Hives (Urticaria)

Definition

Hives are a skin ailment characterized by itchy, raised bumps surrounded by red irritated skin.

Symptoms

Hives typically occur on the arms, legs, or trunk area and can last for a few hours or several days.

Cause

The most common cause of hives is a histamine reaction triggered by allergies to certain foods, such as strawberries, fish, shellfish, peanuts, soy, beef, citrus fruits, whole milk, and eggs. Skin irritation caused by penicillin or exposure to chemicals such as common household products, can also produce hives. To ensure long-term relief from hives, see your doctor to determine their cause.

Natural Cures

Aromatherapy: Chamomile tea applied topically can help relieve symptoms.

Diet: Identify and avoid all foods to which you are allergic or sensitive. To reduce the occurrence of hives, eat a varied diet and avoid over consumption of any one food.

Flower Essences: Rescue Treatment Cream® applied topically may also help.

Herbs: Drink parsley or peppermint teas. Peppermint oil used orally may also help.

Homeopathy: The homeopathic remedies Apis mel., Nat mur., and Urtica Urens. are all helpful for treating and preventing hives.

Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is the process of applying water, ice, steam and alternating cold and hot temperatures to restore health. Treatments include total body immersion, steam baths, saunas, sitz baths, colonic irrigation, and the application of warm and cold compresses. Hydrotherapy is effective for treating an array of conditions and can easily be used in the home as part of a personal-treatment program. Many professionals including naturopathic physicians, physical therapists, and day spas use Hydrotherapy as part of their treatment routines. We suggest trying several at home hydrotherapy remedies. Please seek the advice of an alternative healthcare practitioner prior to undergoing these treatments to ensure they are right for you.

*Purified water is essential in any Hydrotherapy remedy. Remedies involving purifying bath water offer clear instructions.

Nutritional Supplementation: Hydrochloric acid secretions in the stomach are usually low in individuals with hives. Vitamin B complex deficiency is also typical among hives sufferers. Supplementation with hydrochloric acid (HCL) and vitamin B complex is highly recommended. Pancreatic enzymes used three to four times daily are also useful, as are bromelain and ascorbic acid .

During a hives outbreak, take two tablets of bicarbonate soda with water, and sip every 15 minutes until symptoms ease.

To avoid a recurrence of hives, supplement with bioflavonoids and pantothenic acidity, vitamin B, vitamin B6, and essential fatty acids.

Topical Treatment: Apply a mix of calamine lotion, beta-carotene liquid, a vitamin A capsule, and zinc oxide. Applying plain yogurt to the affected region might also help ease signs and symptoms.

Fresh coriander juice applied topically may also help reduce itchiness and inflammation.

Optional Professional Treatment

If your symptoms persist despite following the remedies listed above, seek the help of the qualified health professional. The following expert therapies have all demonstrated an ability to be useful for treating hives: Acupuncture, Kinesiology, Biofeedback Training, Detoxification Therapy, Environment Medicine, Led Imagery, Light box therapy, Magnetic Field Therapy, Naturopathic Medicine, Nerve organs Therapy, Orthomolecular Medicine, Osteopathy, Oxygen Therapy (hydrogen peroxide used topically), as well as traditional Chinese Medicine. (Observe Glossary for descriptions of these alternative treatments.)