Re: herbs for psoriasis

Happy New Year James!

Thanks, Happy New Year to you and your family as well.

I've posted before about my teenage son's issues with either psoriasis or eczema. The Dr. can't say which it is and says they're both caused by the same imbalance. But I've researched here that psoriasis is an issue with cAMP levels, whereas eczema is adrenal/liver toxicity based. Do I understand right?

Yes.  Psoriasis is an imbalance between cAMP and cGMP.   The excess cGMP not being balanced by cAMP leads to the overgrowth of the skin cells.  Eczema is a result of allergic response and toxicity.  The only thing both really have in common are adrenal issues.

Personally, I think it's psoriasis, especially because he has nail pitting, and the rashes are not where eczema usually is. But he has serious adrenal issues too and frequently has autoimmune-like symptoms (allergies, fatigue, muscle weakness, breathing weakness, rashes/sun sensitivity). So it could be both. In fact he just got over a couple days of fever (100-103 degrees). He is weak this morning, but temp is normal. But NO other symptoms. That freaks me out. Not a single sniffle, sore throat, or tummy ache. Do viral infections ever cause just a fever?

There are a number of things that can lead to a fever.  These include both microbial and nonmicrobial causes so it would be hard to say what caused the fever.

Anyway, I'm increasing his fish oil intake to help counter AA levels and help with possible psoriasis. I believe that coleus forskohlii can raise cAMP levels (?) Or is something else better?

Coleus is one of the best.  I also like zizyphus seed for this.  Taking these with nettle leaf will prolong the effects.  Foods that prolong the effects include green apples and yellow onions.

Is this what I should do?

Fish oil is very helpful as are the cAMP increasing herbs.  But again I recommend adding things to prolong cAMP activity as cAMP is short lived in the body otherwise.

I have to be careful about introducing herbs and new foods because he is often allergic to them. He is finally taking your Adrenal Tonic without apparent allergies. He is around 115 lb. What herb and dosage would you recommend?

The recommended dose on the jar of powder or bottle if you are using the capsules is fine for his size.

The Dr. can only suggest steroids (and steroid cream does seem to help with the psoriasis/eczema, but we use it very sparingly.)