Unani medicine, rooted in Greco-Arabic traditions, offers alternative approaches to managing psoriasis symptoms such as skin irritation, scaling, and redness. Several studies have explored the efficacy of Unani treatments for chronic plaque psoriasis:
Majoon Ushba and Roghane Hindi: A randomized single-blind, placebo-controlled study assessed these Unani formulations. Patients receiving the treatments showed a significant reduction in the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores compared to the placebo group, with no adverse side effects reported. PUBMED.NCBI.NLM.NIH.GOV UNIM-401 and UNIM-403: In a non-inferiority randomized controlled trial, these Unani formulations were compared to psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA) sol therapy. The study found that the Unani treatments were as effective as PUVA sol in achieving a 75% reduction in PASI scores over 12 weeks. Additionally, the Unani group experienced fewer side effects. PMC.NCBI.NLM.NIH.GOV Itrīfal Shāhtra and Marham Ḥina: An open-label randomized control trial evaluated these Unani formulations against standard therapies like PUVAsol and petrolatum. The Unani treatments demonstrated superior efficacy in reducing PASI scores and were well-tolerated by patients.
Hey there, dealing with psoriasis can be super challenging, I totally get the need to explore different options. So, about Unani treatments, they do have a unique approach compared to Ayurveda or Western methods. Unani focuses on balancing the body’s humors to restore health, using a mix of herbal remedies, dietary guidelines, and lifestyle modifications. It’s kinda like Ayurveda but with its own twist on principles and practices.
Unani remedies often involve herbs like aloe vera, neem, and licorice root, which can be soothing for the skin, helping to reduce inflammation and redness. They believe in cooling agents to calm the body’s excess heat, which, in their view, often aggravates psoriasis. Aloe vera gel, for instance, might be applied directly to skin for its anti-inflammatory properties. I mean, who doesn’t love some natural aloe?
Now, how it differs – while Ayurveda digs deep into dosha imbalances, Unani is more about the four humors (blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile), aiming to balance those through natural interventions. And compared to conventional treatments, Unani has less emphasis on suppressive medications, focusing more on holistic, body-wide healing.
Patients using Unani might start seeing some relief over weeks; consistency is key 'cause it’s more of a gradual approach. Feedback from some folks suggests fewer side effects, but everyone’s experience is different. I would say always consult a trained Unani practitioner 'cause they can tailor the treatment to your specific situation. Diet and lifestyle changes are usually part of the package, which can also contribute significantly to long-term improvement.
So, while it’s not a quick fix, Unani medicine can be quite effective in the long term if you’re looking for a more gentle, natural alternative.
