If you or someone you know suffers from psoriasis, you might find relief in this Q&A...

The Q comes from an HSI member named Carolyn: "Is there something natural you can recommend for psoriasis? I am 68 years old and have never had it until this year. I am trying several natural things now, but not seeing a whole lot of improvement."

 And the A is from Angus: "I tried the usual psoriasis remedies from the MDs and had no success. Three months ago I started getting psoriasis on my legs, up until then it had remained on my scalp.

"Something in the back of my mind (I read all your emails and monthly newsletters) said to me that when the liver can't clean the blood properly the results can show up on the skin.

"So I got out a bottle of liquid milk thistle and started taking two tablespoons a day. One in the morning and one in the late evening.

"The result is--drum roll please--the psoriasis on my legs has cleared up and gone away, and my scalp is almost completely cleared up (this has been confirmed by my barber). I expect within a couple of months I will be psoriasis free for the first time in about 15 years.

"Hope this info can help others."

I'm sure that info WILL help others. After all, milk thistle supports liver health, and poor liver function is one of the triggers that sets off psoriasis.

But if milk thistle doesn't bring relief, there are other ways that probably will.

Hard working herb

As I've mentioned before, some psoriasis patients reduce symptoms with moderate daily sun exposure, which increases vitamin D levels. Essential fatty acids in fish oil and flax seed are also beneficial for many patients.

Years ago, in an HSI Members Alert, we told you about an extract of mahonia aquifolium (also known as the Oregon grape) which has been proven to be effective in treating psoriasis.

That Members Alert article featured a 12-week study that tested mahonia aquifolium on more than 400 patients with chronic psoriasis. Symptoms improved or completely disappeared in more than 80 percent of the patients.

There are a number of products based on mahonia aquifolium, marketed under the brand name of M-Folia. These products include ointment and cream preparations, shampoo, sunscreen, and bath oil, which can provide relief from eczema as well as psoriasis.