Q. A few months ago you wrote about turmeric being used for boils and also being studied for treating arthritis and cancer. This bit of information has changed my life.
I’ve suffered with psoriasis for 25 years, having it over nearly half of my body. I’ve seen many physicians and tried every medication and ultraviolet treatment. The cost has been enormous, matched only by the disappointment with the failures.
When I read that turmeric might have anti-inflammatory action, I wondered if it might help me. I immediately bought some and sprinkled a rounded teaspoonful on my cereal.
I continued the regimen daily and the results are unbelievable! After ten days, the awful itching and bleeding had ceased. My scalp, which had been heavily flaked and itchy, was returning to normal. The skin problems on my legs and thighs cleared up after 8 weeks.
Now, 5 months later, I have no psoriasis, just a few reddened areas where it was bad. I am grateful to you for the information that made a huge difference for me.
A. Turmeric, a spice in curry, is popular in India. In this country, yellow mustard often contains some turmeric.
We can’t explain why this herbal medicine helped your psoriasis. Curcumin, the active ingredient, has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Researchers are studying this compound in conditions as diverse as Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis and certain cancers.
