Hives or Urticaria

Hives or Urticaria

Hives or urticaria is caused when the body's immune system releases histamine in the skin. Histamine is released as a reaction to a perceived threat or an allergen. Hives as shown in the picture above is characterized by a red, itchy or prickly rash on the skin. This allergic reaction is usually caused in some peoples body when they eat or consume any of the following, peanuts, some plants, eggs, sesame seeds, strawberry, celery, some citrus fruits, alcohol and some chemicals. Others include insect bites, pollen and animal dander.

Natural Cure for Hives or Urticaria

In order to treat hives naturally one needs to work on the immune systems as hives is a reaction to a foreign body that the body perceives to be harmful.  We therefore need to strengthen the immune system while at the same time reduce the histamine causing the hives and also to reduce the inflammation.

The first thing is to determine the cause of the hives or urticaria by seeking the assistance of your GP or doctor for various tests. After determining the cause, one needs to stop taking the food causing the hives. One should also take apples and red onions which contain quercetin which has antihistamine effect. The apples and red onions can be taken raw or in the form of juices or salads depending on your preferences.

There also some herbs and supplements that can help in curing hives. These herbs include nettle, burdock, juniper berries and lobelia. These can be taken in the form of teas or tinctures. These herbs are natural anti-histamines. One should also apply aloe vera gel or pulp to the affected skin to deal with the inflammation.

One also needs to take immunity boosting herbs such as echinacea and elderflower. This will go a long way in ensuring that the body's immune system is in good shape and able to deal effectively with any threat. Elderflower and camomile tea can also be applied to the affected skin to soothe it. Apply elderflower and camomile tea after they have cooled down to avoid burning the skin.

Another very effective way to treat hives is to take an oatmeal bath. The oatmeal is applied to one's bath and the patient should be in the bath for at least twenty minutes to improve effectiveness of the bath.

There are also supplements that one can take to treat hives or urticaria such as vitamin C and L-glutamine powder. Vitamin C is rich in bioflavanoids and is also an antihistamine. The L-glutamine powder taken before meals may prevent the reaction to the food and also strengthen the liver.

Oatmeal Bath

An oatmeal bath can be used effectively to treat poison ivy, eczema, hives, and any itching affliction.


How To Prepare and Perform An Oatmeal Bath

• One pound of uncooked oatmeal is tied loosely in a large piece of gauze and hung or held under the bathtub spigot in such a way that the water runs through the oatmeal, using the hot water first to soften the oatmeal and encourage the elution of the starch. 
• After the tub has been filled, the bag of oatmeal is left in the bath water, and the patient may use the bag to sponge the surface of the body. 
• One heaping cup of cooked rolled oats, ground fine in a blender, can be substituted for one pound bag. It is stirred  into the bathtub, or used in a whirlpool as it will not affect the agitator. 
• The patient should remain in the tub for 20-30 minutes or longer and finish by patting dry according to the method given for the alkaline bath.
• Dr. Thrash of Uchee Pines recommends that the patient should use this treatment once or twice a day for one to two weeks or until symptoms subside.

How To Prepare a Soda Bath or Alkaline Bath

An alkaline or soda bath is used to treat drug reactions, poison ivy, itching, ezcema, hives, bee stings, ant stings, heat rash, sensitiveness to plants or chemicals, sunburns, and other general skin conditions. The baking soda used is said to have a slightly anesthetic property.

The following procedure is followed to prepare and carry out a soda bath:-

• Add about one cup of baking soda or commercial grade sodium bicarbonate to a full tub of water, approximately 20-30 gallons at 94° and 98°.
• Make the patient sit in the tub,and with a cup, dip the alkaline water onto the knees, shoulders, and abdomen, so that the water continually bathes all portions of the skin.
• Let the patient sit in the bath for30 minutes to an hour if necessary. When the time is up, the patient should stand in the tub for a few seconds to allow the excess water to drip from the skin.
• the skin should be patted dry, or the patient allowed to sit on the edge of the tub or on a stool until the skin is entirely dry. A heater or electric fan may hasten the drying process.