Natural Cures and Remedies for Hives (Urticaria)

The purpose of your body's immune system is to fight substances it views as the enemy, such as viruses and bacteria. An allergic reaction is when the immune system overreacts to a particular substance or allergen. Some of these substances are foods, dust mites, molds, pollens, animal dander, chemicals and insect bites.

The immune system uses several chemicals to attack these invaders. One of these chemicals is histamine. It is histamine that causes hives related to an allergic reaction.

Your hives may also be caused by excessive heat or cold, exercise and sweating, tight or new clothes (unwashed), medications such as antibiotics, emotional stress, physical stress or stress to your body due to other health problems or diseases. It is also possible that you may not find out what caused your hives.

What Do Hives Look Like?

Hives are red, very itchy bumps, sometimes called wheals, that appear on your skin. They can come in different sizes from small to large. They may appear in clusters with new clusters appearing just as other clusters clear up. And, did I mention, they are really itchy. You just can't stress this part enough.

There are acute hives that last from less than one day to several weeks, and then there are chronic hives that last longer than six weeks and may last for years.

Itch Control

For immediate control of itching you can use the following items applied directly on the hives (your bound to have one of these items in your house):

• Calamine lotion
• Milk of magnesia
• Aloe Vera gel
• Baby oil
• Ice cubes
• Hydrogen peroxide
  

Home Remedies for Hives

Baby Oil -- Not only does non-scented baby oil help ease the itching, it can also heal the hives in many cases.

Hydrogen Peroxide -- This is another remedy that helps ease the itching while helping to heal the hives. I used this one myself and found that the hives that were difficult to get rid of went away in just one to two days when using hydrogen peroxide. Apply it full strength directly on the hives.

Cayenne Pepper -- Take cayenne pepper in capsule form. It will help heal your hives.

Burdock Root -- This is traditionally used as a treatment for skin conditions and so is helpful in healing hives. Take four to six 500 mg capsules of burdock root per day in divided doses or 30 drops of tincture up to three times a day.

Milk Thistle -- Take 2 to 3 capsules twice a day. Milk thistle helps detox the liver. It is possible that your hives are caused by poor liver function due to too many toxins in your body. The cause may be poor diet, chemical exposure at work or home or the use of chemicals in your toiletries and house cleaning products. By supporting the liver it can help heal your hives.

Turmeric -- It is very helpful to use turmeric along with milk thistle as it helps cleanse the body. Follow dosage on bottle.

L-Lysine -- Taking about 2000 mg of L-Lysine has helped some people get rid of chronic hives. It doesn't work for everyone but give it a try if nothing seems to be working. Take 1000 mg in the morning and 1000 mg in the evening.

Benadryl -- I don't normally recommend over-the-counter drugs but this one can sometimes be very helpful in a pinch. If the hives are due to an allergic reaction, this should help significantly within an hour.

Homeopathy for Hives

Apis Mellifica -- Hot red hives that are very itchy, like a burning itch. Worse when hot and better when cold.

Nux Vomica -- When hives appear along with digestive problems or food allergies. Hives feel both itchy and burning.

Rhus Toxicodendron -- This is for very red and large hives that appear on your hands and arms. They are worse when cold or wet. There may also be a recurring fever.

Urtica Urens -- Hives on the scalp, hands or fingers that burn and sting and the itch is very intense. Worse in heat.

Natrum Muriaticum -- This one is for chronic hives. These are usually white and appear on hands, ankles and joints.

You can also purchase Hyland's Hives which has most of the ingredients above. You can probably find it in your local health food store or purchase it online.

When to Seek Medical Help

• If you have hives around your eyes or in your mouth.
• If your hives don't respond to treatment or diet change.
• If you have difficulty breathing, feel light headed or your throat is swelling, you need emergency medical help.

Resources

Article about how stress may cause hives:

Physical Symptoms of Severe Stress

Your Favorite Cures or Remedies:

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