Natural Treatments and Home Remedies for Hives

Natural Treatments and Home Remedies for Hives
Page content

What are Hives?

Also known as nettle rash or urticaria, hives are usually caused when body tissues release histamine in response to an inflammatory or allergic reaction. Hives are typically characterized by white or reddish weals or bumps on the skin.

Cool it off

A cold shower or a cold compress on the affected area will constrict the blood vessels and control the release of histamine.

Adding colloidal oatmeal to the bath water soothes the rashes and relieved itching.

Use natural astringents like calamine or witch hazel to constrict the blood vessels and curb the inflammatory reaction.

A paste of sodium bicarbonate or cream of tartar also helps relieve itching.

A diluted solution of vinegar in water also works well to soothe the rash.

Herbal Remedies

Eat nettle capsules as a safer alternative to antihistamine. If these are difficult to find, steam some sprigs of the weed and add it to your meals.

A poultice of chickweed leaves or chickweed cream soothes the lesions and minimizes itching.

Making minor changes in your dietary and lifestyle habits can go a long way in reducing the intensity and frequency of flare-ups.

Take fish oil supplements or oily fish like salmon, tuna and trout. The omega-3 fatty acids possess natural inflammatory properties.

Take 250 grams of vitamin C supplements three times a day to boost immunity and control inflammation.

A bioflavonoid called Quercetin acts as a natural anti-histamine.

Stress can often trigger hives. Practicing relaxation techniques like meditation and yoga may help.

Herbal teas like passionflower, valerian and catnip are natural sedatives and stress-busters.

Preventive Measures

Keep track of things you eat, drink or do throughout the day. This will help you narrow down on the possible triggers and you can avoid them subsequently.

Some foods like eggs, shellfish, artificial sweeteners and nuts are known to cause allergic reactions in some people. Identify which foods don’t work for you.

Drugs like NSAIDs, supplements, sedatives, laxatives and pain-killers can sometimes trigger a flare-up.

Please read this disclaimer regarding the information contained within this article.