Home Remedies and Herbs for Hives (Urticaria)

Hives is the common name for a skin reaction which is medically referred to as urticarial. Hives usually appear after an allergic reaction or a skin resistance to an irritating substance. Hives can break out anywhere on the body and will show as small, red or white, itchy bumps. ^{1 2} Hives can vary in size from small pinpricks in confined areas to large flowing welts that cover much of the body. They appear and then fade as the reaction’s course plays out.

Hives are not life threatening but can be extremely uncomfortable, almost unbearable in some cases. They can seriously disturb daily routines and a night’s sleep. Hives in children are especially discomforting. ^{3 4} Hives breakouts are usually acute or sudden. They last only a few days as long as the contributing cause is removed and treatment is taken to control and stop the symptoms. Chronic hives are rare. These are cases that last over a few weeks and keep reoccurring over months and even years. ^{1 2}

What Causes Hives / Urticaria?

The most common hives causes are attributed to an allergic reaction. The welts result from the body releasing histamine and other chemicals into the blood in an antibody effect. It’s part of an immune system reaction to an invasive body. ² Other hives causes may be: 

• Insect bites including parasite invasions
• Reaction to medications
• Temperature changes
• Smothered skin from bandages or tight clothing
• Stress
• Excessive exercise and sweating
• Extreme temperatures including heat and cold
• Other infections
• Sunburn
• Alcohol

Hives / Urticaria Symptoms

Hives symptoms are always the welts and associated discomfort. They can range from small areas to the entire body including the swelling shut of eyes, ears and nose. Other hives symptoms can be: ^{1 2 4}

• Sudden and intense itching
• Fever and dizziness
• Swelling of infected areas
• Sensitivities to extremities including palms and feet soles
• Pain and burning (angioedema) especially in facial area and genitals
• Intense overall discomfort

Natural Remedies and Herbs for Hives / Urticaria

While there is no other cure for hives other than to run its course, fortunately there are many hives natural remedies which will relieve the discomfort and control the hives symptoms. Some of the most effective hives natural remedies are:

• Apple Cider Vinegar - This wonder cure is highly efficient in relieving hives irritation. Apple cider vinegar has antihistamine properties that relieve inflammation and help the immune system. ACV can be taken internally, used topically, or poured into an emulsion bath.
• Lemon, Honey and Warm Water - The mixture of lemon, honey and warm water also has antihistamine qualities that act as a hives natural cure. It’s best mixed as one teaspoon honey and the juice of a whole lemon in a glass of warm water and consumed.
• Baking Soda and Cold water - Baking soda or sodium bicarbonate is a wonderful healer from skin irritation including relief from hives symptoms. It can be dissolved into a bath or made into a topical paste. This easy and natural hives natural cure works quickly to reduce inflammation and stop itching.
• Garlic - Natural antiviral and anti-inflammatory agents in garlic work to take the itch and discomfort from a hives breakout. Garlic can be crushed and spread on raw or ingested. Garlic powder dissolved in warm water is an effective hives natural remedy when put directly on the skin.
• Oatmeal - Oatmeal has itch-stopping properties that work quickly and last long. It can be dissolved in a warm bath or made into a paste to use as a topical remedy.
• L-Lysine - L-lysine is an amino acid. It’s a natural product that’s found in certain foods especially legumes. L-lysine supplements are readily available in specialty health food stores. Taken internally, L-lysine relieves itching and other hives symptoms.

References

1. https://medlineplus.gov/hives.html
2. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-hives/basics/causes/con-20031634
3. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1050052-overview
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2807703/