Turmeric helps clear up psoriasis

January 17, 2008 at 12:00a.m.

Q. My stepdad has had a horrible case of psoriasis for more than 10 years. The rash was all over his body, was caked on his scalp and itched constantly.

The dermatologist he saw prescribed Dovonex, Capex and clobetasol. He has used these off and on since about 2001, but they provided minimal relief.

Mom found a suggestion in your book (“Best Choices From The People’s Pharmacy”) that turmeric might help psoriasis. We went to the local food co-op and picked it up in pill form. Within a week, his scalp was halfway clear, and now, three weeks later, it is just a tiny bit flaky with no itching.

This has been life-changing for him. Nothing ever cleared up his psoriasis like the turmeric has. He had discontinued using Dovonex and wants to drop the Capex and clobetasol next. All of these medications are very expensive, especially in comparison with turmeric.

A. Turmeric is the yellow spice in curry powder. It has been used in traditional ayurvedic medicine in India for thousands of years.

Basic research suggests a number of reasons why curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, would have a beneficial effect in psoriasis (Biochemical Pharmacology online, Aug. 19, 2007). We hope to see a double-blind study of the benefits of curcumin some day.

Q. I found a home remedy on your Web site and prepared it for my husband. He doesn’t have arthritis yet, but is in his early 40s and has had surgery on both knees, which cause him almost constant pain.

Two weeks ago, he began eating gin-soaked raisins. A few days ago, I asked him about his knees. He got a thoughtful look on his face and then it lit up! He said, “Honey, I haven’t had any pain for a few days now, but until you asked me, I didn’t realize why I’ve been feeling such a sense of relief!”

This remedy cost me less than $10, and he has stopped taking his prescription ibuprofen. I say, “Give it a try ... what can it hurt?”

A. Through the years, hundreds of people have written to us about their success with gin-soaked raisins for arthritis pain. This home remedy does not work for everyone, but as you point out, it is cheap and offers little risk. Only alcoholics and people allergic to sulfite preservatives should avoid it.

We include the complete recipe for this popular approach in our Guide to Home Remedies, which also mentions other simple solutions for problems ranging from warts and smelly feet to heartburn and hiccups.

X In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of The Vindicator or e-mail them via their Web site: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.