Fact Check: Can Mustard Oil and Neem Powder Completely Cure Psoriasis?

A reel posted on Instagram claims that the combination of mustard oil and neem powder completely cures psoriasis. The claim made by the user is False.

Claim

An Instagram post titled "Psoriasis Jad Se Khatam Kare ( Finish Psoriasis from its roots) " claims that a combination of mustard oil and neem powder can completely cure psoriasis. In the post, user ansari_healthtips explains that psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes white patches, swelling, and itching or burning sensations on the skin. Mentioning the remedy, the user suggests heating one liter of mustard oil in an iron pan and then adding 100 grams of neem powder. The mixture should be cooked thoroughly until the oil turns black and the neem powder is fully burnt. After cooling, the mixture should be stored in a glass jar. The user recommends applying this oil to the affected areas one to three times a day, with a special emphasis on applying it thoroughly at night before going to bed. The user, with complete confidence, claims that within a few days, your psoriasis will be gone forever.

The post has 1,360 likes and can be accessed here.

Fact Check

The claim made in the post is False. Although mustard oil and neem may help reduce psoriasis symptoms due to their anti-inflammatory properties, they cannot completely cure the condition. The claim of a permanent cure is false, as psoriasis, an autoimmune disease, currently has no permanent cure. For effective treatment, professional medical advice should always be sought.

Psoriasis: Its Causes and Symptoms

Psoriasis is a chronic (long-lasting) disease in which the immune system becomes overactive, causing skin cells to multiply too quickly. Patches of skin become scaly and inflamed, most often on the scalp, elbows, or knees, but other parts of the body can be affected as well. 

Causes: Psoriasis is an immune-mediated condition, meaning that the body's immune system becomes overly active, leading to various issues. In individuals with psoriasis, immune cells are activated and release molecules that trigger the rapid growth of skin cells. This results in the inflamed and scaly skin characteristic of the disease. While scientists do not fully understand what causes this abnormal immune response, they recognize that it is influenced by a mix of genetic and environmental factors. Many people with psoriasis have a family history of the condition, and researchers have identified certain genes that may contribute to its development, many of which are involved in immune system regulation.

Symptoms of psoriasis vary from person to person, with patches of thick, red skin with silvery-white scales that itch or burn, typically on the elbows, knees, scalp, trunk, palms, and soles of the feet, dry, cracked skin that itches or bleeds, thick, ridged, pitted nails, poor sleep quality.

Psoriasis Management

Psoriasis management involves various treatments, with topical therapy as the first-line option for mild to moderate cases, including corticosteroids, vitamin D3 analogues, and combination products. Systemic treatments, such as phototherapy, acitretin, and immunosuppressive agents are considered for more severe cases or when topical treatments are ineffective. Biologic therapies are recommended when traditional systemic options fail or are not tolerated. Treatment choice depends on disease severity, patient response, and potential side effects, often requiring specialist consultation like a dermatologist.

Mustard oil and Neem

Mustard oil is one of the most commonly used oils in India and is a regular presence in Indian kitchens. It has healthy amounts of MUFA (Mono-Unsaturated Fatty Acid) and PUFA (Poly Unsaturated Fatty Acid), while SFA (Saturated Fatty Acid) is maintained at safe, non-toxic levels. It offers several health benefits, including antibacterial and antifungal properties, antiallergic effects, protection for the throat and eyes, regulation of body temperature, enhancement of red blood cell (RBC) membrane structure, and support in managing diabetes-related risks.

However, mustard oil which is sticky can have some adverse effects on the skin

When asked about using mustard oil for any skin-related disorder Dr. Rinky Kapoor, Consultant Dermatologist, Consultant and Head of the Department of Cosmetic Dermatology at the Institute of Aesthetic Surgery at the Esthetic Clinics, Mumbai, told Medical Dialogues that, "Mustard oil does more harm than good. People should strictly avoid applying home remedies like mustard oil on their skin with the expectation of curing their skin-related disorders. This can only worsen your condition as well as the symptoms. Mustard oil, if used excessively can lead to various side-effects and allergic reactions than you may think. It can extreme skin-related problems like rashes, itchiness, inflammation, dry skin, and increased sensitivity. People should rely on doctor-recommended methods, medications, and skin products when it comes to various skin-related diseases like eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. Your doctor may closely examine your condition, skin, and the symptoms experienced for better diagnosis. Applying products or hacks you see online may not be reliable or authentic. Most of these hacks are just experiments and not doctor-recommended."

