Vitiligo: 9 Natural Remedies To Cure It
The scientific name for vitiligo is leukoderma and it is more common than you think. In fact, Vitiligo is a disease characterized by the development of light spots on the skin.
In this article we will give you more information about it, as it is a problem that can arise at any time in life.
What is there to know about vitiligo?
It was formerly said that dark-skinned people were more likely to suffer from Vitiligo.
Instead, it was later thought that the most vulnerable were the white populations due to the unbalanced production of a pigment called melanin (generated by melanocytes).
In fact, the spots, white or pink, appear mainly on the face, hands, chest, armpits and groin.
Unfortunately, the exact causes of this problem are still unknown, which affects children, young people and the elderly alike, regardless of their ethnic group or gender.
Either way, it is thought that leukoderma can be triggered due to:
- Malfunction of the thyroid gland
- Heredity
- Hormonal changes
- Stress
- Depression
- Wounds
- Diabetes mellitus
- Addison’s disease
- Pernicious anemia
In addition to these possible causes, the most supported theory holds that vitiligo is caused by a problem with the immune system. In fact , the body reacts in different ways to leukocytes which, being dangerous “invaders”, are destroyed.
While this is not a serious or fatal disease, for many it could be bothersome and a source of shame.
In a quarter of affected patients, what is known as “spontaneous re-pigmentation” occurs, caused by factors such as:
- Recent start (no more than 6 months)
- Patient’s age (if young)
- Location of the spots (facial area, except for the lips)
Homemade remedies to treat vitiligo
Undoubtedly, many people wonder if there is a cure for vitiligo and if they are condemned to have to suffer from it for life (with the risk, moreover, of spreading to other parts of the body).
Furthermore, if we consider the immunological factor, it will not be easy to eliminate the problem at its root.
1. Natural smoothie against vitiligo
Ingredients
- ½ cucumber
- 1 natural yogurt (125 g)
- Aloe vera
Method
- Cut the cucumber into small pieces and put it in a blender with a jar of natural yogurt and aloe vera gel.
- Process everything until you get a smooth smoothie and drink it on an empty stomach every day.
2. Radish and apple cider vinegar
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons of radish seeds (40 g)
- Apple cider vinegar (required amount)
Method
- First of all, put the radish seeds in a bowl and soften them with the apple cider vinegar (make sure that the seeds are completely covered by the liquid).
- Let it sit overnight. Then, pound them with a mortar until they reach the consistency of a paste.
- Then, apply it all to the area affected by vitiligo. Then, let it sit for two hours without covering.
- After the indicated time, rinse with warm water.
- Repeat the treatment three times a week. But don’t forget that the skin must be dry and clean before application.
3. Wheat germ oil
Soak a cotton ball with wheat germ oil. Then, gently wipe the stains.
Once 5 minutes have passed (or when it is absorbed), you can cover the area. It is not necessary to rinse.
Then, repeat the treatment every evening.
4. Pollen and kiwi smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of pollen (15 g)
- 1 kiwi
Method
- Before breakfast, prepare this smoothie with a tablespoon of pollen and a peeled and sliced kiwi.
- Put all the ingredients in the blender and process well.
- Drink it every day.
5. Cataplasm based on basil, strawberry and lemon juice
Prepare a dough with a handful of fresh chopped basil leaves and a little lemon juice.
Apply it on the spots 3 times a day (morning, afternoon and evening) as if it were a poultice.
Basil stimulates the production of melanin and lemon juice removes blemishes from the skin. However, don’t forget to rinse well if you decide to go out after applying the treatment.
6. Remedy based on lemon peel and alcohol
Ingredients
- The zest of two lemons (or limes)
- 1 cup of white alcohol (250 ml)
Preparation
- Put the zest of the two lemons in a glass container. Then, add the white alcohol.
- Plug it. Then, let it macerate for three days in a dark and cool place.
- Once this time has elapsed, soak a cotton ball in this preparation. Then, apply it over the stains.
- Expose your skin to the sun for a few minutes. Then rinse with warm water.
- Repeat the application every day (or at least 3 times a week).
7. Red clay and ginger
If you can get red clay (in addition to being naturally found in river beds, you can also buy it in herbal medicine), do not hesitate to use it to counter this problem.
In fact, thanks to its high copper content, it helps to re-pigment the skin.
Ingredients
- A few tablespoons of red clay
- 1 tablespoon of grated ginger (10 g)
- Water (the necessary amount)
Method
- Mix the clay with a little water and the grated ginger. Work everything well until it forms a dough.
- Apply the treatment to the spots.
- Leave it on for a few minutes and rinse with warm water. Repeat the application every two days.
8. Mango root macerated in alcohol
Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons of mango root (50 g)
- 2 cups of alcohol (500 ml)
Method
- Let the mango root steep in alcohol for 20 days in a dark place.
- After this period, soak a cotton swab in the preparation and dab it on the stains.
- Do not rinse, but let it dry on its own.
9. Black pepper and vitiligo
Recently, some studies have found that one of the best remedies to fight vitiligo is black pepper.
In fact, this spice is widely used in cooking and is able to increase the production of melanin in the skin.
In fact, one of the main compounds of black pepper is piperine, an element that stimulates the production of melanocytes. Therefore, in order to fully enjoy its benefits, it must be used topically.
Without a doubt, some creams or oils based on black pepper can be found on the market as the main component. Even if you can prepare it at home.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup black peppercorns (62 g)
- 1 cup of olive oil (200 g)
Method
- Heat the olive oil over low heat and add the black pepper.
- Let it cook for 5 minutes.
- After this time, turn off the stove, let it cool down. Then, strain it into a glass jar.
- Apply it every day with a cotton swab on the affected areas.
