Hives are also known as urticarial. The cause of hives are not always known but it can occur due to the allergic reaction of your body. Your body releases a protein called histamine, which in turn result in swelling, redness, itching and many other symptoms. Some of the most common triggers of hives are foods such a fish, nuts, chocolate, eggs, tomatoes, infection, insect bites or medication. Histamines are sometimes body’s response to stress, infection, sunlight and changes in temperature. Hives usually fade within a few hours, but new ones may appear in their place. Hives rashes usually have clearly defined edges and appear in different shape and sizes. They can even appear within few minutes of exposure, or you can have a delayed reaction more than two hours. Hives are usually harmless and they disappear within few hours and days. There are few remedies to treat hives.
Ways to Treat Hives:
1.) Reduce Stress to Cure Hives
Some people suffer from hives due to intense stress. Consider whether you have experienced any stressful event such as a death in a family, having a problem in your close relationship, starting or ending a new job. In that type of case, learn to manage stress will definitely going to help you. You can follow these methods to get rid of stress and treat hives.
- Meditation- Meditation is very effective to reduce stress because it relaxes your mind. You can take a few moments to close your eyes and relax, it will help you to reduce stress. Some people repeat a single word in their mind while doing meditation.
- Deep Breathing- While doing this exercise your concentration should fully on inflating your lungs. This helps to relax and avoid the shallow breath that people make when hyperventilating. It will also help you to clear your mind.
- Exercise- Regular exercise can help you to improve your physical heath, relax and lift your mood. According to the health and human services recommendation, people should drop at 80 minutes of physical exercise per week. This can include running, cycling, playing sport or walking. Its is also recommended that people should do strength training twice per week.
- Visualizing Calming Images- While doing this technique you need to see a relaxing place or image. This can be an imaginary or real place. As you envision this location, move from that place and then think about how it smells, feels and sounds.
2.) Cold Compress to Get Rid of Hives
The majority of skin allergy specialists suggest that cold compress as the best natural remedy to treat hives. It helps to shrink the blood vessels and block further release of histamine. This will reduce the itching and help you not to scratch. Cold compress also alleviates swelling and inflammation.
- Wet a washcloth in cold cater and apply it over your skin. Leave it for some time to reduce the itching.
- You can also wrap an ice cube in a washcloth and place it over the affected area for minutes. Use this method two to three times a day.
- Don’t put ice directly on the affected area it can increase the risk of frostbite.
- You can also use a packet of frozen vegetable but try to take a package of small vegetables like pea because it will easily adjust to your skin.
- Or you can take a bath of cold water.
3.) Cure Hives with Ginger
Ginger is very helpful to treat hives due to its antihistamine and inflammatory properties. It targets the enzymes and genes that trigger inflammation. Ginger also improves blood circulation to the skin and reduce swelling and itching.
- Boil three quarter cup of apple cider vinegar, one-quarter cup of brown sugar with one teaspoon of fresh ginger for few minutes. Mix this solution with warm water.
- Apply this solution on the affected area several times a day.
- Peel skin off a small piece of ginger root and dab it on the affected area. Repeat this three to four times a day.
- You can also keep the fresh ginger root in the refrigerator first, then apply on the affected area, it will also give the cooling effect.
- Or you can chew a raw ginger few times a day.
4.) Apple Cider Vinegar to Cure Hives Naturally
Apple cider vinegar is very effective to treat hives. Regular consumption of apple cider vinegar is good for your overall health and treat skin problems. It has antihistamine property which helps to relieve pain and inflammation quickly. It also helps the build body’s immune system response.
- Fill a bath tub with warm water and add two cups of apple cider vinegar. Soak for 10 to 15 minutes once a day.
- Dilute apple cider vinegar with an equal amount of water and apply this dilute solution on the affected area for two the three times a day.
- You can also add a little lemon juice and two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar with a glass of water. Drink this solution three times a day, it is very helpful for your both internal and external recovery.
5.) Remove Triggers from your Diet
You have to keep a food record of everything you eat before and after you make any changes in your diet. This trick will help you to identify the food responsible to hives. There are several foods that give some people hives but it is not for everyone.
- Salicylates Food- This compound is similar to aspirin. Tomatoes, orange juice, spices, tea, are rich in salicylates. You can avoid that food if you are suffering from hives.
- Vasoactive Amines- These food are responsible for releasing histamines which are mainly responsible hives. Shellfish, tomatoes, strawberries, chocolate or pineapple contain vasoactive amine.
- These are other common food allergens such as eggs, cheese, peanuts, and milk. Some people also find that alcohol and caffeine can trigger hives.
6.) Oatmeal to Treat Hives
Oatmeal has anti- inflammatory, anti-irritating and soothing properties which give the relief from itching and heal your skin quickly.
- Mix one cup of baking soda with two cups of ground oatmeal.
- Put this mixture in a bathtub filled with warm water and stir well.
- Soak in this water for at least 10 to 15 minutes.
- Take this soothing bath once or twice a day to improve your condition.
- Or you can mix two cups of oatmeal with two tablespoons of cornstarch and add enough water to make a thick paste.
- Apply this thick paste on the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Rinse it with lukewarm water and use this remedy once a day.
7.) Mint to Treat Hives Naturally
Mint’s cooling effect makes it a popular remedy for hives. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce the burning sensation and itching very quickly.
- Take one cup of boil water and steep two teaspoons of crushed mint leaves in it for 10 minutes.
- Strain the liquid and put it in the refrigerator.
- Use this cool mint water to wash the affected skin several times a day.
- Mix one teaspoon of crushed leaves with two teaspoons of sugar in a cup of water for five minutes. Strain this solution and allow it to cool.
- Drink this solution once or twice a day until you condition improves.
8.) Turmeric to Get Rid of Hives
Turmeric is very well-known for its anti- inflammatory properties which help to stimulate the body’s natural anti- inflammatory corticosteroids. It is a very effective natural remedy for antioxidant and antihistamine for hives and a variety of inflammatory skin ailments.
- Take a glass of hot water and mix one teaspoon of turmeric. Drink this twice a day.
- You can also add turmeric in your baking or cooking.
- You can also take turmeric supplement but first, consult your doctor.
9.) Basil to Cure Hives
Basil works as a natural antihistamine and very effective to treat hives. It also heals itching and inflammation.
- Boil water in a jar and put one tablespoon of dried basil leaves in it. Cover the jar and allow it to cool. Dip a cotton swab In this mixture and apply it on the affected area.
- Or, you can crush basil leaves and gently apply them on the affected skin. Then allow basil leaves to get dry.
- Then rinse off your skin with lukewarm water.
10.) Nettle to Treat Hives Naturally
Nettle has anti-inflammatory, antihistamine and astringent properties. It gives relieves from inflammation, swelling and itching. It is highly recommended by herbalist to treat hives.
- Take a cup of hot water and add one tablespoon of dried nettle leaf.
- Cover and steep for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Drink this tea three to four times a day for a positive result.
- You can also take 300 milligrams of five nettle capsules a day, but first, consult your doctor before taking this.