Neem (Azadirachta indica), part of the Meliaceae family, is recognized for its health benefits, largely due to its rich antioxidant content and various active compounds, including azadirachtin, nimbolinin, nimbin, nimbidin, nimbidol, salannin, and quercetin. Neem offers numerous health advantages, such as strong antioxidant effects. A study by Mohammad A. Hossain et. al found that chloroform crude extracts of neem could be used as a natural antioxidant. Additionally, neem has anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, wound-healing, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antimalarial properties.

Can a Combination of Mustard Oil and Neem Powder Completely Cure Psoriasis?

Mustard oil and neem have several health benefits, like antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and there are some studies that have shown their individual effectiveness in easing psoriasis symptoms. However, none of the scientific evidence supports the claim that applying a combination of mustard oil and neem powder will cure psoriasis completely.

Numerous studies have investigated the effects of neem on psoriasis, examining its potential for managing the condition. A study featured in the Indian Journal of Dermatology indicated that the application of neem is useful in managing psoriasis.

Yet another study led by Padmini Iriventi et. al aimed to develop a herbal cream containing Azadirachta indica (Neem) extract for psoriasis treatment. It concluded that the extract contains active constituents effective against psoriasis and exhibits antioxidant properties.

The study in Medicinal & Aromatic Plants concluded that combining the internal use of Neem and Tulsi churn with the external application of Neem-Tulsi-Heena oil provided better results, indicating that both systemic and topical treatments are needed for effective psoriasis management.

Similarly, a study exploring the effects of mustard oil on psoriasis, highlighted in a review article in the Journal of Complementary Medicine Research, concluded that applying Tuthadilepa mixed with mustard oil on lesions for 4 months resulted in a 70-75% reduction in symptoms, with no adverse effects observed, except for mild itching in some cases.

Although there is evidence supporting the individual effects of neem and mustard oil individually in easing psoriasis symptoms, no scientific research has confirmed the effectiveness of combining the two for psoriasis management . It is also important to understand that psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that cannot be cured but can be managed through various methods such as lifestyle changes, topical and systemic treatments, and phototherapy. Consulting with a specialized doctor is essential for optimal management.

The Medical Dialogues fact check team spoke with Dr Amit Vij, M.D. (Dermatology), Senior Consultant Dermatologist, PSRI Hospital, New Delhi and he told about psoriasis, “Psoriasis, a condition characterized by the buildup of skin cells that form scales and cause itchy, dry patches, can be effectively managed and prevented through specific practices. These include daily scalp washing with shampoo, bathing with body wash, twice-daily full-body moisturizing, and the use of omega oral supplements. Other treatment claims are misleading and false, as they only temporarily suppress the lesions, often leading to side effects, relapses, and long-term arthritis.

Adding To this, Dr. Rinky Kapoor, Consultant Dermatologist, Consultant and Head of the Department of Cosmetic Dermatology at the Institute of Aesthetic Surgery at the Esthetic Clinics, Mumbai added, "Psoriasis is a type of skin disease that makes the skin look flaky, and inflamed, scaly, and rough. People diagnosed with psoriasis can experience a range of symptoms like red patches, inflammation, and itchy rashes. Experimenting your skin with home remedies while you have psoriasis is a big no-no. Applying mustard oil and neem powder on your skin can worsen your condition while aggravating the symptoms. Instead, consider consulting a doctor and using skin products as the doctor recommends. This can help reduce any type of skin allergies or problems. Remember, what may work wonders for others may cause extreme side effects on yours. So, avoid blindly trusting everything you see online. Always consult your doctor before you try to incorporate these home remedies. This can help prevent any sort of allergies and side effects."

Medical Dialogues Final Take

Mustard oil and neem have demonstrated benefits in easing psoriasis symptoms due to their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. While they may help manage the condition and reduce symptoms in certain circumstances, there is no evidence to suggest that they can completely cure psoriasis. Also in many situations, application of mustard oil may worsen the situation.

Hence the claim that the combination of mustard oil and neem powder completely cures psoriasis is False.