Some homeopathic remedies like sulfur, Arsenicum album, petroleum, and sepia may play a role in managing psoriasis. But limited research supports the effectiveness of homeopathy.

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes skin cells to build up on the skin’s surface into thick, scaly, and discolored plaques that may be itchy or painful.

Although there’s no cure for psoriasis, several treatment options can help you manage symptoms. These usually include medical treatments, such as topical, oral, or injection medications.

Some research also suggests that homeopathic treatments may be beneficial when compared to placebos. Homeopathy is a medical approach developed more than 200 years ago in Germany. It’s based on two theories:

  1. Like cures like: An illness can be cured by a substance that causes similar symptoms in people without the condition.
  2. Law of minimum dose: The lower the dose, the more effective it is.

Homeopathic treatments are derived from minerals, plants, chemicals, and human and animal secretions and excretions. The remedies are used as tinctures or orally.

Some people claim that homeopathy may help with psoriasis, but limited research supports any purported benefits.

Keep reading to learn more about common homeopathic treatments, their possible benefits and risks, and other natural remedies for psoriasis.

A note on homeopathic treatments and products

Some anecdotal evidence suggests that homeopathic remedies can help treat psoriasis.

However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any homeopathic treatment for psoriasis due to the lack of scientific evidence.

This means that the purported benefits for which certain homeopathic products are marketed may not be true, and the ingredients and dosages may not be accurate.

If you’re considering homeopathy for psoriasis, speak with a healthcare professional. They can help develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Here are some of the most commonly touted homeopathic treatments for psoriasis.

Although some studies support their effectiveness, it’s important to note that there are no guidelines on the dosage or application methods for each compound or product.

More research is needed to better understand each homeopathic remedy’s possible role in managing psoriasis.

Sulfur

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, some people report that sulfur could help manage psoriasis.

Sulfur compounds may have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory properties that could help reduce skin lesions and itching in people with psoriasis.

However, more research is needed to understand how sulfur, as a homeopathic remedy, may help treat psoriasis.

Arsenicum album

A 2025 case report found that Arsenicum album temporarily relieved psoriasis symptoms during flare-ups. But the authors concluded that more research is needed to understand its treatment benefits.

Another 2023 study found that Arsenicum album was a commonly prescribed homeopathic treatment that may be more beneficial than placebo therapies for psoriasis.

That said, Ansenicum album is arsenic-based, so it can be dangerous if it contains more of the active ingredient than stated.

Petroleum

Petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, is a common homeopathic remedy that can help manage psoriasis. It works by sealing moisture into your skin to reduce itching, flaking, and irritation.

Calcarea carbonica

Calcarea carbonica, made from shells, is used in homeopathy to treat many illnesses, particularly colds and tiredness. Some research found that it is part of an effective homeopathic treatment plan for psoriasis.

Sepia

Sepia is a compound included in some over-the-counter (OTC) products that may help manage psoriasis. However, very limited scientific evidence has assessed its effectiveness.

Graphites

Graphites are used in homeopathy for people with long-term skin disorders and leathery, cracked skin.

It’s an active ingredient in some OTC products that may help manage dry, itchy, and flaky skin associated with conditions like psoriasis and eczema.

That said, there’s only anecdotal evidence that it can help manage psoriasis symptoms.

Staphysagria

A 2019 case study reported that staphysagria helped manage psoriasis symptoms and maintain remission.

Mercurius solubilis

Mercurius solubilis is a type of mercury. A 2023 case report found that it helped treat palmoplantar psoriasis after 2 weeks of application.

However, it’s important to note that mercury may be toxic if ingested or put on your skin. High exposures can even cause kidney failure, respiratory issues, and death.

Rhus toxicodendron

Rhus toxicodendron is poison ivy.

A 2019 study found that a herbal treatment containing Rhus toxicodendron helped relieve psoriasis symptoms, but it’s unclear whether these effects were due to this ingredient, the others, or a combination.

Mezereum

Mezereum is a flowering shrub used in homeopathy for thick, crusty plaques.

But it’s poisonous to humans when ingested or put on the skin, and there’s no scientific evidence that mezereum is a safe or effective treatment for psoriasis.

Research has found little evidence of homeopathy’s effectiveness for any health condition, and there’s also little research on its safety.

Some possible side effects of homeopathy may include:

Neither the safety nor the effectiveness of homeopathy is tested by the FDA. This means that some products may include higher doses than are labelled, which could be toxic.

It’s important to speak with a healthcare professional before trying homeopathic treatment for psoriasis, especially if you’re pregnant, nursing, or taking any medications.

There are several other psoriasis home remedies that could help manage symptoms. These may include:

Before trying any treatment, it’s important to speak with a doctor to see if it’s safe for you.

While OTC remedies may help your psoriasis symptoms, a healthcare professional like a dermatologist can help develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Additionally, you may need to see a doctor after trying any homeopathic treatment, particularly if you have a bad reaction.

When to see a doctor for psoriasis

See a doctor if:

  • your psoriasis symptoms worsen and become painful
  • you have difficulty performing your daily activities
  • you’re having joint problems, such as pain or swelling
  • your symptoms aren’t improving with treatment

When to see a doctor after trying homeopathy

If you try a homeopathic treatment, it’s important to be aware of the symptoms of an allergic reaction or poisoning.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction include:

Medical emergency

See a doctor immediately if you have any of the following signs of a serious allergic reaction:

Signs of poisoning, which is ingesting a substance harmful to your body, may include:

Homeopathy is an approach to natural healing that uses small doses of ingredients to help treat conditions.

There’s only anecdotal evidence that homeopathic treatments are effective for psoriasis or any other condition. Some homeopathic treatments can even be dangerous.

Talk with a doctor before trying homeopathic remedies for psoriasis. They can advise you on the best treatment.