Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Seaweed has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in East Asian cultures, where it has been valued for its purported benefits for skin health. In countries like Japan, Korea, and China, seaweed baths and topical applications have been used for centuries to soothe irritated skin, reduce inflammation, and promote overall dermatological health. While specific references to psoriasis are rare in ancient medical texts, the general use of seaweed for chronic skin conditions, including those with symptoms similar to psoriasis (such as redness, scaling, and itching), is well documented in ethnobotanical and historical sources.

From a scientific perspective, seaweed contains bioactive compounds—such as fucoidan, alginates, polyphenols, and vitamins—that have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties in laboratory and animal studies. Some small-scale studies and anecdotal reports suggest that topical applications or ingestion of seaweed extracts may help alleviate symptoms of psoriasis by reducing inflammation and supporting skin barrier function. However, rigorous clinical trials in humans focusing specifically on psoriasis are lacking, and most current evidence remains preliminary or extrapolated from broader dermatological research.

Overall, while there is a strong tradition of using seaweed for skin health and some plausible scientific rationale, high-quality clinical evidence for its efficacy in treating psoriasis in humans is limited. Thus, its use is primarily justified by tradition, with modest scientific support indicating potential but unproven benefits.

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