Living with psoriasis can be exhausting—not just physically, but emotionally too. The persistent itching, scaling, and discomfort have a way of intruding on everything from clothing choices to social plans. And while prescription creams and pharmaceuticals are often the go-to, many people with psoriasis find themselves searching for something gentler, something more in tune with the body. That’s where natural remedies come in. These approaches don’t replace medical treatment but instead offer a calming layer of support—working with the body instead of against it.
Here’s a look at some of the most promising natural ways to soothe psoriasis and why a more holistic path can feel a whole lot more manageable.
Stress Management Isn’t Optional—It’s Foundational
Stress doesn’t just weigh on the mind. It shows up everywhere, and for many people, it’s one of the biggest psoriasis triggers. Whether it’s a demanding job, a major life change, or just the regular overload of modern life, stress acts like lighter fluid on inflammatory skin conditions. The flare-ups that follow are more than frustrating—they can be physically painful and emotionally draining.
So what actually helps? Regular movement that feels good—like walking in the woods, swimming in a saltwater pool, or doing gentle yoga—can bring noticeable relief. Deep breathing and meditation may seem like throwaway advice, but there’s real science behind them. Even a few minutes a day can dial down the body’s stress response and reduce inflammation. Time spent outside, especially in the sun, provides not only vitamin D but a powerful sense of grounding. Nature has a calming effect that’s hard to replicate.
Sleep, though often overlooked, is another major piece. People with psoriasis often experience disrupted sleep because of itching or discomfort. But creating a consistent bedtime routine, minimizing screen time, and experimenting with herbal teas or magnesium-rich foods can help the body fall into deeper, more restful sleep cycles. Over time, this kind of consistent stress reduction may lower flare-up frequency.
Anti-Inflammatory Foods Can Shift the Skin’s Story
Nutrition won’t cure psoriasis, but it absolutely influences how often and how intensely flare-ups happen. What we eat either fans the flames of inflammation or gently douses them. Many people with psoriasis report positive changes after switching to an anti-inflammatory diet—rich in whole, unprocessed foods and free of common irritants.
Leafy greens, colorful vegetables, omega-3-rich fish, and seeds like flax and chia are all excellent additions. They don’t just help the skin; they support the entire immune system. Fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, and non-dairy yogurt can also be powerful, as they support the gut microbiome, which in turn influences inflammation levels in the body.
It’s also worth paying attention to personal triggers. Some people notice issues after eating gluten, dairy, or nightshades like tomatoes and peppers. Keeping a food journal for a few weeks can help identify any patterns between meals and symptoms.
For those looking to deepen their healing process through nutrition, naturopathic consultations in San Diego can offer individualized insight. These consults often include food sensitivity testing, supplement support, and personalized meal planning, all of which can help calm inflammation from the inside out.
Natural Topicals Help—When They're the Right Ones
It’s easy to get lost in a sea of over-the-counter creams and oils that promise to fix everything. But skin with psoriasis is often sensitive, and less is usually more. Natural topicals with calming ingredients like aloe vera, calendula, chamomile, and oat extract can make a big difference—especially when used consistently and without irritating additives.
Moisture is key. Applying a rich natural moisturizer right after a shower, when the skin is still damp, helps seal in hydration. Colloidal oatmeal baths can also be comforting and reduce itchiness without drying out the skin. Dead Sea salt soaks, when done occasionally, may help slough off scales gently without irritating raw patches.
Some people also find gentle relief from apple cider vinegar compresses—especially on the scalp—or by dabbing diluted tea tree oil onto small patches. These are not cure-alls, but when integrated thoughtfully, they can make day-to-day life with psoriasis a lot more comfortable.
Working with naturopathic doctors in San Diego can help guide which topical treatments might be worth exploring further. These professionals understand the balance between internal healing and external support, and they can steer patients toward options that are gentle, effective, and suited to individual skin types.
IV Therapy Offers a Whole-Body Boost
Psoriasis doesn’t just happen on the skin. It’s a systemic condition, which means the entire body is involved—especially the immune system. And sometimes, healing from the inside requires support that goes beyond oral supplements or diet. That’s where IV therapy in San Diego comes into the conversation.
IV therapy allows high doses of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to enter the bloodstream directly. This means they bypass the digestive system and get to work more efficiently, especially in people with nutrient absorption issues. For those with psoriasis, blends might include vitamin C, zinc, glutathione, and B vitamins—each known to play a role in immune health and skin repair.
Many people who try IV therapy report improvements in energy, sleep, and skin quality. It’s not an overnight fix, but as part of a holistic care plan, it can add an extra layer of support that makes everything else more effective.
Clinics like Avena Natural Health offer a comfortable and nurturing setting for this kind of care. Their approach is thoughtful, never one-size-fits-all, and designed to meet people where they’re at in their healing journey. Combining IV therapy with naturopathic guidance can be a powerful way to ease the body out of its flare-up state and into something calmer.
The Body Knows How to Heal—It Just Needs the Right Support
Psoriasis isn’t always predictable. It can come and go without warning, shifting in intensity with the seasons, stress levels, or even after a minor cold. But there’s comfort in knowing there are natural approaches that don’t overwhelm the body, don’t come with a list of scary side effects, and don’t feel like a compromise.
Whether it’s changing how you eat, focusing on rest, trying gentle topical treatments, or exploring naturopathic consultations in San Diego, these small steps add up. They give the body a chance to come back into balance. They support rather than suppress.
And at the center of it all, Avena Natural Health offers the kind of care that respects both science and nature. For those who want to feel heard and supported, for those who want to explore options beyond medication but with real results in mind, the right blend of natural care can make a world of difference.
A skin condition may be what brings someone in—but the goal is always deeper wellness, and that’s something worth working toward.
Media Credit: All photos licensed from Adobe.
Dr. Laura Kostrzewski, a San Diego native, completed her undergraduate degree at California Polytechnic State University, earning a BS in animal science with minors in Spanish and Psychology. She then earned her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and taught fifth grade in the central coast of California for two years. After being extremely involved in her grandfather’s journey with Parkinson’s disease and end-of-life care, Dr. Kostrzewski decided to move back to San Diego and enroll at Bastyr University California. Dr. Kostrzewski received her doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University California in June of 2019, and then went on to complete her residency at Bastyr. Before AVENA Wellness, DR. K started her own private practice, focusing on management of neurodegenerative conditions, and continued teaching at Bastyr as adjunct faculty, until founding Avena Health.