benefits of using Juniper Berry for psoriasis include:

• Works well for pain relief
• Uplifting nature aids relieve emotional stress or nervous tension that may lead to psoriasis outbreaks
• Easy to add to lotions and creams

10. Rosemary

While you may think of Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) more as a spice used in cooking, it’s actually a great essential oil to use for healing and well-being! With its anti-inflammatory effects, it can help to reduce rashes and psoriasis patches. Its components stimulate the regeneration of damaged skin cells, thus helping to revitalize the areas of dead skin cells.

Key benefits of using Rosemary Essential Oil for psoriasis include:

• Contains anti-inflammatory rosmarinic acid
• Wound-healing effects
• Works great for scalp psoriasis as it also supports your hair follicles

DIY Essential Oil Recipes for Psoriasis

Tea Tree Ointment

Cover the affected area with a bit of coconut oil or another carrier oil. Add one to two drops of tea tree oil on the affected area directly.

Cedarwood Treatment

In a 10 ml glass bottle, combine 5 drops of Helichrysum essential oil with 10 drops of Cedarwood. Top up with jojoba carrier oil and apply 2-3 times daily to the affected area. Do not use in or around your eyes, eye lids, mouth or nose!

Psoriasis Cream

• Use an aluminum tin (like these ones here)
• Add 10 drops of your favorite essential oil for psoriasis to 2 teaspoons of coconut oil.
• Store in a cool, dry place.
• Use as a daily cream to prevent and treat flare ups.

Psoriasis Air Purifier

Add 7-10 drops of essential oils to your diffuser with water to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety because of flare ups.

Natural Product for Psoriasis Treatment

There are all-natural products ready-made for treating psoriasis symptoms.

The H-Psoriasis formula by Healing Natural Oils combines natural homeopathic ingredients with carrier oils and a proprietary essential oil blend for psoriasis. Topical application provides results from the itching and discomfort associated with psoriasis.
Learn more here.

Final Thoughts

You can treat psoriasis with essential oils in a cost-effective way. While some of the oils are a bit more pricey, they will last a long time when used correctly. To support yourself during your psoriasis healing journey, consider other factors, too. You’ll want to enjoy a healthy diet, reduce stress wherever possible, and take care of yourself to help alleviate symptoms.

Take Care!

References

¹ Average days for skin cell renewals: https://www.scoopcharlotte.com/2018/02/19/skin-renewal/
² Understanding Psoriasis Basics: https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/psoriasis/understanding-psoriasis-basics
³ Thyme essential oil for psoriasis: https://essentialoilexperts.com/essential-oils-for-psoriasis/