Hives, also known as urticaria, is a skin disorder that is characterized by red, itchy welts on the skin. Hives can form as a single bump or in clusters. When touched or applied pressure, they often turn pale. They can last from several hours to days. Although they can occur in any body part, they are most common on the face.
The formation of hives on the skin is generally attributed to allergic reactions to certain foods, insect bites, drugs and other environmental allergens. They can also be caused by bacterial, viral and fungal infections. There are many ways to treat this skin condition. However, natural remedies are always the best, as they offer quick relief and have few or no side effects. Here are top 10 natural remedies for hives.
1. Aloe Vera
Take an aloe vera leaf and slit it in the middle. Remove the pulp and then cover the hives with it. Leave the pulp on the affected area for about ten minutes before washing. Aloe vera cures the itchy bumps very fast and effectively because of its antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-fungal and antiviral properties. This leaf also leaves a soothing and comforting effect on the affected area.
2. Oatmeal and cornstarch paste
Make a paste with 3 tablespoons of cornstarch and 2 cups of oatmeal. Add a little water to create a paste. Apply the paste on the affected area and leave it for 15- 30 minutes. This paste dries the hives up within 2-3 hours. If the hives cover a large area of your body, then try to get a cool bath with oatmeal and at a box cornstarch.
Cornstarch acts as a soothing agent thanks to its antibiotic properties. Oatmeal has powerful healing properties that help get rid of hives fast. Apply the paste every day until the hives disappear.
3. Sandalwood essential oil
This essential oil is popular for its calming and cooling effects. Apart from this, many herbalists refer to this oil as a sedative for the skin. To treat hives, simply add several drops of this essential oil to a cotton ball and then apply it to the affected area. Apply the oil every three hours for a few days for best results.
You need to be very careful when applying this essential oil directly to the skin. Depending on the type of skin, some people may notice irritation. If you notice any irritation, add a couple of coconut oil to relieve the irritation.
4. Mint Ice cubes
For a fast relief from symptoms of the hive, make some mint ice cubes by steeping two teaspoons of freshly crushed organic mint leaves in boiling water. Allow it to cool. Stray the tea into ice cube trays and then place them in a freezer.
Once they have frozen, apply the ice cubes directly onto the affected area to relieve irritated or inflamed skin. This natural remedy is known for its cooling properties.
5. Apple cider vinegar
Vinegar had been used for thousands of years as a natural healthy remedy. When ingested, it helps improve digestion, relieve allergies and other health problems. To treat hives, make a tea with 2 tablespoons of organic apple cider vinegar and then drink this tea twice a day.
You can also add two cups of apple cider vinegar in your bath water and then soak for 15-30 minutes daily. Vinegar has natural antiseptic and antifungal properties that help destroy harmful irritants and germs on the skin. It also helps restore the skin�s natural acidity, which improves dryness, flaking, itching, acne and even hives.
6. Quercetin
This is a plant pigment that is found in green leafy vegetables, apples, onions, tea, citrus fruits, olive oil, grapefruit and other natural foods. This compound is full of antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties that suppress the production of inflammatory chemicals by body cells. Quercetin also acts as a natural antihistamine, which helps reduce or totally get rid of hives on the skin.
Quercetin is available in many health food stores in capsules. Take 500 milligrams of quercetin twice a day, before meals, to control hives.
7. Ginger
Take ginger juice or dried ginger powder 2- 3 times a day to get relief from hives. Alternatively, peel the skin of fresh ginger root and then gently dab on the affected area. Repeat this 2-3 times a day. For an added cooling effect, chill the ginger in the refrigerator.
Ginger has strong anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties. It targets the enzymes and genes that cause inflammation, which in turn improves circulation to the skin and therefore reduces swelling and itching.
8. Tumeric
This is one of the best natural remedies for hives. Raw turmeric is considered a natural antihistamine and antioxidant for hives and other skin conditions. It also stimulates the body�s natural anti-inflammatory corticosteroids. Pound raw turmeric and then mix with a glass of warm milk. Drink this twice a day. It cleanses the body from all the toxins and removes hives. You can also use turmeric in your cooking.
9. Green tea
This is another popular natural remedy for many skin problems like acne and hives. Green tea has antibacterial and antihistamine properties, which help treat hives naturally. Steep 1green tea bag or simply 1 tablespoon of dried green tea leaves in 1 cup of boiling water for 10-20 minutes. Remove the tea bag from the liquid and then drink this tea immediately. Drink 3 cups of green tea every day to alleviate symptoms of hives.
Alternatively, run a bath and add 10 green tea bags, or 1 1/2 cup of green tea leaves to your bath water. Leave the bath water for 5 minutes and then soak for 20-30 minutes. The green tea will soothe the skin and relieve the swelling and itching.
10. Nettle
For centuries, people have used this herb to combat many skin disorders, including hives. Add 1 tablespoon of dried nettle leaf to a cup of boiling water. Cover and steep for 10-20 minutes and then strain. Add a little honey and drink this tea 2-3 times a day. Nettle is a natural antihistamine and has anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, which helps relieve inflammation, swelling and itching.
Apart from the above natural remedies for hives, follow a healthy diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals. This will strengthen your immune system, which in turn will treat the affected skin naturally.
