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Natural Cures for Hives (Urticaria)
This page looks at natural cures for hives, as well as chronic hives causes and symptoms.
Hives, medically known as urticaria, are white or yellowish raised bumps (welts) surrounded by red, inflammed patches of skin. When hives occur, they usually first bring
on a burning sensation. After that, intense itching will be felt. Hive rashes can erupt suddenly and disappear just as quickly. However, sometimes they can last for
weeks. Hives that last for more than six weeks or that go away but recur frequently are considered chronic hives.
Hives usually appear on the arms, the legs, or the trunk, but they can appear on any part of the body.
Although hives cause a lot of discomfort, they are in most cases not serious. Usually they disappear without leaving any scars, and they do not damage other body
organs. In some rare cases, however, hives can cause the throat and the tongue to swell up causing difficulties in breathing and/or swallowing. If you are
unfortunate enough to experience such symptoms, get medical help immediately.
Chronic Hives Causes
The exact cause of chronic hives is not known. Some doctors believe that hives are caused by an autoimmune disorder and may be linked to another health problem
such as thyroid disease or a blood disorder. Other doctors suggest that when there is a toxin in our body and the toxin cannot be expelled through our digestive
system, then sometimes it will be excreted via skin eruptions such as hives. As such, people suffering from chronic hives may have digestive systems that are
not functioning properly and should therefore have their digestive systems checked out.
A one-time sudden eruption of hive rashes may be triggered by a number of things, such as:
- Allergens: Allergens like cosmetics, detergents, household cleaners, insect bites, etc. can produce a toxic response in our body.
- Certain Foods: Some people are allergic to certain foods (e.g. shellfish, dairy products, meat, poultry) and eating such foods may cause an
eruption of hive rashes.
- Certain Drugs: Some medications such as antibiotics can also cause hives in some people.
- Infections: Some viral infections (e.g. hepatitis B) and fungal infections (e.g. Candida yeast infection) are also possible triggers.
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Symptoms of Hives
The following are symptoms of hives:
- White or yellowish bumps (welts) surrounded by patches of red, inflammed skin
- The bumps are itchy and have a burning sensation
Hives can come and go without warning and can occur anywhere in the body, but most commonly on the arms, the legs, and the trunk.
For some people, certain conditions such as heat, exertion or stress can make symptoms worse.
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Natural Cures for Hives
Hives respond well to natural remedies. Herbs, nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, and aromatherapy are all wonderful natural cures for hives. They
are effective and safe to use.
Natural Cures for Hives - Herbs
Herbs that have antihistamine effect and those that can detoxify the skin can be used as cures for hives:
- Nettle: Freeze-dried nettle leaf extract is commonly used to treat hives and allergies. Nettle leaf has antihistamine properties.
A dosage of 300 mg three times a day is recommended.
- Aloe Vera: Topically, aloe vera can be used to soothe the skin and reduce inflammation. Just put a cream or a lotion of this herb liberally on
your hives for temporary relief.
- Burdock: Burdock root can detoxify the skin. A dosage of 300 mg three times a day is recommended.
- Chamomile: Chamomile contains at least seven different chemicals that have antihistamine effect. You can drink chamomile tea, or use a cream
containing the herb topically.
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Natural Cures for Hives - Homeopathy
Homeopathic remedies are also effective natural cures for hives. Choose a remedy that most closely matches your symptoms. Use a lower potency (6X, 6C, 12X, 12C, 30X,
or 30C). Follow the instructions for use and dosage printed on the label.
- Apis: This remedy is for hives that are red, swollen, and burning. You feel better with cold applications and in the fresh air.
- Rhus Toxicodendron: This remedy is for hives that cause intense itching. You feel better when heat is applied to the hives.
- Urtica Urens: This remedy is for hives that are caused by insect bites or from eating shellfish.
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Natural Cures for Hives - Nutritional Supplements
Nutritional supplements that are good cures for hives include:
- Vitamin C: Vitamin C is anti-inflammatory. It reduces the effects of histamine which is released by the body during an allergic reaction.
It is best to take the slow-release form of vitamin C (i.e. ester-C or calcium ascorbate), You can take 1000 mg 3 times a day. Reduce the dosage if you develop
diarrhea.
- Quercetin: Quercetin belongs to a group of plant pigments called flavonoids, which are antioxidants. Quercetin acts like an antihistamine and
an anti-inflammatory and has been found in laboratories to prevent immune cells from releasing histamines. Little research, however, has been done on humans as to whether
it really works. Nevertheless, some people who have tried Quercetin could have positive results. It is worth giving it a try! (Dosage: 1000 mg three times a day)
- Essential Fatty Acids: EFAs can reduce inflammatory responses associated with allergic reactions such as hive outbreaks. You can take one to
two tablespoons of flaxseed oil a day.
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Natural Cures for Hives - Aromatherapy
Essential oils that are good cures for hives include:
- German Chamomile
- Lavender
- Melissa
- Yarrow
You can put 2 drops of Chamomile into a quarter cup of baking soda and add it to the bath.
You can also use any of the above oils in a compress.
However, some people can develop an allergic reaction to these oils so start off by using them in small quantities, and do a skin test first before using it in a bath.
Related Topic
Allergy Natural Remedies
References
Balch and Stengler, Prescription for Natural Cures, (John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2004)
J.A. Duke, The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook. (St. Martin's Paperback, 2002)
MayoClinic.com (http://www.mayoclinic.com)
University of Maryland Medical Center - Quercetin (http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/quercetin-000322.htm)
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