Ayurveda for Eczema, Acne and Psoriasis: Evidence
What small trials and reviews show for Ayurvedic treatments of acne, eczema and psoriasis, where evidence is missing, and why undeclared steroids and metals are a real product risk.
Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.
How Ayurveda describes skin disease
Ayurvedic researchers describe the clinical picture of eczema as resembling a traditional condition called Vicharchika. [5] They describe psoriasis as comparable with Mandala Kushtha. [6] These are traditional categories, not diagnoses, and they do not map neatly onto modern skin conditions. A dermatologist or clinician should name the condition first.What research found, condition by condition
Overall, NCCIH says few well-designed trials and systematic reviews suggest that Ayurvedic approaches are effective. [1] Skin conditions follow that pattern.| Condition | What was studied | What the source found | Evidence label |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acne | Oral Ayurvedic formulas, 1995 trial of 82 patients | One formula (Sunder Vati) reduced lesion counts versus placebo; the other three did not [7] | Promising but limited, old and small |
| Acne | Oral plus external herbal preparation, 53 patients for 4 weeks | Using both was better than the oral formula alone [8] | Insufficient evidence (short, phase II) |
| Acne | Amla and guduchi formulation, 88 adults, 12 weeks, 2026 | Lesion counts fell with dose, but differences from placebo were not statistically significant [9] | Mixed |
| Psoriasis | Cleansing procedures and an herbal product, 40 patients in four groups of 10 | One group received methotrexate; groups were very small [6] | Insufficient evidence |
| Eczema | Comparison of two bloodletting methods | The study compared two procedures with each other, not with a control [5] | Proper evidence not found |
What standard care offers
The NHS says atopic eczema cannot be cured, but treatment can help manage the symptoms. [11] It advises moisturizing treatments (emollients) as often as possible. [11] For psoriasis, the NHS says it cannot be cured, but treatments can help manage symptoms. [12] Main options include vitamin D creams, emollients and steroid creams. [12] For acne, the NHS says there are many treatment options, and a pharmacist can recommend treatments. [13]Safe use of herbs and pastes on skin
- Tell your clinician about every product you use, including oils and powders.
- Be wary of products with no ingredient list or batch information. See reading an Ayurvedic product label.
- Do not stop prescribed creams or medicines on your own. Ask your prescriber first.
- Stop a product and get care if a rash spreads, blisters or gets worse.
Related reading
Ayurvedic skin and hair products, neem in Ayurveda, eczema, psoriasis and acne.Frequently asked questions
Does Ayurveda cure eczema?
No source we read shows that. We found no placebo-controlled trial of an Ayurvedic treatment for eczema, and the NHS says eczema cannot be cured but can be managed. [11][10]
Does Ayurveda work for acne?
Evidence is limited. One small 1995 trial found one of four formulas beat placebo, and a 2026 trial found no statistically significant difference from placebo. [7][9]
Can Ayurvedic skin products contain steroids?
Yes, in some cases. An Indian screening found 38.32% of 120 alternative-medicine samples contained steroids, and a published case describes steroid side effects from an unlabeled tablet. [3][4]
Is Ayurveda helpful for psoriasis?
There is insufficient evidence. The trial we found had 40 patients split into four groups of 10, one of them given methotrexate. [6]
Should I stop my skin medicine and use herbs?
No. NCCIH advises not to use Ayurvedic medicine to postpone seeing a conventional provider, and to talk with your provider before using Ayurvedic products. [1]
More details: evidence, limits and cautions
The details behind this page: cautions, limits of the evidence and where sources disagree. Open any note to read it.
Start here: a safety note about products
Ayurvedic skin remedies are sold as pills, powders, pastes and oils. Some Ayurvedic preparations may contain lead, mercury or arsenic in amounts that can be toxic. [1] A review of herbal drugs in dermatology reported that some Ayurvedic remedies contain arsenic or mercury that can cause typical skin lesions. [2] In an Indian screening of 120 samples of alternative medicines, 38.32% were adulterated with steroids. [3] A published case describes a woman who took an unknown tablet containing a steroid for 2 years and developed side effects typical of steroid excess. [4] This is why a product that "works fast" on a rash deserves a question, not trust. Details are on adulteration and undeclared drugs in Ayurvedic products and lead, mercury and arsenic in Ayurvedic products.
Proper evidence not found: eczema
For eczema (atopic dermatitis) we searched PubMed for Ayurvedic treatments and found no randomized trial of an Ayurvedic herb or formula against placebo or usual care. A review of Indian plant-based skin remedies says more clinical evidence is still needed, particularly in atopic eczema. [10] The only eczema trial we found compared two bloodletting techniques with each other. [5] We do not describe bloodletting here. It is a practitioner-supervised procedure, and you should ask a clinician before considering it.
When to get medical help quickly
The NHS lists urgent signs in psoriasis: skin that quickly turns red and develops white, pus-filled bumps that join together. [12] If you are unsure, call your local emergency number (911 in the US).
References
- Ayurvedic Medicine: In Depth, NCCIH. Read 2026-10-22.
- Adverse effects of herbal drugs in dermatology. Br J Dermatol 2000. PubMed record, abstract read 2026-10-22.
- Misuse of corticosteroids in some of the drugs dispensed as preparations from alternative systems of medicine in India. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2000. PubMed record, abstract read 2026-10-22.
- Adverse events with ayurvedic medicines: possible adulteration and some inherent toxicities. Wellcome Open Res 2019. PubMed record, abstract read 2026-10-22.
- Role of Raktamokshana by Jalaukavacharana and Siravedhana in the management of Vicharchika (Eczema). Ayu 2012. PubMed record, abstract read 2026-10-22.
- Clinical efficacy of Shodhana Karma and Shamana Karma in Mandala Kushtha (Psoriasis). Ayu 2012. PubMed record, abstract read 2026-10-22.
- Comparative efficacy of four Ayurvedic formulations in the treatment of acne vulgaris. J Ethnopharmacol 1995. PubMed record, abstract read 2026-10-22.
- Clinical trials of ayurvedic formulations in the treatment of acne vulgaris. J Ethnopharmacol 2001. PubMed record, abstract read 2026-10-22.
- Efficacy and Safety of Phyllanthus Emblica and Tinospora Cordifolia in Postadolescence Acne. J Integr Complement Med 2026. PubMed record, abstract read 2026-10-22.
- Ethnodermatological use of medicinal plants in India: from ayurvedic formulations to clinical perspectives. J Ethnopharmacol 2022. PubMed record, abstract read 2026-10-22.
- Atopic eczema, NHS. Read 2026-10-22.
- Psoriasis, NHS. Read 2026-10-22.
- Acne, NHS. Read 2026-10-22.
Education, not medical advice. This page is for general information. It does not diagnose or treat any condition and is not a substitute for care from a qualified health professional. Natural does not automatically mean safe. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before changing your care, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a health condition.