Vitiligo is an autoimmune skin disorder characterized by depigmentation and whitening of the skin. This happens when the immunity system of body gives rise to certain antibodies which kill the pigment producing melanin cells of skin.
When you know the right herbs, you can slow down the depigmentation of skin and also treat Vitiligo to a great extent. Mentioned below are the most efficient herbal remedies for Vitiligo.
9 Herbal Remedies For Vitiligo
St. John’s Wort
St. John’s wort is a common herb recommended by herbalists for treating Vitiligo. This herb acts by increasing the photo-sensitivity of your skin, triggering melanin production and thereby healing the depigmentation of skin gradually.
For treating Vitiligo, you can rub the alcohol tincture of St. John’s wort on the white patches of your skin. You can take this herb as a standardized supplement containing 0.2 percent hypericin, in a dose of 500 mg per day.
You can see considerable changes within four to six weeks. You can also drink one tsp of this herbal tea prepared with the flowers of St. John’s wort after your meals, three times a day.
Note that after taking this tea for 3 weeks, take one week break before continuing. You may even apply the herbal tea on your white patches. To strengthen this herbal tea, you can add other effective herbs like chamomile, oregano and calendula flowers in equal proportions.
Psoralea Corylifolia
Psoralea is an extremely useful herb because of its peculiar properties. It contains a natural compound called psoralen which was widely used against Vitiligo, as it facilitates and improves the reaction of your skin to sun exposure, thereby enhancing pigmentation of skin to heal white patches.
This herb is available as oil extract and cream which can be used for topical application and tablets and powder for ingestion. Dosage depends on the strength, height and weight of the patient.
To make this herb more effective, you can combine it with Ginger. Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory herb that stimulates blood circulation and supports your digestive system.
Soak some Psoralea seeds in ginger juice for 3 days. Dry them in shade and then grind to a fine powder. Take 1 g of this powder daily with a cup of fresh milk for about 2 months. This will slowly restore the natural color of your skin.
Psoralea use with Tamarind is also very beneficial in curing Vitiligo. Soak some seeds of Psoralea and tamarind in water for 4 days. Dry them in shade and then make a paste out of it.
Apply this paste on your white patches every day for a month. You will see dramatic improvement in your skin, but continue the usage beyond a month for consolidating the benefit.
Khella
Also called Ammi visnaga, Khella is another herb playing key role in Vitiligo treatment. Khellin is the active constituent of this herb that works in a manner very similar to psoralen, stimulating photo-sensitivity and helping re-pigmentation.
This herb not only stimulates the melanin producing cells, but also protects your skin from sunburn. Khela is available as a tincture that can be used internally or externally. It can also be brewed into a hot tea. Vitiligo patients should take 120-160 mg of khella in their food daily for 4 to 6 months in order to restore the natural color of their skin.
Gingko Biloba
Gingko is an excellent herb to halt the progress of Vitiligo and also re-pigment the skin. It is an immune system modulator and antioxidant having peculiar properties.
The active ingredients in this herb soothe and relieve the affects of many allergic and inflammatory processes. It is available in the form of tablets, capsules, liquid solutions and herbal teas.
Many people who have used this herb in a dose of 40 mg of the extract every day for 6 months have seen activation of their pigment cells. Note that oral intake of this herb is more effective when compared to topical application. Typical dosage of this herb is 40 mg, three times a day.
Mama Cadela
Mama cadela, generally called sweet cotton, is a useful plant for the herbal treatment of Vitiligo. This is a plant having dark green leaves and yellowish-orange fruit. This herb improves the blood circulation and cures related disorders.
For treating Vitiligo, make a concoction of the root of this herb using some water and apply this extract over the affected areas of your skin, 2 times a day.
You will notice changes within a week. Continue this application for at least 6 months, you will see the white patches of your skin disappearing gradually.
Green Tea
Drinking green tea regularly helps to reduce the auto immune response that causes Vitiligo in some patients. Laboratory tests show that regular intake of green tea can cause repigmentation in 70 % of the affected skin. Green tea is an antioxidant that has many other benefits for your skin and overall health.
Turmeric And Mustard Oil
Turmeric is an anti-septic and anti-inflammatory herb that is good for your skin. It is also a very good immune booster helpful in healing wounds and bacterial infections.
Mustard oil on the other hand is an anti-bacterial oil that is also used for detoxification. Mustard oil when used for body massage daily provides strength to your immune system. The combination of both these herbs is an excellent remedy for Vitiligo.
Take five teaspoons of turmeric paste and add it to 250 ml of mustard oil, apply this paste on your white patches at least twice daily. This will reduce your white patches gradually.
Basil Leaves And Lime Juice
Basil leaves are the common kitchen ingredients having anti-viral and anti-aging properties. Lime juice on the other hand is a very useful herb to cure stress and Vitiligo.
Extract of basil leaves when combined with lime juice is believed to stimulate the production of melanin in your skin and gradually reduce the white patches.
Add few drops of basil leaves extract to some lime juice in a bowl, mix them thoroughly and apply it over the white patches of your skin, 3 to 4 times every day. You will see positive results within 4-6 months.
Tip
Studies show that Vitiligo can be treated by drinking water stored in copper utensils. This is believed to stimulate Melanocytes for producing melanin.Store water in a copper utensil over-night and then drink it in the morning. This is an economic remedy which will be effective in less than one year.
Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.