Sunday, April 15, 2018

Home Remedies for Hives | Best Natural Hive Treatments

Also known as urticaria, hives are the sudden outburst of pale-red, swollen plaques or bumps on the skin. This condition is usually caused by an allergic reaction to something that you might have swallowed or encountered. Hives can be triggered by certain foods, such as milk, eggs, tomatoes, chocolate, fresh berries and nuts, pollen, latex, animal dander, chemicals, medications, infections, food additives and insect bites or stings as well as stress, exposure to ice cold water after spending time outdoors under the hot sun. No matter what caused your hives, you can use home remedies to treat and get relief quickly.

Best Natural Hive Treatments

Here is a look at the best home remedies to treat hives:

1. Cold Compress

When it comes to hives, many specialists in skin allergy recommend cold compresses. The temperature of the cold compress helps in shrinking the blood vessels and stopping any further release of histamine. This in turn provides relief from the itching, inflammation and swelling that comes with hives.

• Wrap a few ice cubes in a piece of cloth and place it on the affected area with 10 minutes.
• Repeat 3 to 4 times a day until the bumps are gone.
• Take a cold shower or bath as and when you need it to soothe inflamed skin caused by hives.
• Note: Do not put ice directly on your skin.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

Another effective home remedy for hives is apple cider vinegar. It has antihistamine properties help in quickly alleviating inflammation and regulating the immune system response of the body. Apple cider vinegar also works to restore the overall health of your skin.

• Fill your bathtub with warm water and add 2 cups of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar.
• Soak in it for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Repeat once a day until your hives are gone.
• Or, dilute equal amounts of apple cider vinegar and water and wash the affected area 2 to 3 times a day.
• Do this once every day until your condition improves.
• You can also mix 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and drink it 3 times a day. Add a little honey and lemon juice to improve the taste. Do this daily until your hives are gone.

3. Oatmeal Bath

Skin issues that cause inflammation, itching and swelling often react very well to an oatmeal bath. Rich in salicylic acid, oats can effectively calm inflammation on the skin. You can use oatmeal baths for hives in children too, as it is gentle on delicate skin.

• Wrap 1 to 2 cups of uncooked oats in cheesecloth or a stocking and tie up securely so that the oats do not leak out.
• Fill your bathtub with water with the oats in it – this will infuse the water with the goodness of oats.
• Soak in the water for at least 15 minutes.
• Do this 2 times a day until you see an improvement in your condition.
• Or, make a paste with 2 cups of oatmeal, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and some water.
• Apply the paste all over the affected area and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Wash it off with lukewarm water.
• Do this once a day until your hives are gone.

4. Baking Soda

Baking soda is another well-known ingredient for naturally treating hives. It can help in soothing the bumps and prevent new ones from popping up. Known as nahcolite, baking soda is part of the natural mineral natron, which is very rich in sodium bicarbonate. It has been used for centuries to soothe and cleanse skin conditions.

• Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda and water to form a thick paste.
• Apply the paste generously all over the affected area.
• Leave it on for 10 minutes or wait until it is dry and then rinse it off with warm water.
• Use once a day or as needed until you get relief.
• Or, fill your bathtub with warm water and add ½ to 1 cup of baking soda.
• Soak in the water for 20 to 30 minutes.
• Do this once a day or as needed until your hives disappear.

5. Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is an herb that has strong astringent and antioxidant properties, making it an excellent skin-healing liquid. It calms the itching and inflammation that comes with hives. This is an effective natural remedy to provide relief from the symptoms of hives and make the problem go away.

• Soak a cotton ball with witch hazel and dab the affected area with it.
• Repeat several times throughout the day for best results.

6. Nettle

Nettle is another herb that works wonders in treating hives. It has astringent and anti-inflammatory properties and is a natural antihistamine. This is what makes it effective for relieving itching, inflammation and swelling on the skin caused by hives.

• Add 1 tablespoon of dried nettle leaf in 1 cup of hot water.
• Cover the cup and allow it to steep for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Strain and add ½ teaspoon of honey.
• Drink this nettle tea 2 to 3 times a day until you see an improvement.
• You can also take up to 5 300mg nettle capsules every day. However, you should consult your doctor before doing this.

7. Turmeric

Known for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric helps in stimulating corticosteroids, which is a natural anti-inflammatory compound in the body. It is also known to be an effective natural antioxidant and antihistamine for treating hives as well as a wide range of other inflammatory skin conditions.

• Mix 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder in 1 glass of hot water or milk.
• Drink this solution 2 times a day until your condition improves.
• Add turmeric to your cooking to work on the hives from the inside.
• You can also take turmeric supplements. But remember that you should consult your doctor before doing so.
• Note: You should avoid taking turmeric if your doctor has prescribed blood thinners.

As you can see, you can treat hives easily with simple home remedies. These remedies are great as they are natural and safe and you are likely to have the ingredients readily in your kitchen. Get relief from hives naturally and prevent them from recurring with that work amazingly well every time.